MEMORANDUM

DATE:            December 1, 2004

TO:                 All Temporary Assistance Manual Holders

FROM:           Policy & Program Development Team

                        Ellie Fitzjarrald, Chief

SUBJECT:   Temporary Assistance Manual Change #13

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 26.50%, paying 73.50% 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 2005 standards and makes several minor changes to clarify policy concerning the release of information for fleeing felons, the eligibility of U.S. Nationals and victims of trafficking, and an income exemption for prescription drug card discounts and credits.

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

Section 710-3, Disqualifying Conditions

Adds a requirement to release residence address information for fleeing felons if requested by a law enforcement officer.

Chapter 713, Citizenship and Eligible Alien Status

Provides additional guidance on the eligibility of U.S. nationals and certain family members of victims of trafficking.  Also changes the name of the Immigration and Naturalization Service ( INS ) to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ( USCIS ) and updates the references to the Systematic Alien Verification Entitlement program ( SAVE ) to the Automated Status Verification System ( ASVS ).  

Section 757-21, Medicare Drug Discount and Credit

Adds an income exemption for discounts and credits received through use of a Medicare-approved prescription drug discount card.

Section 770-1, SSISupplemental Security Income Child Cases

Refers the reader to Addendum 2 for the countable income for an SSISupplemental Security Income child who is included in the assistance unit.

Chapter 780, Payments

Updates the chapter to include the 2005 ratable reduction and the increases to the maximum shelter allowances.

Addendum 2, Temporary Assistance Income Standards

Updates the income eligibility standards and maximum shelter allowances for 2005.

FILING INSTRUCTIONS