STATE OF ALASKA
Department of Health and Social Services
Division of Public Assistance
TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: MC #24
MANUAL: Adult Public Assistance
DATE: January 4, 2010
Previously policy required applicants attend an interview, meaning they had to appear in person. Since face-to-face interviews are no longer required, the word “attend” has been changed to “participate”.
Written verification such as an individual’s tax returns or business records is the preferred method to verify self-employment income. We revised the self-employment chapter to clarify that verbal verification of self-employment income and expenses is acceptable when written verification is not available.
We updated the Interim Assistance chapter to clarify when a new medical review is required. If an Interim Assistance case closes and a new application is submitted at a later date, it is not necessary to request a new medical review (including requesting a new AD 2, IAR and GEN 151a’s) at reapplication if there was no final SSI decision during the time the Interim Assistance case was closed. A new disability assessment by the Medical Reviewer is only required if a new SSI application was submitted during the individual’s period of ineligibility.
Other highlights to policy revisions are described below. If you have any questions please contact the Policy and Program Development Team at 465-3382 or e-mail dpapolicy@alaska.gov.
OVERVIEW OF CHANGES
MS 410 Application Process
Replaces the word "attend" with "participate" to reflect that face to face interviews are no longer required.
MS 410-2C When is an Application Not Required?
Adds a note to clarify how APA is registered when an SSI child on Medicaid turns 18.
Adds link to Administrative Manual Section 103-3 & 124-3.
MS 410-4 Verification
In the Direct Data Systems table, replaces the Automatic Status Verification System (ASVS) with Verification Information System (VIS). The VIS is the online electronic verification system used by the SAVE Program.
MS 425-2 A Who Determines Disability/Blindness
Adds licensed clinical psychologist with a PhD as a physician who can complete the AD #2 form.
MS 426-2C Interim Blindness or Disability Determination
Clarifies that a new medical review is not needed for IA applicants who have not received a final SSI decision while their IA case was closed.
Adds licensed clinical psychologist with a PhD as a physician who can complete the AD #2 form.
MS 432-4 N World War II Restitution Payments
Clarifies that Aleut reparation payments received from a trust established by the Secretary of the Interior are countable resources if retained
MS 432-4O Agent Orange Settlement Funds
Adds the date Agent Orange settlement payments ended.
MS 441-1 D Net Earnings from Self-Employment
Clarifies that verbal verification of self-employment income and expenses is allowed.
MS 442-3A(10) World War II Restitution Payments
Clarifies that Aleut reparation payments received from a trust established by the Secretary of the Interior are countable income.
MS 442-3A(11) Agent Orange Settlement Payments
Adds the date Agent Orange settlement payments ended. Also clarifies VA disability payments for diseases related to Agent Orange exposure are not exempt.
Adds column for 2010 to the APA and SSI eligibility/payment standard charts. Since there is no COLA increase for 2010 the figures remain the same as 2009.
Update the SGA chart for 2010.