COMBINED MANUAL DESCRIPTION OF CHANGES ATTACHMENT

REVISED SECTIONS – ISSUED 12/2007

§0002.39 (Glossary: Lump Sum...) adds a new definition for MATCHING GRANT PROGRAMS.

§0011.24 (Able-Bodied Adults) in FS in the 2nd sentence under the 1st paragraph clarifies

language by adding the word "full" before month to distinguish when the 36th months begin. It also adds a new 2nd paragraph that when an ABAWD indicates that he/she has received FS in another state you MUST contact the other state to verify the number of "full" countable months used in the other state. It moves the former 2nd paragraph into the 3rd paragraph position and restructures it into bullets for clarity.

§0013.06 (Food Support Categorical Eligibility) in FS deletes the 6th and 7th paragraphs

and replaces them with new information on when categorically eligibility (CE) does not exist and when ineligible or removed FS individuals cannot be included in a CE unit.

§0017.15.03 (Child and Spousal Support Income) in FS adds a new 3rd paragraph that you

do not count, as earned or unearned income, child support payments refunded to the non-custodial parent.

§0017.15.33.12 (Self-Employment Transportation Expenses) changes the mileage rate

from 48.5 cent per mile to 50.5 cents per mile to correspond with COLA changes effective 1-1-08.

§0017.15.33.21 (Self-Employment Income From In-Home Day Care) in FS updates the

amounts of in-home day care allowance for breakfast, lunch or supper, and snack for the Child and Adult Care Food Program. These new rates were EFFECTIVE 7-1-2007.

§0018.18 (Earned Income Disregards) in MSA and GRH updates the Blind and Disabled

Student Child Disregard to correspond with 2008 COLA changes effective 1-1-08. §0020.21 (MSA Assistance Standards) updates the MSA Assistance Standards to

correspond with COLA changes effective 1-1-08. §0020.24 (Clothing And Personal Need Allowance) in MSA, GA, and GRH updates the

Personal Needs and Clothing Allowance to correspond with COLA changes effective 1-1-08.

§0023.24 (Shelter-Needy Allowance) in MSA changes the Shelter Needy Allowance to

$155 to correspond with COLA changes effective 1-1-08. §0025.03.01 (Determining Incorrect Payment Amounts – FS) in FS under the sub-heading

of "Calculating an Overpayment" restructures the 1st paragraph for clarity.

COMBINED MANUAL UPDATES ISSUED 12/2007 DESCRIPTION OF CHANGES ATTACHMENT Page 2 §0028.03.02 (ES Provider Responsibilities - FSET ) changes Employability Development

Plan (EDP) to Employability Plan (EP) throughout the section. In the 2nd bullet under the sub-heading “Coordination and Program Records” changes the MDES MIS to “WF1”.

§0028.06.12 (Who Is Exempt From FS Work Registration) in the previous last bullet of

FS adds clarifying language concerning participants in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). It also adds a new last bullet for refugees receiving the Matching Grant Program and a cross-reference to §0002.39 (Glossary: Lump Sum…).

§0028.21 (Good Cause For Non-Compliance--FS/MSA/GA/GRH) in the 2nd paragraph

under FS deletes the 4th bullet for inability to obtain child care for a child age 6-11 from the list of good cause for quitting or not accepting work.

§0029.06.03 (Supplemental Security Income Program) updates the SSI Federal Benefit

Rates and the MSA gross income limits to correspond with COLA changes effective 1-1-08.

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 GLOSSARY: LUMP SUM... 0002.39 LUMP SUM :

Cash received on a non-recurring or irregular basis that cannot reasonably be anticipated. Lump sums include winnings, insurance settlements, and inheritances, retroactive payments of RSDI, VA, and UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE. See §0015.60 (Evaluation of Lump Sums), §0017.15.30 (Lump Sum Income), §0022.15 (Counting Lump Sums as Income).

MA :

See MEDICAL ASSISTANCE (MA) below. MAC :

See MOTHERS AND CHILDREN (MAC) PROGRAM in §0002.43 (Glossary: Money...).

MANDATORY SCHOOL FEES :

FS : Fees charged to all students of a school or to all students within a certain curriculum. This includes the rental or purchase of equipment, materials, or supplies related to the pursuit of the course of study involved.

MANDATORY UNIT MEMBERS :

People who must be included in the ASSISTANCE UNIT. See §0014 (Assistance Units), §0005 (Applications).

MARKET VALUE :

The most probable price property would bring on the open, competitive market. For REAL PROPERTY this is the ESTIMATED MARKET VALUE on the REAL ESTATE TAX STATEMENT or the appraisal of a licensed REAL ESTATE APPRAISER.

MASS CHANGE :

A change brought about by a shift in federal or state policy which affects many or all ASSISTANCE UNITS.

MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM: The Matching Grant program is administered federally by the Office of Refugee Resettlement. The purpose of the program is to help eligible clients attain self- sufficiency within 120 to 180 days of becoming eligible for the program. The Matching Grant program will provide cash benefits for 4 months. The Matching Grant Program also provides Employment Services.

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 GLOSSARY: LUMP SUM... 0002.39

In Minnesota the Matching Grant Program is administered by the Voluntary Agencies (VOLAGs). For more information about VOLAGs, see §0002.73 (Glossary: Victim...), §0030.01 (Voluntary Agencies (VOLAGS)).

MATERNITY HOME :

Any home or institution that provides residential care for 3 or more pregnant women.

MAXIS :

Minnesota's statewide automated eligibility system for public assistance programs. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE (MA) :

The program established under Title XIX of the Social Security Act and Minnesota Statutes 256B providing for health care to needy people. See the Health Care Programs Manual.

MEDICAL CERTIFICATION :

A statement about a person's illness, injury, or incapacity that is signed by a LICENSED PHYSICIAN, licensed consulting psychologist, or licensed psychologist who is qualified through professional training and experience to diagnose or certify the person's condition. For an incapacity involving a spinal sub-luxation condition, a statement signed by a licensed physician or by a licensed chiropractor who is qualified through professional training and experience to diagnose and certify the condition.

MFIP, DWP :

A statement about a person's illness, injury, or incapacity that is signed by a LICENSED PHYSICIAN, licensed chiropractor, licensed consulting psychologist, or licensed psychologist who is qualified through professional training and experience to diagnose or certify the person's condition.

MEDICAL DEDUCTION :

FS : An income DEDUCTION based on medical expenses. See §0018.12 (Medical Deductions).

MEDICAL EVIDENCE :

GA : Records, reports, treatment notes, or other written documentation about a person's illness, injury, or impairment from a hospital, clinic, treatment facility, detoxification facility, physician, psychologist, nurse, therapist, or other mental

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 GLOSSARY: LUMP SUM... 0002.39

health professional, including evidence listed in a copy of the Disability Determination Rationale provided by the Social Security Administration.

MEDICAL PROGRAMS :

See HEALTH CARE PROGRAMS in §0002.29 (Glossary: Gross RSDI...). MEDICAL SUPPORT :

Health insurance or other payments from a liable 3rd party or FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE PERSON which may be applied to the cost of medical care.

.

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 ABLE-BODIED ADULTS 0011.24 MFIP, DWP, MSA, GA, GRH:

No provisions. FS: Unless a person is exempt from FS eligibility time limits or is meeting monthly

work requirements, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) are eligible for FS for only 3 months in any 36-month period. The 36-month period begins the 1st full month the person receives FS. Once started, the 36-month period continues to run uninterrupted, even during times the person does not receive FS or is exempt from the time limit.

When there is an indication that an ABAWD received Food Support/Food Stamps in another state, the number of full countable months used in the other state must be verified by contacting the other state. The 3 entitled months do not have to be consecutive. Do not count a month if for that month the person:

Meets the 20-hour per week (80 hours per month) work requirement.

OR Is exempt from the 3-month time limit.

OR Receives only prorated (partial month) benefits.

The 3-month entitlement limit applies only to ABAWDs receiving FS.

NOTE: FS applicants or recipients may have their FS work requirements waived if

they apply for SSI and provide proof of the SSI application. The work requirements will be waived until a determination about the SSI eligibility has been made. The determination of ineligibility for SSI will require a re-evaluation of the FS work requirements for each FS recipient. The determination of eligibility for SSI will require a review of the exemptions from the Work Registration requirements. See §0028.06.12 (Who Is Exempt From Work Registration).

A person meeting any of the following exemptions is not subject to the 3-month limit:

Receiving cash assistance.

Under age 18, or age 50 or older.

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 ABLE-BODIED ADULTS 0011.24

Responsible for the care of a child under age 18 in the household. If there are 2 parents in the unit, both are exempt. If there is doubt as to whether non-parents should be given this exemption, determine if the child is under the parental control of the non-parent. An adult who has parental control of the child is entitled to this exemption.

Medically certified as pregnant.

Exempt from work registration. See §0028.06.12 (Who is Exempt From FS Work Registration). Code his/her work registration status carefully on the MAXIS STAT/WREG panel. This information is used by MAXIS when sending workers appropriate DAIL messages. It is also used for reporting and funding purposes.

Lives in any of the counties or Indian reservations where all participants are exempt from ABAWD provisions. See TEMP Manual TE02.05.68 (ABAWD FSET Exempt Reservations), TE02.05.69 (ABAWD FSET Exempt Counties).

You must retroactively count (or uncount) an ABAWD’s month of benefits as 1 of the 3 months of entitlement to FS benefits if you later learn that your determination of the ABAWD’s exemption status, or whether or not the ABAWD met monthly work requirements, was incorrect. You must make this change in MAXIS.

As long as the client meets an exemption for some part of the month, he or she is exempt for the entire month.

Able-bodied adults may "earn" ADDITIONAL MONTHS of eligibility, or avoid using 1 of their 3 entitled months, when they work or participate in work activities an average of 20 hours per week (80 per month). These do not have to be consecutive months. For each month that the person works or participates in work activities at this level, the person “earns” a month of FS benefits. Countable work or work program activities are:

Working in paid employment, including self-employment. This includes use of accrued sick or vacation time, if available.

Participating in Workforce Investment Act (WIA) services.

Participating in Trade Adjustment Act (TAA) services.

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 ABLE-BODIED ADULTS 0011.24

Participating in FSET activities. NOTE: FSET job search and job search training do not count toward the 20 hour per week/80 hour per month requirement unless the person is co-enrolled in WIA. See §0028.03.03 (Employment Services/FSET Required Components).

Participating in Work Experience. However, instead of averaging 20 hours a week, the required number of hours of participation is the household's monthly FS allotment divided by the HIGHER of:

- The state minimum wage. OR - The federal minimum wage.

See MINIMUM WAGE in §0002.41 (Glossary: Medically Necessary...). Also see TEMP Manual TE12.05 (Minimum Wage).

An ABAWD who has used up the initial or subsequent 3 months of FS eligibility can “earn” an additional month of benefits by working or participating in approved work activities for 80 hours in a calendar month. The ABAWD need not be a current FS participant to regain eligibility. (NOTE: FSET is available only to current participants.) The hours must be completed before eligibility can be granted. Once the person has worked the required number of hours, eligibility can be granted back to the beginning of the month or the date of application, whichever is later. Once eligibility is granted, eligibility will continue as long as you prospectively anticipate that the person will work the required number of hours for the next month. Track work hours per month. Your Employment Services Provider (ESP) will track hours of participation in work program activities.

A participant who has re-established FS eligibility by working or participating in work activities for 80 hours in a month as described above can qualify for 1 additional 3-month period of eligibility. If the person’s job or work activity ends, or if the hours are reduced below 80 hours per month, the person qualifies for the additional 3-month period of eligibility. This provision does not apply if the person voluntarily quit the job without good cause.

The new 3-month period of eligibility starts the 1st day of the 1st month in which FS benefits are provided under this 2nd 3-month eligibility period. It runs uninterrupted until the 3-month period is completed, regardless of whether the person received benefits all 3 of those months. This 2nd 3-month period is only available once in any 36-month period.

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 ABLE-BODIED ADULTS 0011.24

You must explain these provisions to ABAWDs during the intake and eligibility determination process.

All ABAWDs are mandatory FSET participants, and must be referred to FSET when FS eligibility is determined or when the participant’s exemption from ABAWD provisions ends. You must inform the ESP of the participant’s ABAWD status so that this can be taken into consideration when determining the FSET services needed.

For information on how to treat income and assets of ineligible able-bodied adults, see §0015.06.03 (Availability of Assets With Multiple Owners), §0016.39 (Income of Ineligible Able-Bodied Adults).

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 FOOD SUPPORT CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY 0013.06 MFIP, MSA, GRH:

No provisions. DWP: DWP participants are categorically eligible for Food Support for the duration of

DWP eligibility. See the FS provisions below. FS: There are 2 sets of categorical eligible units. A unit that is categorically eligible for

Food Support may receive $0 benefits due to his or her level of income. Categorically eligible cases remain open on FS even if they receive no benefits. Follow the provisions in §0016 (Income From People Not in the Unit), §0017 (Determining Gross Income), §0018 (Determining Net Income), §0022 (Budgeting and Benefit Determination). There are special provisions for categorically eligible units with 1 or 2 members. See §0022.12.01 (How to Calculate Benefit Level - FS/MSA/GRH).

See the list of ineligible units or unit members for categorical eligibility at the end of this section.

The 1st set includes units that meet 1 or more of the conditions below. These are

exempt from the asset, gross income, net income tests and residency requirements. However, they are still subject to all other eligibility requirements. See TEMP Manual TE02.05.49 (Categorical Eligibility Q&A) for additional information.

Units in which at least 1 member of the unit is receiving, is eligible to receive,

or is authorized to receive benefits or services and could receive them upon request, even though he/she may not be currently receiving benefits or services from 1 of the following programs:

- Transition Year Child Care. See §0029.30 (Child Care Assistance). To be

considered eligible or authorized to receive TYCC, someone in the unit must apply and be determined eligible.

OR - Basic Sliding Fee Child Care. See §0029.30 (Child Care Assistance). To be

considered eligible or authorized to receive Basic Sliding Fee, someone in the unit must apply and be determined eligible for Basic Sliding Fee, even if not actually receiving child care assistance.

Ask the unit about receipt of or eligibility for any of these programs at application, and whenever a Food Support unit exceeds the FS asset limit, gross income limit, or net income limit. Verify receipt of or eligibility for the benefits

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 FOOD SUPPORT CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY 0013.06

from the case record or by contacting the appropriate Child Care worker. Once the unit's categorical eligibility status is known to the agency, document this in CASE/NOTEs. See §0005.12.12 (Application Interviews) for additional information.

Units in which 1 member participates in the Diversionary Work Program

(DWP). NOTE: When DWP closes and the unit is not referred to MFIP, continue FS eligibility and recalculate benefits.

A unit composed entirely of people who receive GA, MSA, or SSI in

Minnesota. Consider people to be receiving GA, MSA, or SSI if any of the following apply:

- They have been approved for GA, MSA, or SSI but have not yet received

payment. OR - Their GA, MSA, or SSI payments have been suspended or are being

recouped. People suspended for non-compliance with treatment referral requirements for a drug addiction and/or alcoholic condition are not categorically eligible during the period of suspension.

The 2nd set includes units in which at least 1 member of the unit meets the

Domestic Violence Information Brochure Program requirements. Under this set units are eligible for Food Support when:

A household member has received the Domestic Violence Information Brochure (DHS-3477).

AND The unit’s income is within current FS program gross income limits. The

exceptions to the gross income test (GIT) outlined in §0019 (Gross Income Test) apply when determining a unit's gross income.

AND The unit’s assets, not including vehicles, total less than $7,000. See §0029.36

(Domestic Violence Brochure Program).

Categorical eligibility DOES NOT exist for any unit in which:

Α unit member is disqualified due to an Intentional Program Violation (IPV).

A unit member fails to comply with monthly reporting requirements.

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 FOOD SUPPORT CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY 0013.06

The Principal Wage Earner (PWE) is disqualified for failure to cooperate with work requirements.

A unit member is ineligible due to a drug related felony conviction. See

§0011.27.03.01 (Drug Felons - FS).

The following unit members may already have been removed or found ineligible for Food Support. These people CANNOT be included in a categorically eligible unit:

Ineligible non-citizens. See §0011.03.09 (Non-Citizens - FS/MSA/GA/GRH).

Ineligible students. See §0011.18 (Students).

People who are residents of an institution and are not eligible to receive Food

Support. See §0011.12 (Institutional Residence).

People who are ineligible due to non cooperation with work requirements. See §0028.30.06 (Type/Length of FSET Sanctions), §0028.30.09 (Refusing or Terminating Employment).

GA: No provisions. However, see the FS provisions above for GA applicants or

participants who are also applying for or receiving FS.

.

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 CHILD AND SPOUSAL SUPPORT INCOME 0017.15.03 Also see §0012.21.03 (Support From Non-Custodial Parents). MFIP: Count current child support payments and arrears the unit gets as unearned income

for the child. Count current spousal support payments and arrears the unit gets as unearned income for the caregiver. This applies whether the unit gets it directly or the child support enforcement (CSE) agency disburses it to the caregiver. Consider child and spousal support disbursed to the caregiver on the “issuance date” listed on the DAIL/CSES message. If a participant disputes the receipt date at the end of a month, budget it the next month.

Child and spousal support is budgeted prospectively in the prospectively budgeted months and is budgeted retrospectively thereafter, unless it is no longer received. See NON-RECURRING INCOME in §0002.45 (Glossary: Netherlands' Act...).

Do not count child support the unit receives for a child no longer on assistance in that household. If the child is on another MFIP case and the child support is forwarded to that child, count the support as income to the child on that case.

Do not count medical or child care support which the unit receives as reimbursement for expenses already incurred.

Exclude child support that the CSE agency collects for a child who gets SSI or any other child not included in the MFIP case for another reason.

When a minor caregiver lives with an adult custodial parent, count the minor caregiver’s portion of the child support as the minor caregiver’s income.

When a minor caregiver does not live with an adult custodial parent, count the minor caregiver’s portion of the child support as the minor caregiver’s income ONLY if the income is forwarded to the minor caregiver or to the adult with whom the minor caregiver lives. If the child support is not forwarded, do not count it against the minor caregiver’s case nor count it against the MFIP grant of the parent who received the child support payment.

If a Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Tribal TANF program family transfers to your county and continues to receive MFIP, exclude up to $400 per month per family from any child support income the family has, for the 1st 2 months of residence in your county. See §0029.06.24.03 (Tribal TANF-Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe).

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 CHILD AND SPOUSAL SUPPORT INCOME 0017.15.03

See TEMP Manual TE02.08.150 (Child and Spousal Support Disbursements) for instructions on monthly DAIL/CSES messages generated to inform workers of child and spousal disbursements issued to active, pending, and reinstated cases.

DWP: Follow MFIP. However, after the initial DWP determination, exclude any

unanticipated income the unit may receive. FS: Count all support received by the unit in the current month as unearned income.

Treat child support payments received by an MFIP caregiver on behalf of a child who is on Food Support only (for example, a child receiving SSI) as income to the child.

When a child is not living with the parent, count all support received by that parent as unearned income to the parent if the support is not forwarded or used for the care and maintenance of the child. Count child support arrears in the same way if received regularly. Count 1-time child support arrear payments as a lump sum, see §0015.60 (Evaluation of Lump Sums), §0017.15.30 (Lump Sum Income). Do not count, as earned or unearned income, child support payments refunded to the non-custodial parent.

MSA: Child support is income to the child. Exclude 1/3 of child support payments an

eligible child receives from a non-custodial parent. GA: Count child and spousal support received directly by the unit as unearned income. GRH: For blind children who may be eligible for GRH, follow MSA.

Count spousal support received by the client as unearned income.

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 SELF-EMPLOYMENT TRANSPORTATION EXPENSES 0017.15.33.12 The flat rate deduction for transportation for all programs is 50.5 cents per mile. Use the flat rate deduction or itemize transportation expenses. If a unit chooses to itemize, allow only verified transportation expenses such as listed below. A tax form is acceptable verification. Advise the unit to keep receipts for expenses incurred. If the flat rate deduction is used, advise the unit to record odometer readings, dates, travel destination, and the purpose of each trip. NOTE: Encourage taxi drivers to itemize actual transportation expenses because itemization

allows lease payments to be included. Lease payments can NOT be allowed if the flat rate is chosen. If itemized transportation expenses are used, the participant will not need to keep a separate set of records to file federal taxes. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires itemization of transportation expenses.

Transportation expenses include:

Gas and oil costs. Parking fees. Car insurance. Car repairs. Interest payments on a car loan.

Do not allow the cost of travel between the self-employed person's home and place of business as a business expense. Personal use of transportation is not a business expense. Divide the expense of transportation used for self-employment and personal needs accordingly.

.

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 SELF-EMPLOYMENT INCOME FROM IN-HOME DAY CARE 0017.15.33.21 People who provide day care in their own homes are self-employed. In-home day care providers can deduct day care expenses from their day care income. People who provide day care in someone else's home are not eligible for these deductions. Instruct in-home day care providers to itemize and verify expenses, unless they use a flat rate deduction. See §0010.18.09 (Verifying Self-Employment Income/Expenses). Commonly allowable itemized expenses include:

Food.

Toys and books.

Supplies.

Transportation. See §0017.15.33.12 (Self-Employment Transportation Expenses).

License fees and professional dues.

Advertising costs.

Equipment rental and lease expenses.

Equipment which is not a capital expenditure.

In addition, deduct expenses for the area of the home used for day care. See §0017.15.33.09 (Self-Employment Expense for In-Home Business). MFIP, GA:

In-home day care providers may itemize expenses or take a flat rate deduction of 60% of gross receipts. Use the method most advantageous to the unit. People who provide day care in someone else's home must use actual expenses. See §0017.15.33.03 (Self-Employment, Convert Inc. to Monthly Amt).

Do not count payments from the Minnesota Child Care Food Program in calculating gross receipts. If using the actual expense method, do not deduct expenses reimbursed through the Minnesota Child Care Food Program.

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 SELF-EMPLOYMENT INCOME FROM IN-HOME DAY CARE 0017.15.33.21 DWP: Follow MFIP. However, after the initial DWP determination, exclude any

unanticipated income the unit may receive. FS: In-home day care providers must itemize expenses.

Exclude the portion of Minnesota Child Care Food Program funds paid for meals served to the provider's own children. Count all other Minnesota Child Care Food Program payments in calculating gross receipts.

For meals provided, providers may choose either actual costs or the reimbursement amounts currently allowed by the Child and Adult Care Food Program (effective July 2007 - June 2008):

Breakfast $1.11Lunch or supper $2.06Snack $ .61

MSA: In-home day care providers must itemize expenses.

Exclude the portion of Minnesota Child Care Food Program funds paid for meals served to the provider's own children. Count all other Minnesota Child Care Food Program payments in calculating gross receipts.

GRH: Follow FS for aged, blind, or disabled clients. Follow MFIP for all other adults.

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 EARNED INCOME DISREGARDS 0018.18 Earned income disregards are an employment incentive. Subtract earned income disregards only from the monthly earned income of a client. See §0017.12.06 (Earned Income), §0017.15.33 (Self-Employment Income). Do not reduce earned income to less than $0 or use earned income disregards to reduce unearned income. Also see §0018.06 (Work Expense Deductions). People may lose the earned income disregard when computing overpayments for failure to report a change timely. See §0025.03 (Determining Incorrect Payment Amounts). MFIP, DWP:

When determining income to use for the initial income test, disregard 18% of the unit's gross earned income.

EXCEPTION FOR MFIP ONLY: If anyone in the unit was a Minnesota participant of MFIP in any 1 of the previous 4 months, disregard 39% of the unit's gross earned income for the initial income test.

When determining net income for computing monthly benefits, disregard 39% of the unit's gross earned income. As an additional work incentive, MFIP allows a higher assistance standard for employed MFIP clients. See §0020.09 (MFIP/DWP Assistance Standards).

There is NO TIME LIMIT to the earned income disregard. Apply it every month the unit has earned income.

FS: There is no separate earned income disregard for FS. See §0018.06 (Work Expense

Deductions). MSA: Disregard the 1st $65 plus half the remaining earned income. If both spouses are

clients, disregard $65 and half the combined earned income for the couple.

Allow the Blind and Disabled Student Child Disregard from earned income when a client meets ALL 3 of the following conditions:

Is under age 22.

Is certified as blind or disabled by the Social Security Administration or the State Medical Review Team.

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 EARNED INCOME DISREGARDS 0018.18

Is expecting to attend school at least 1 month in the next calendar quarter, or did attend school at least 1 month of the current calendar quarter.

Limit the Blind and Disabled Student Child Disregard to a maximum of $1,550 a month and $6,240 in a calendar year. Apply it only to the client's income.

Do not reduce earned income to less than $0 or use earned income disregards to reduce unearned income.

GA: Disregard the 1st $50 of earned income for each person who has earned income. In

addition, disregard up to $150 per month for up to a maximum accumulated amount of $1,000 from earned income of people residing in Intensive Rehabilitative Treatment Centers for the mentally ill, or Rule 14 supervised apartments, and all other group residential housing. The money must be kept in a separate account for use after discharge, and discharge and work must be part of the treatment plan. Consider any money withdrawn from this excluded account before the client is discharged to be income to the client in the month of receipt.

GRH: For SSI recipients, the earned income disregards are already applied by the Social

Security Administration.

For non-SSI recipients who are aged, blind, or disabled:

Disregard the 1st $65 plus half the remaining earned income.

Allow the Blind and Disabled Student Child Disregard from earned income when a client meets ALL 3 of the following conditions:

- Is under age 22. - Is certified as blind or disabled by the Social Security Administration or the

State Medical Review Team. - Is expecting to attend school at least 1 month in the next calendar quarter, or

did attend school at least 1 month of the current calendar quarter.

Limit the disregard to a maximum of $1,550 a month and $6,240 in a calendar year. Apply it only to the client's income.

Do not reduce earned income to less than $0 or use earned income disregards to reduce unearned income.

For all other adults, follow GA.

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 MSA ASSISTANCE STANDARDS 0020.21 MFIP, DWP, FS, GA, GRH:

No provisions. MSA: MSA has 7 assistance standards whose use depends upon the applicant or

participant’s circumstances. Which assistance standard you use is determined by:

The SSI Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) upon which the client's SSI grant is based. See §0029.06.03 ( Supplemental Security Income Program).

Whether a person is eligible for MA home and community based waivers (MA waivers), including Community Alternatives for Disabled Individuals (CADI), Elderly Waiver (EW), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Community Alternative Care for Chronically Ill Individuals (CAC), and Home and Community Based Services for Persons with Mental Retardation or Related Conditions (MR/RC). See the Health Care Programs Manual for information on these programs.

NOTE: Consider a person who lives with others eligible for MA home and

community based waivers when the person is receiving Minnesota Senior Health Options (MSHHO) and EW services are being provided by the MSHO plan (rate cell B), or is receiving MSHO and was on CADI, TBI, or CAC but switched to EW when enrolled in MSHO (rate cell B), or is receiving MR/RC waiver services through the county agency but also enrolled in an MSHO plan (rate cell A).

Whether a person meets the county plan requirements for GRH placement (GRH plan) though not actually living in a GRH.

A client's marital status.

A client's living arrangement.

A county may set its own standards at a higher level than the State Standards, but there is no State aid for the extra costs. MSA COMMUNITY STANDARDS:

The standard for MSA applicants and participants who live independently in the community is the total of the client's MSA assistance standard and any ongoing special needs allowances. See §0023.12 (Special Diets), §0023.15 (Guardian or Conservator Fees), §0023.18 (Restaurant Meals). If a married couple lives together

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 MSA ASSISTANCE STANDARDS 0020.21

and both partners are applying and have an MSA basis of eligibility, combine their incomes to determine eligibility and benefit level.

MSA MONTHLY ASSISTANCE STANDARDS

Person living alone (or some people with ineligible spouses ……………$ 698

or eligible for MA waivers or GRH plan) Person living with others…………………………………………………$ 517

(or some people with ineligible spouses) Married couple living alone.......................................................................$1,047 Married couple living with others………………………………………..$ 701 Married couple living alone (pre-1994)………………………………….$1,062 Married couple living with others (pre-1994)……………………………$ 964

(See explanations below)

APPLY THE $698 LIVING ALONE STANDARD WHEN:

A single person receives SSI benefits based on the $637 FBR and lives alone.

A single person does NOT receive SSI solely due to excess income and lives alone.

A single person is eligible for MA waivers or a GRH plan.

A single person at the SSI $637 FBR due to a presidential disaster declaration and/or being homeless.

A married person lives with his or her ineligible spouse and receives SSI benefits based on the $637.34 FBR or does not receive SSI due to excess income.

A married person lives with his or her ineligible spouse and receives SSI benefits based on the $424.67 FBR and is eligible for MA Waivers or GRH plan.

APPLY THE $517 LIVING WITH OTHERS STANDARD WHEN:

A person receives SSI benefits based on the $424.67 SSI FBR, and is not eligible for MA waivers or a GRH plan.

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 MSA ASSISTANCE STANDARDS 0020.21

A person does NOT receive SSI solely due to excess income, lives with others (including minor children but excluding spouse), and is NOT eligible for MA waivers or a GRH plan.

A person at the SSI $637 FBR and lives with others (including minor children). Do not apply this standard to a person living only with a spouse ineligible for MSA (see "Apply the $698 living alone standard when:" above.)

A married person lives with his or her ineligible spouse, receives SSI benefits based on the $424.67 FBR, and is NOT eligible for MA waivers or a GRH plan.

APPLY THE $1,047 (OR $1,062 PRE-1994) STANDARD FOR A MARRIED COUPLE LIVING TOGETHER WHEN:

Couple receives SSI based on the $956 FBR or is ineligible for SSI solely due to excess income and lives alone.

Couple receives SSI based on the $956 FBR or is ineligible for SSI solely due to excess income, lives with others, and one or both is eligible for MA Waivers or a GRH plan.

Couple at the SSI $956 FBR due to presidential disaster declaration and/or being homeless.

APPLY THE $701 (OR $964 PRE-1994) STANDARD FOR A MARRIED COUPLE LIVING WITH OTHERS WHEN:

couple receives SSI benefits based on the $637.34 FBR.

Couple NOT receiving SSI solely due to excess income.

Neither spouse is eligible for MA Waivers or a GRH plan.

MSA FACILITIES STANDARD:

The assistance standard for people either at the SSI $30 FBR and living in facilities where personal needs are not otherwise provided or some blind children is the clothing and personal need allowance - $84. See §0020.24 (Clothing and Personal Need Allowance) for the eligibility requirements.

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 MSA ASSISTANCE STANDARDS 0020.21

A person hospitalized for illness may continue to receive their community standard established before being hospitalized if the person meets the conditions of temporary absence in §0014.09 (Assistance Units - Temporary Absence).

MSA clients who are residents of a nursing home, regional treatment center, or group residential housing facility are NOT eligible for any special needs allowances EXCEPT for representative payee services. See §0023.21 (Representative Payee Services).

NOTE: Clients living in a Minnesota Consolidated Chemical Dependency

Treatment Fund (CCDTF) facility are NOT eligible for an MSA standard of need.

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 CLOTHING AND PERSONAL NEED ALLOWANCE 0020.24 MFIP, FS:

No provisions. DWP: An allowance of up to $70 per month per DWP unit member to pay for expenses

such as household products and personal products. See §0022.12 (How to Calculate Benefit Level - MFIP/DWP/GA).

MSA: The personal needs and clothing allowance is $84. Consider this allowance as the

standard of need for MSA clients who meet 1 of the criteria listed below. Also see §0020.21 (MSA Assistance Standards).

Clients in medical facilities where MA pays the cost of care.

SSI recipients who receive the $30 Federal Benefit Rate.

Blind children who meet all the following requirements:

- They live with their parents and would be ineligible for SSI or their SSI would

be less if their parents' income or assets were counted. AND - They previously received a personal need allowance from SSI when they were

in a Title XIX (Medicaid) facility. AND - They receive MA under 1 of the following programs: TEFRA Option, Home

and Community Based Waiver for Persons With Mental Retardation or Related Conditions (MR/RC), Community Alternative Care (CAC), Community Alternatives for Disabled Individuals (CADI), or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). See the Health Care Programs Manual for information on these programs.

GA: The personal needs and clothing allowance is $84 for clients in group residential

housing, nursing homes, Regional Treatment Centers, Minnesota Consolidated Chemical Dependency Treatment Fund (CCDTF) facilities, or state veterans homes (provided they have no other income). For clients residing in a GRH setting, add a $12 community living adjustment for a combined total of $96.

GRH: The personal needs and clothing allowance is $84 plus a $12 community living

adjustment for a combined total of $96. Allow the $96 as a deduction from net income before calculating the GRH payment. For clients who have insufficient income, it may be paid from GA.

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 SHELTER-NEEDY ALLOWANCE 0023.24 MFIP, DWP, FS, GA, GRH:

No provisions. MSA: The Shelter-Needy Allowance is a recurring special need payment for clients whose

shelter costs exceed 40% of the unit’s gross income and who are relocating from an institution or mental health residential program. The amount of the allowance is $155.

To be eligible for the allowance, an applicant for the allowance must meet ALL the following requirements:

Is eligible for MSA.

Is relocating to the community from an institution, an adult mental health residential treatment program under Minnesota Statutes 256B.0622, or an intensive residential mental health treatment program. See INSTITUTION in §0002.33 (Glossary: Independent...).

- A client in an institution may already be eligible for MSA, but would not be

eligible to receive the Shelter-Needy Allowance until after the move from the institution.

- A client in an institution and not eligible for MSA may become eligible upon

discharge.

Is under the age of 65. However, a client under the age of 65 who is receiving the Shelter-Needy Allowance and turns age 65 continues to receive the allowance until subsidized housing becomes available.

Determined to be shelter-needy; that is, total shelter costs exceed 40% of the unit’s gross income before application of this allowance. See SHELTER COSTS in §0002.61 (Glossary: Self...).

The client must apply for subsidized housing. The client must provide verification of application for subsidized housing using the Verification of Subsidized Housing Application (DHS-1860) form. Once the client has been approved for and receives subsidized housing, the client is no longer eligible to receive the Shelter-Needy allowance.

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 DETERMINING INCORRECT PAYMENT AMOUNTS - FS 0025.03.01 For general provisions, see §0025.03 (Determining Incorrect Payment Amounts). MFIP, DWP, MSA, GA, GRH:

See §0025.03 (Determining Incorrect Payment Amounts). FS: Do not establish an overpayment or underpayment because of changes that were not

required to be reported by the unit during the certification period. However, for any reported change, take appropriate action. See §0007.15.03 (Unscheduled Reporting of Changes - FS).

When calculating overpayments or underpayments for FS, use the amount of cash assistance actually received in the payment month even if the cash assistance was later determined to be an overpayment.

Do not allow the work expense deduction on income not reported timely. See §0018.06 (Work Expense Deductions).

CALCULATING AN OVERPAYMENT

Determine whether the unit IS or is NOT categorically eligible for Food Support (FS):

If the FS unit IS categorically eligible, they are subject to the budgeting provisions that were in place at the time of the overpayment. See §0013.06 (Food Support Categorical Eligibility), §0022.09.03 (When To Switch Budget Cycles - FS).

If the FS unit is NOT categorically eligible, they must meet prospective

eligibility requirements. If the overpayment is caused by unreported income, the unit remains in retrospective budgeting unless there are 2 or more consecutive months of ineligibility. If there are 2 or more consecutive months of ineligibility, the case would be presumed closed. Switch the unit to prospective budgeting and presume that the unit reapplied on the 1st day they were eligible. Calculate the amount the unit should have received based on the 1st day they were eligible. See §0022.03.01 (Prospective Budgeting - Program Provisions).

If the ineligibility is caused by any reason other than unreported income, and there is 1 month or more of total ineligibility and then 1 month or more of eligibility, presume that the unit reapplied on the 1st day they were eligible. Calculate the amount the unit should have received based on the 1st day they were eligible.

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 DETERMINING INCORRECT PAYMENT AMOUNTS - FS 0025.03.01

Do not include any amounts that occurred more than 6 years prior to the date of discovery.

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 ES PROVIDER RESPONSIBILITIES - FSET 0028.03.02 County agencies and FSET providers each have certain responsibilities. For information on county agency responsibilities, see §0028.03.01 (County Agency FSET Responsibilities). Follow the provisions of this section for FSET provider responsibilities. MFIP, DWP, MSA, GA, GRH:

No provisions. FS: Each Employment Services Provider (ESP) operates under a formal written

agreement with the county agency to provide FSET services to FS participants. Services may begin as early as the date FS eligibility is approved, but must start no later than the 1st day of the month after the month FS eligibility is approved. Under county agency administration, ESPs provide the following services:

ORIENTATION AND ASSESSMENTS:

- Orient participants to the FSET program.

- Assess the participant’s literacy level and refer the participant to local literacy

programs when appropriate.

- Complete an individual assessment and an Employability Plan (EP) for each participant.

- Identify ABAWDs who have time-limited FS eligibility, so that potential

work or work program activities can be quickly developed which will help them earn additional months of FS benefits.

- Identify the need for and coordinate support services such as transportation,

purchase of equipment or tools.

IMPLEMENTING THE EP:

- Implement the participant’s EP, whether through direct service provision or referral to other agencies for services that are needed, so that the participant can successfully complete the plan and find employment.

- Monitor participant performance and participation.

- Modify the participant’s EP as necessary.

NOTIFICATION:

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 ES PROVIDER RESPONSIBILITIES - FSET 0028.03.02

- Provide notices to the participant and county agency when the participant has failed to participate or comply with FSET program requirements.

- Provide the county agency with information that may affect a participant’s

FSET exemption status, program eligibility, or benefit amount. The ESP must notify the county agency anytime a participant’s employment status changes.

COORDINATION AND PROGRAM RECORDS:

- Coordinating with the county agency regarding program activities and

outcomes, expenditures, individual participant services and progress, and participant sanctions.

- Maintain needed program files and documentation, and record relevant

participant data on the WF1 system as necessary. When a participant moves to a different county or there is a change in service provider, the former county or service provider that initially provided services must make program documents and information available to the new county or the new provider. (DHS retains ownership of any FSET document for which it has reimbursed the cost. This declaration must be incorporated in any service contract between the county and a service provider.)

Counties and ESPs may employ whatever combination of skilled staff is necessary to provide FSET services.

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 WHO IS EXEMPT FROM FS WORK REGISTRATION 0028.06.12 MFIP, DWP, MSA, GA, GRH:

No provisions. FS: Federal regulations require that all non-exempt adult FS participants register for

work. In Minnesota, work registration is automatically accomplished when a household member signs the Combined Application Form (CAF) when applying for the FS program. The adult who signs the CAF registers all adults in the FS household who are required to register for work.

A participant’s work registration exemption status must be redetermined at least annually, and must be coded on the MAXIS system. The state then reports to the federal government the number of participants who are exempt from work registration and the number who are not exempt. The federal government uses this information to determine the amount of federal funding Minnesota receives for FSET services.

Although work registration is not a component of the FSET program (it is a national FS program requirement), there is a close relationship between work registration and FSET. FS participants who are exempt from work registration are also exempt from FSET participation. See §0028.06.03 (Who Must Participate In Empl. Services/FSET), §0028.06.10 (Who Is Exempt From FSET). However, some people are required to register for work even though they are exempt from participating in FSET.

A participant becomes exempt from FS work registration (and thus from mandatory FSET participation) as soon as the participant meets the provisions of an exemption. EXCEPT as provided below, a participant who no longer meets the provisions of an exemption from work registration becomes mandatory for FSET the beginning of the next month.

The following people are exempt from FS work registration:

Having a mental or physical illness, injury, or incapacity which is expected to continue for at least 30 days, and which impairs the participant's ability to obtain or retain employment as evidenced by professional certification or the receipt of temporary or permanent disability benefits issued by a private or government source. Professional certification means a statement about a person’s illness, injury, or incapacity that is signed by a licensed physician, psychological practitioner, or licensed psychologist, qualified by professional training and experience to diagnose and to certify the person’s condition. Pregnancy does not

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 WHO IS EXEMPT FROM FS WORK REGISTRATION 0028.06.12

routinely exempt a participant unless professional certification specifies that the person is incapacitated. See §0010.18.06 (Verifying Disability/Incapacity - FS).

NOTE: FS applicants or recipients may have their FS work requirements

waived if they apply for SSI and provide proof of the SSI application. The work requirements will be waived until a determination about the SSI eligibility has been made. The determination of ineligibility for SSI will require a re-evaluation of the FS work requirements for each FS recipient. The determination of eligibility for SSI will require a review of the exemptions from the Work Registration requirements. See §0011.24 (Able-Bodied Adults).

Responsible for the care of a household member who is professionally certified as having a mental or physical illness, injury, or incapacity. Usually, only 1 unit member may claim exemption under this provision. However, there may be an EXCEPTION with medical documentation which specifies that more than 1 person is needed to provide the required care.

Age 60 or older.

Under age 16.

Age 16 or 17 and living with a parent or caregiver, or attending school or enrolled in an employment training program at least half-time.

Responsible for the care of a dependent child under age 6 (even if child care is available). In most instances, only 1 unit member may claim exemption under this provision. However, there may be an EXCEPTION with medical documentation which specifies that more than 1 person is needed to provide care. When the child turns 6, the exemption ends at the unit's next annual FS program recertification. The household members may designate which person will use this exemption, but may not change the person designated until the next recertification period.

Employed or self-employed and meets 1 of the provisions below:

- Working at least 30 hours per week (regardless of wage level). - Receiving earnings at least equal to 30 hours a week at the federal minimum

wage.

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 WHO IS EXEMPT FROM FS WORK REGISTRATION 0028.06.12

This provision includes migrant or seasonal farm workers under contract to begin employment within 30 days. The county agency may use a monthly average of these weekly requirements. For self-employed participants working less than 30 hours per week, the county agency will use the participant’s net weekly income (net profit after expenses).

Receiving or have applied for Unemployment Insurance (UI) and are registered for work with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. The participant must show proof of receipt of UI or documentation of application for UI.

Enrolled as a student at least half-time in a recognized school, training program, or institution of higher learning and is eligible under the provisions of §0011.18 (Students). This includes participants attending high school at least half-time, but does not include participants attending GED or ESL training only. When determining if the person is enrolled half-time, use the school or program’s criteria for being enrolled half-time. An FSET participant who is placed in a training program under the provisions of an EDP may use this provision to be exempt from FSET or ABAWD provisions if the employment and training program for low income units is operated by a state or local government. One or more program components is equal to the components of the FSET program. Please contact Steve Erbes at the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) at steve.erbes@state.mn.us to verify whether or not the training program qualifies for this exemption.

Participating regularly in a drug addiction or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program. There is no minimum weekly amount of time that a person must be attending. If the person attends 1 hour or more per week, the exemption is available. This does NOT include participants in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

Refugees receiving the Matching Grant Program. For additional information about the Matching Grant Program, see MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM in §0002.39 (Glossary: Lump Sum…).

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 GOOD CAUSE FOR NON-COMPLIANCE--FS/MSA/GA/GRH 0028.21 MFIP, DWP:

See §0028.18 (Good Cause for Non-Compliance--MFIP/DWP). FS: Good cause for not participating in employment services requirements means

circumstances beyond the client's control, including:

Client illness or injury.

Illness or injury of another unit member that requires the client's presence. A household emergency.

Inability to obtain transportation needed to participate in FSET.

Good cause for quitting or not accepting work includes:

Client illness or injury.

Illness or injury of another unit member that requires the client's presence.

A household emergency.

Inability to obtain needed transportation.

The job did not meet suitable work requirements. See §0028.18.03 (Suitable Work/Unsuitable Work).

Employer discrimination.

Work demands or conditions that make working unreasonable, such as working without being paid on schedule.

The PWE enrolls at least half-time in any recognized school, training program, or institution of higher education that requires the PWE to leave employment.

The PWE quits work so another unit member can accept employment or enroll at least half-time in any recognized school, training program, or institution of higher education.

A client under age 60 resigns, and the employer recognizes it as retirement.

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 GOOD CAUSE FOR NON-COMPLIANCE--FS/MSA/GA/GRH 0028.21

The client accepts a new job of 20 hours a week at minimum wage, or fewer hours equal to the pay of 20 hours a week at minimum wage.

Leaving a job because employment patterns make it necessary for workers to frequently move from 1 employer to another.

Also see §0028.30.09 (Refusing or Terminating Employment).

MSA, GA, GRH:

No provisions.

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME PROGRAM 0029.06.03 The Social Security Administration operates the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. This program provides monthly income to low income aged, blind, and disabled people. GA and RCA applicants who are aged, blind, or disabled must apply for SSI. MFIP participants who are disabled must apply for SSI. See §0012.12 (Applying for Other Benefits), §0030.03 (Refugee Cash Assistance). SSI recipients may be eligible for MSA. All SSI recipients have a basis of eligibility for MA but are not automatically eligible for benefits. SSI recipients who are age 18 or over or under age 18 and blind have a basis of eligibility for MSA. SSI recipients are not eligible for DWP, MFIP or GA. See §0013 (Basis of Eligibility). MSA budgets the SSI Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) as income in determining MSA benefits for SSI recipients. MSA also uses the FBR to determine:

The amount of income financially responsible people may allocate to meet the needs of a dependent.

The gross income limit.

SSI FEDERAL BENEFIT RATES

Individual Couple Own home $637 $956 Home of another $424.67 $637.34

The Federal Benefit Rate for people living in medical facilities and for certain blind children living in their home is $30. See §0020.24 (Clothing and Personal Need Allowance). Allow the difference between the individual and couple FBRs ($319) as the amount a person with financial responsibility for an MSA client may allow to meet the needs of each dependent. See §0016.06 (Income From Ineligible Spouse of Unit Member), §0016.15 (Income From Ineligible Parents), §0016.21 (Income of Sponsors of Immigrants With I-134) §0016.21.03 (Income of Sponsors of Immigrants With I-864). For the MSA gross income limit, use $1,911 (300% of the individual SSI FBR) for a client without an eligible spouse in the home. Use $3,822 (twice the individual amount) as the MSA gross income limit for a married couple living together when both have a basis of eligibility. See §0019.06 (Gross Income Limits). Provide potentially eligible clients and clients who are referred to SSA with the SSA toll-free telephone number. The toll-free number is 1-800-772-1213.

COMBINED MANUAL ISSUE DATE 12/2007 SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME PROGRAM 0029.06.03 For information on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) resources and an SSI advocates list, see the Employment Services Manual Appendix J (Resources for Americans with Disabilities (ADA) and Appendix J-3 (SSI Advocates List).