STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health and Social Services

Division of Public Assistance

TRANSMITTAL NUMBER:   MC #25

MANUAL:  Adult Public Assistance

DATE:  April 1, 2010

We are making several changes to incorporate new policy, clarify existing policy and align policies within our program policy manuals.  This includes:

• An Eligibility Review Form (Gen 72) may be used as an initial application form if it is received in the month following a case closure.  The case closure may be for any reason.

• Interface verification policies are changed to more clearly describe when an interface must be checked.  It is no longer necessary to check all interfaces at each application, recertification, or review.

• Beginning December 19, 2009, Afghan and Iraqi special immigrants are treated the same as refugees and are not subject to a five-year bar.  

• A non-transferable Limited Entry Fishing Permit is an exempt resource.

• Funds held in a dedicated account established to hold a minor's retroactive SSI benefits are an exempt resource.

• Income received from the lease of a Limited Entry Fishing Permit is treated as unearned rental income.  

Other changes are either technical in nature or clarifications that are the result of policy questions or suggestions from the field.

Highlights to 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 410-2 A  What Is An Acceptable Application Form?

• Clarifies that the Gen 72, Eligibility Review Form, can be accepted as an initial application in the month following case closure regardless of the reason for closure.

MS 410-4  Verification

• Clarifies which interfaces must be checked at every application and review, and which should only be checked if the caseworker receives questionable information.

MS 420-3  Other Commonly Available Benefits For Which An APA Applicant or Recipient Must Apply  

• Clarifies that an APA applicant or recipient who appears to be eligible for a benefit from another program must apply for that benefit at the earliest opportunity.

MS 420-4 G  Benefits Which Do Not Affect Amount of Assistance

• Clarifies that APA applicants and recipients are not required to pursue child support income.

MS 421-2  Qualified Aliens

MS 421-3  Five Year Bar

MS 421-4  Proof of Alien Status

MS 421-9 Citizenship Status Declaration  

• Adds Afghan and Iraqi special immigrants to the list of qualified aliens.
• Adds Afghan and Iraqi special immigrants to the list of qualified aliens who are not subject to a five year bar.
• Adds information about the type of proof that may be used to verify Afghan and Iraqi special immigrant status.
• Changes title from “Citizenship Status Declaration” to “U.S. Citizenship and Eligible Alien Status”
• Adds a reference to ADLTC manual section 520 B
• Removes requirement to complete citizenship status declaration.

MS 432-3 A  Property that represents governmental authority

• Clarifies that a Limited Entry Fishing Permit that the Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission (CFEC) have classified as non-transferrable have no value.

MS 432-4 A  Retroactive SSI and RSDI Payments

• Clarifies that funds held in a dedicated account are exempt.

MS 441-2 M  Rental Income

• Clarifies that income from the lease of a limited entry fishing permit is considered unearned rental income.

MS 442-3 J  Deposits made to a bank account on behalf of another person

• Clarifies that an SSI beneficiary receiving money on behalf of another and acting as their “agent” will not have the money counted as income as long as the SSI recipient disburses or intends to disburse the money to the other party.

MS 450-4  Living In An Assisted Living Home

• Adds a note to provide a link to identify assisted living homes as well as instructions for using the tool.

MS 460-2 A  Income and Resources of Spouses

• Adds a note clarifying homeless married couples must be treated as eligible individuals.  

MS  480-5  Suspension and Terminations

• Clarifies that benefits for the month following suspension are not prorated.
• Clarifies that if APA eligibility ends Medicaid continues as long as the client is receiving SSI.