360-2          CHANGES

360-2     A.  AGENCY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACTING ON CHANGES

It is the responsibility of DPA(Division of Public Assistance) to act promptly upon information from any source if that information might affect a recipient's continued eligibility or benefit amount.  The case worker shall investigate any information that might affect a recipient's eligibility or benefit amount and, if necessary, adjust the amount of assistance or suspend or terminate assistance as necessary.  Action on changes must be taken within 10 days of the date the change becomes known to DPA(Division of Public Assistance).

1.  Changes that Result in Increased Benefits

Changes that result in increased benefits are effective the month the report of change was received.  If the benefit for the effective month is already issued, the supplemental benefit must be issued by the tenth of the month following receipt of all required verification.

2.  Changes that Result in Decreased Benefits or Case Closure

Changes that result in decreased benefits or case closure are effective the first day of the month following expiration of the adverse notice period.

360-2     B.  CLIENT RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT CHANGES

A Senior Benefits recipient, or an individual acting on the recipient’s behalf, must report the following changes within 10 days from the date the client knows of the change:

• Change in mailing or residence address (including admission to or discharge from a hospital or a nursing home);
   
• Absence from the state for any reason for more than 30 days;
   
• Death of a recipient or spouse; or
   
• A change in income that may affect the amount of assistance.
   

All other changes must be reported annually on the review application.