STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health and Social Services

Division of Public Assistance

TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: MC #38

MANUAL: Alaska Temporary Assistance Program

DATE: December 1, 2012

This year Social Security announced a COLACost of Living Allowance increase effective January 1, 2013. We have updated the Alaska Temporary Assistance income eligibility and shelter allowance standards to reflect the annual Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) adjustments in Social Security benefits. The new standards are effective beginning with the benefit month of January 2013.

We have also rewritten chapter 701 to more accurately reflect new Work Services policies.

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

Highlights of these 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 701      60-Month Time Limit

• This chapter was rewritten to clarify the new policies with Work Services.

MS 710-3      Disqualifying Conditions

• Clarifies that, caseworkers must notify policy of any drug felons at certification and recertification.

MS 713-8      Citizenship for Certain Children Born Outside the United States

• Adds policy information on the Child Citizenship Act of 2000. Clarifies that the child must reside in the U.S. and in the legal physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent, pursuant to a lawful admission for permanent residence.

MS 713-9      Foreign Born Children Adopted by United States Citizens

• Adds policy information on the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 to state that a foreign born child under age 18 who has been legally adopted by at least one U.S. citizen parent automatically becomes a U.S. citizen when the legal adoption is finalized.

MS 780-1 G      Ratable Reduction

• Updates the percentage of need payable and ratable reduction amounts for 2013.

MS 780-3      Calculating the Payment Amount

• Updates the examples of payment calculations to reflect the 2013 cost of living adjustment.

Addendum 2      Temporary Assistance Income and Payment Standards

• Updates the income eligibility standards and maximum shelter allowances for 2013.