Spring 2008
Asset Test Eliminated for Most Applicants
There is no longer an asset test for most food stamp applicants in Massachusetts, including elders (age 60+) and persons with disabilities. As of June 9, 2008, DTA no longer counts money in the bank, a car, retirement accounts, your home or other assets. For more specific information, please call the FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333.
DTA Opens New Satellite Offices and Outreach Centers
DTA has opened 4 new full-service satellite offices in areas affected by the office closings over the past several years. The satellite offices are located in Athol, Northampton, Somerville and Waltham, and will provide a full range of DTA services. In addition, DTA has created food stamp outreach centers in Boston, Lynn, Chelsea and Fall River. These centers are located within senior centers, health centers and other local organizations.
Certain Iraqi and Afghan Non-Citizens Eligible for Short-Term Food Stamps
Certain Afghan and Iraqi non-citizens with special immigrant status and their family members may be eligible to receive food stamps for a period of up to six months (for Afghans) or eight months (for Iraqis). After this period, they are subject to the five-year bar on receipt of food stamps unless they are eligible for benefits under another qualified non-citizen status. (DTA Field Operations Memo 2008-26)
Work Requirement Exemptions
DTA recently clarified some of the exemptions from work requirements in the Food Stamp Work Program (FS/WP) and the Food Stamp Employment and Training Program (FS/ET). A person who is responsible for the care of a dependent child under age 6 or of someone who is incapacitated is exempt from both the FS/ET and the FS/WP. The person does not have to be living in the same household as the dependent child or the incapacitated person. A person who is residing in a home where a household member is under age 18 is exempt from the FS/WP. The person does not have to be related to or responsible for the household member under 18, nor does the household member under 18 have to be receiving food stamp benefits.
Standardized Certification Periods for Seniors and Disabled Clients
Food Stamp households in which all adult household members are seniors (60+) or disabled will now be automatically assigned a 24-month certification period, at application or their next re-certification. While there are a few exceptions, such as self-employed households and households with unstable circumstances, this will significantly reduce the paperwork both for the DTA worker and the recipient.
Economic Stimulus Bill
Many people have asked how the federal economic stimulus payment will affect food stamp recipients/applicants. The stimulus payment is non-countable as income and non-countable as an asset for the month in which it is received and the following two months. Thereafter, any money held as cash and/or as an asset is countable.
Interpreter Services Made More Accessible
New guidance has been distributed to DTA staff informing them of new protocols to ensure that limited English Proficiency (LEP) and American Sign Language (ASL) clients have access to qualified interpreters without unreasonable delays.
The new guidance makes it clear that under federal law DTA staff is required to advise clients of the right to professional interpreter services and must provide interpreter services to clients whose primary language is not English or who use American Sign Language. These clients must not be turned away or told to return with an interpreter.
It goes on to state that a client who is accompanied by an adult intending to act as an interpreter must be advised that a professional interpreter can be provided free of charge. The client may decline the use of a professional interpreter service and choose to have the adult serve as an interpreter. In addition, children over age 12 may interpret only to schedule an appointment. Children age 12 and under must not be asked to interpret for any purpose.
Staff at all levels (including receptionists) now have easy access to over-the-phone interpreter services, both for in-person visits and phone calls. Interpreters are also available for scheduled appointments.
Standard Medical Deduction for Elderly and/or Disabled Clients
DTA has introduced a standard medical deduction. Elderly (age 60+) or disabled clients who verify more that $35 in medical expenses per month will receive a standard deduction of $90. If their medical expenses exceed $125 per month, they receive a deduction of their full medical expenses, minus $35.
If the client is not already at the maximum food stamp benefit, this change may mean their benefits will increase. Please encourage your clients to calculate their monthly medical expenses. Remind them that medical insurance premiums, co-payments and transportation to medical visits can all be included as allowable expenses. To determine transportation costs for people using their own vehicles, use the federal guideline, which is currently 50.5 cents per mile. For a list of other deductible medical expenses, call the FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333.
Disabled Non-citizens Receiving EAEDC may be Eligible for Food Stamps
Certain qualified non-citizens may be eligible for food stamps based on disability, regardless of date of entry into the U.S. DTA has identified about 200 EAEDC recipients who are SSI certified (as disabled) but are not receiving food stamps and sent them letters and a simplified application encouraging them to apply. Please encourage your clients who receive this mailing to follow through with the application process. If approved, they will be certified for 24 months.
Winter 2007/2008
Anyone Can Now Apply for Food Stamps Online!
Any Massachusetts resident with access to a computer and the Internet can now apply for food stamps online via the Virtual Gateway. The online application is for new applicants only and cannot be used for re-certification. An interview with a DTA worker is still required but can be conducted over the phone. The applicant can print out a confirmation page and a tailored verification checklist. To use this new tool, go to www.mass.gov/dta and under “Key Resources” click on “Apply Online.”
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