STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health and Social Services

Division of Public Assistance

TRANSMITTAL NUMBER:   MC #29

MANUAL:  Adult Public Assistance

DATE:  April 1, 2011

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

• Clarifying how SSISupplemental Security Income disability decisions effect retroactive IAInterim Assistance issuance.
• Clarifying vehicle exemptions when an APAAdult Public Assistance recipient or applicant lives with other individuals.
• New policy excluding federal income tax returns as income in the month of receipt and as a resource 12 months from the date of receipt.
• Clarifying how to process Medicaid when APAAdult Public Assistance is suspended.

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 426-2 C Interim Blindness or Disability Determination 

• Adds a note clarifying that if SSISupplemental Security Income makes a favorable disability decision before the Medical Reviewer DPADivision of Public Assistance will not issue retro IAInterim Assistance from the date the IARInterim Assistance Reimbursement was signed

MS 432-2 A.  One Vehicle

• Clarifies that a vehicle is only considered a resource when owned by an eligible individual or the eligible individual’s spouse.

• Adds examples to the section.

MS 432-4 Q.  Earned Income Tax Credit

• Changes exclusion from 9 months to 12 months from the date the refund or payment is received.

MS 432-4 Y. Federal Income Tax Returns

• Clarifies that federal income tax returns are exempt as a resource for twelve months from the date of receipt.

MS 440-3 E.  Federal Income Tax Returns

• Changes title to Income Tax Returns.
• Clarifies new law that requires federal income tax returns to be excluded as income in the month of receipt.  This section aligns with other policy.

MS 441-2 M.  Rental Income

• Deletes the word ”necessarily” in net rental income section.  Clarifies that expenses are deducted when paid not when incurred.

480-5 A.  Suspension

• Adds note regarding SSISupplemental Security Income suspension code SO6 and how to process the Medicaid portion.

Previous