STATE OF ALASKA
Department of Health and Social Services
Division of Public Assistance
TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: MC #58
MANUAL: Adult Public Assistance
DATE: April 1, 2020
We are making several changes to incorporate new policy, clarifying existing policy, and align policies within our policy manuals. Other changes are either technical in nature or clarifications that are the result of policy questions or suggestions from the field.
Highlights of these policy revisions are described below. If you have any questions, contact the Policy and Program Development Team at dpapolicy@alaska.gov.
410-2A WHAT IS AN ACCEPTABLE APPLICATION FORM
Added that Senior Benefits will accept the GEN 72 to determine continued eligibility. This change is effective with the April 2020 form revision.
410-2C WHEN IS AN APPLICATION NOT REQUIRED
Revised section to remove automatic APA eligibility without application for an SSI recipient turning 18 years of age. This change is being done to match regulations.
Renumbered section
410-3A WHEN IS AN INTERVIEW REQUIRED
Added that interviews are required during initial application and at reviews
423-3 APPLICANTS RECEIVING ASSISTANCE FROM OTHER STATES
Added note to clarify when an application must be pended due to an out of state address showing with the Social Security Administration
425-2A TEMPORARY DISABILITY OR BLINDNESS OR DISABILITY DECISIONS
Updated section to match federal regulations allowing a licensed advanced practice registered nurse or licensed physician assistant within their licensed scope of practice to determine disability
425-2C SSA BLINDNESS OR DISABILITY DECISIONS
Added note to clarity that APA applications are not pended for proof of appeal if the SSA denies due to no disability
426-2 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERIM ASSISTANCE
Added note to clarify when to authorize an IA case
426-2C(2) BLIND APA APPLICANTS REQUIRED TO SUBMIT AN AB 3 FORM
Updated section to match federal regulations allowing a licensed advanced practice registered nurse or licensed physician assistant within their licensed scope of practice to determine disability
426-2C(3) DISABLED APA APPLICANTS REQUIRED SUBMIT AN AD 2 FORM
Updated section to match federal regulations allowing a licensed advanced practice registered nurse or licensed physician assistant within their licensed scope of practice to determine disability
430-1 RESOURCES
Added note to clarify that client statement is allowed regarding resources unless questionable. Cases that involve a trust still require expenditure review.
432-2C BURIAL SPACE EXCLUSION
Revised section for clarity
Renamed subsection to Burial Space Exclusion
Added an example showing what expenses shown on a burial contract would be considered burial space and which would be considered burial funds
432-2D BURIAL FUNDS EXCLUSION
Revised section for clarity
Renamed subsection title to Burial Funds Exclusion
Renumbered list within the subsection
433-4(1) ABLE ACCOUNTS
Added 2020 Max Allowable contribution amount of $15,000
433-4(8) CERTAIN EMPLOYED ABLE ACCOUNT BENEFICIARIES MAY MAKE ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Added a table for yearly additional savings for certain employed account holders
442-2G IMPAIRMENT RELATED WORK EXPENSES FOR DISABLED
Added note to clarify when IRWEs can be excluded from earned income and when a disability decision is needed
442-2I WORK EXPENSES FOR THE BLIND
Added note to clarify when blind work expenses can be excluded from earned income and when a blindness decision is needed
Updated mileage link
480-1D INTERVIEW REQUIREMENTS