STATE OF ALASKA
Department of Health and Social Services
Division of Public Assistance
TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: MC #29
MANUAL: Alaska Temporary Assistance Program
DATE: January 3, 2011
We are making several changes to incorporate new policy, clarify existing policy and align policies within our program policy manuals. These changes include:
Other changes are either technical in nature or clarifications that are the result of policy questions or suggestions from the field.
Highlights to 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 705-4 A. Verification Requirements
MS 711-5 C. Minor Parent Considerations
MS 713-5 Non-Qualified Aliens
MS 719-1 Self Sufficiency Planning Requirement
Clarifies that development of an FSSP is voluntary for Minor Parents, ineligible aliens, and the spouse or partner of a woman in her 3rd trimester.
Clarifies that development of an FSSP is mandatory for a person serving an IPV penalty.
MS 732-4 Families First Resources and Supports
Adds a new section to clarify that an FSSP for a member of a Families First family can include uncommon activities as long as it was developed by the Families First service team. Includes examples and a link to chapter 739.
MS 739 Supportive Service Payments
Clarifies that supportive service payments are to be used to support FSSP activities. This includes the FSSP of a clients who are voluntarily participating in work services.
Adds information that a member of a Families First family can be given supportive services for items or services that support an FSSP developed by the Families First service team.
MS 759-6 B. Cost of Doing Business
Adds examples to clarify when the self-employment standard deduction should be used.
MS 770-5 Ineligible Aliens
Clarifies that an ineligible alien who would be a MFU member must have their resources, and income considered when determining eligibility. If eligibility exists for the entire MFU then the ineligible alien parent is excluded from the case.
Clarifies that an ineligible alien parent must be referred to a Work Services case manager and may voluntarily develop, sign and comply with an FSSP .
MS 780-19 G. Homeless Shelter Deduction
Adds section with new policy stating verification of shelter expenses is only required if the expense is questionable.
MS 780-19 H. Verification of Shelter Costs
Adds new policy to verify shelter expenses only when questionable.
Adds a link to the Department of Labor's Alaska Annual Rental Market Survey that shows fair market rent in different areas of Alaska.
MS 780-19 I. When Shelter Costs are Verified
Clarifies that the family must verify a questionable shelter cost.
MS 780-19 K. Payments and examples
Adds examples to clarify when verification of shelter expenses should be sought.
MS 790-5 A. Required Verification
Adds new policy to verify shelter expenses only when questionable.
Addendum 2 ATAP Income Standards
Updates the year for program standards. Because there was no Social Security COLA adjustment for 2011, the program standards remain the same as those for 2010.