STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health and Social Services

Division of Public Assistance

 

 

TRANSMITTAL NUMBER:  2007-02

 

MANUAL:  Alaska Food Stamp Program

 

DATE:  September 14, 2007

 

This manual change updates program policy in conjunction with changes to the Adult Public Assistance, Medicaid, and Alaska Temporary Assistance manuals.  It revises several sections in the application process chapter and removes references to outdated Medicaid policy regarding the use of conversion factors when estimating income. Several sections are revised in response to requests for clarification from staff or to make minor corrections to the policy stated in the manual.

 

This manual change also includes the new gross and net income limits, maximum food stamp benefit amounts, standard deduction for households with six or more members, excess shelter allowance, and heating and non-heating utility standards that are effective October 1, 2007. Minor clarifications and technical changes are also included.  

 

Highlights of these policy revisions are described below.  

 

If you have any questions please contact any member of the Policy and Program Development Team at (907) 465-3347 or email dpapolicy@alaska.gov.

 

OVERVIEW OF CHANGES

 

MS 600-2  Definitions

 

MS 601  Application Process

 

MS 601-1  Dual Eligibility Prohibited

 

MS 601-2B  When is an Application Required?

 

MS 601-2C  When is an Application Not Required?

 

MS 601-3C  Who Can Conduct the Interview?

 

MS 601-3E  Interviews Conducted at the DPA Office

 

MS 601-3F  Changes Reported at the Interview

 

MS 601-4A(3)  Verification Requirements for Initial Applications

 

MS 601-5B  Benefit Start Date

 

MS 602-1A  Households

 

MS 602-1D  Citizenship and Eligible Alien Status

 

MS 602-1D(6)  Documentation of U.S. Citizenship and Eligible Alien Status

 

MS 602-1G  Work Requirements/Determining Requirements and Exemptions

 

MS 602-1I  Voluntary Job quit and Reduction of Work Hours

 

MS 602-2B(4)  Retirement Funds

 

MS 602-3B(7)  Other Sources of Countable Unearned Income

 

MS 602-4C(1)  Dependent Care Deduction/Allowable Expenses

 

MS 602-4E(1)  Shelter Costs Allowed and Shelter Costs Not Allowed

 

MS 602-4E(2)  Calculating Utility Costs

 

MS 602-4E(5)  Shelter Costs Allowed for an Unoccupied Home

 

MS 602-4E(7)  Verification of Shelter Costs

 

MS 603-1  Determining the Household’s Monthly Income

 

MS 604-1A  Length of Certification Period

 

MS 604-2D  Recertification: Household Fails to Act

 

MS 604-2E  Verification Requirements: Recertification

 

MS 604-3A(3)  Semi-Annual Reporting

 

MS 604-3B  Status Reporting

 

MS 604-3C  Acting on Reported Changes

 

MS 604-3D  Effective Date of Change

 

MS 604-3G  Adding a Member to the Household

 

MS 604-3H  Removing a Member from the Household

 

MS 605-1B(2)  Students/Eligibility

 

MS 605-1D(1)  Institutions/Definition and Eligibility

 

MS 605-3B  Expedited Service

 

MS 605-7   PFD Special Processing

 

MS 607-3D  Overpayments that do not Require a Claim

 

Addendum 4  FSP Standards and Maximum Allotments

 

Addendum 6  Documentation of Eligible Alien Status

 

Addendum 7  Food Stamp Budget Work Sheets