STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health and Social Services

Division of Public Assistance

TRANSMITTAL NUMBER:   MC Manual Change #35

MANUAL:  Adult Public Assistance

DATE:  December 1, 2012

This year Social Security announced a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) increase effective January 2013.  The Adult Public Assistance need and maximum payment standards are adjusted by the same percentage as the COLA Cost of Living Allowance increase in Social Security benefits.  This year the COLA Cost of Living Allowance increase is 1.7%.  We have incorporated the 2013 standards into the examples and Addendum 1.  These standards become effective with the benefit month of January 2013.  The COLA Cost of Living Allowance adjustment also causes:

1. • An increase in the income limit for Substantial Gainful Activity; and

   • An increase in the student earned income exclusion.

Highlights of these policy revisions are described below.  If you have any questions please contact the Policy and Program Development Team at 465-3382 or email dpapolicy@alaska.gov.

OVERVIEW OF CHANGES

MS 433-1  Transfer of Resources

• Updates examples to reflect the 2013 need and maximum payment standards.

MS 433-2 A Eligibility for Conditional Benefits

• Updates the SSI Supplemental Security Income payment standard to the new 2013 amount in order to accurately calculate if an applicant is eligible for conditional benefits.

MS 452  Payments

• Updates examples to reflect the 2013 need and maximum payment standards.

MS 460-5  Income Allocations

• Updates examples and standards to reflect the 2013 need and maximum payment standards.

Addendum 1  Program Standards

• Updates program standards to reflect the COLA Cost of Living Allowance changes for 2013.