MEMORANDUM

DATE:             December 1, 2003

TO:                  All Temporary Assistance Manual Holders

FROM:            Policy & Program Development Team

                         Ellie Fitzjarrald, Chief

SUBJECT:    Temporary Assistance Manual Change #10

Each year the Temporary Assistance income eligibility standards are adjusted by the same percentage as the Cost of Living Allowance ( COLA ) increase in Social Security benefits.  This change in the income eligibility standards causes:

• An increase in the ratable reduction to 24.54%, paying 75.46% of need,

• An increase in the amount of the maximum shelter allowance, and

• An increase in the countable income of an SSISupplemental Security Income child who is included in the assistance unit.

This manual change incorporates the 2004 standards, makes several minor changes to update or clarify policy, and adds new resource and income exemptions for payments made under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Act. An updated and expanded Table of Contents is also included.

For consistency between program manuals and ease of use, the 185% and Need standards have been removed from Chapter 775 and placed in the new Addendum 2. The maximum payment standards, utility standards, and maximum shelter allowances will be added to this addendum in future manual changes.

If you have any questions please contact any member of the Policy and Program Development Team at 465-3347 or email dpapolicy@health.state.ak.us .

OVERVIEW OF CHANGES

Chapter 753, Exempt Resources

Adds policy to section 753-6 exempting monies retained from Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation payments.

Chapter 757, Exempt Income

Adds policy at section 757-11 exempting Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation payments.

Section 759-6 G, Allowable Costs of Doing Business

Increases the mileage allowance for vehicles that are used for self-employment.

Section 770-1, SSISupplemental Security Income Child Cases

Updates the countable income for an SSISupplemental Security Income child who is included in the assistance unit to $136.

Chapter 775, Income Eligibility

Revises the entire chapter to remove the income eligibility standards and simplify the presentation of policy.

Chapter 780, Payments

Updates the chapter to include the 2004 ratable reduction and the increases to the maximum shelter allowances. The Regional Heating and Non-Heating Utility Standards are also updated, to reflect the changes that went into effect October 1, 2003.

Section 790-1, Change Reporting Requirements

Clarifies that reports of change received within 10 days after the change occurred are considered timely.

Addendum 2, Temporary Assistance Income Standards

Places all income eligibility standards in a single location. Addendum 2 will be expanded in future manual changes to include maximum payment standards, utility standards, and maximum shelter allowances.  This will make the information easier for staff to find and use, and will simplify the annual updates of these standards.

FILING INSTRUCTIONS