STATE OF ALASKA
Department of Health and Social Services
Division of Public Assistance
TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: 2011-02
MANUAL: Alaska Food Stamp Program
DATE: February 1, 2011
As a result of feedback from the field, we have made a few changes to the Food Stamp manual to further clarify when staff should verify shelter deductions. As always, we appreciate your input and strive to improve our manuals and policies to help those in the field.
We have also updated caseworker responsibilities for the E&T program to remove reference to the E&T4 form and include new notices, F001 and X081.
Other changes are either technical in nature or clarifications that are the result of policy questions or suggestions from the field.
Highlights of these and other 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 602-1H Caseworker Responsibilities
Removes reference to the E&T 4 form as this form is no longer used.
Adds information about the new notices, F001 and X081.
MS 602-4E Shelter Deduction
Clarifies in sub-section 3 that shared shelter costs only need to be verified if questionable.
Clarifies in sub-section 6 that SUD should be allowed instead of the homeless shelter deduction if the individual makes a payment for heat because it is more beneficial to the client.
Clarifies in sub-section 7 that shelter costs only need to be verified at initial application, during the certification period or at recertification if they are questionable.
Adds information in examples that the SUD should be allowed instead of the homeless shelter standard deduction if the individual pays for heat.
MS 604-3E (1) (e) Verification Requirements:Changes Reported During the Certification Period
Clarifies that when a household reports a change in shelter during the certification period, it only needs to be verified if questionable.
MS 605-3 B Expedited Services
Clarifies in sub-section 2 c that shelter costs only need to be verified if questionable.