STATE OF ALASKA
Department of Health and Social Services
Division of Public Assistance
TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: MC #20
MANUAL: Alaska Temporary Assistance Program
DATE: July 15, 2008
In response to staff requests to clarify estimating income policy, we have revised the Determining Monthly Income chapters in the Adult Public Assistance, Alaska Temporary Assistance, Family Medicaid, and Food Stamp program manuals. To the extent possible, the same format and words are used in all manuals to reinforce the alignment of the policies among programs. This revision does not change policy, but instead, clarifies concepts and methods caseworkers can use to estimate income.
We have also added resource and income exemptions for payments made to aid victims of crimes.
We have changed the Extended Case Management policy to allow up to 12 months of post-Temporary Assistance case management and supportive services to those families eligible for Extended Case Management.
Highlights of these policy revisions are described below. If you have any questions please contact the Policy and Program Development Team at 465-3347 or e-mail dpapolicy@alaska.gov.
OVERVIEW OF CHANGES
MS 700-4C Verification and Documentation
Corrects this section on documentation by adding missing language.
MS 701-1 Months that Count Toward the 60-month Time Limit
Adds IPV to the examples of Ineligible Parents who are included in the mandatory filing unit and continue to use countable months of assistance.
MS 701-1E What Happens When a Family Reaches the 60-month Time Limit
Adds a note that families who have reached the 60-month time limit are not eligible for ATAP if they reside in an exempt Alaska Native village unless they qualify for an extension.
MS 714-1 Alaska Residency
Residency policy remains the same, however section organization and language has been clarified.
MS 740 Work: Post-Temporary Assistance Employment Services
MS 740-1A Extended Case Management Services
Changes policy to allow for up to 12 months of post-Temporary Assistance case management services for families eligible for Extended Case Management.
MS 740-1B Supportive Services
Changes policy to allow for up to 12 months of eligibility for post-Temporary Assistance supportive services for families eligible for Extended Case Management.
MS 740-3A Food Stamps Categorical Eligibility
There is no Food Stamps policy change regarding categorical eligibility for post-Temporary Assistance families. Language added to this section clarifies that families eligible for Temporary Assistance Extended Case Management are categorically eligible for Food Stamps for six months after their Temporary Assistance case closes.
MS 753-6 Victims of Crime Compensation Payments
Adds retained payments from funds established to aid victims of violent crimes to the list of excluded resources.
MS 756-1 Determining Eligibility and Benefit Level
Revises entire section to clarify policy. This revision is included in all the program manuals.
Adds definition of terms including full payment period and scheduled payment.
Adds examples to illustrate how policy can be applied to various situations.
MS 757-23 Victims of Crime Compensation Payments
Adds section to describe income exclusions for payments made to aid victims of violent crimes
MS 759-5 E Budgeting Self-Employment Income
Updates the Self-employment Annualization Standards chart
MS 790-1 Change Reporting Requirements
Corrects policy to reflect that families are required to report when cash on hand and in bank accounts totals more than $2000.