Changes Resulting in an Increase in Benefits 430-05-67-15-05

(Revised 11/01/06 AMENDED ML3044)

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Any change that results in an increase in benefits must be verified. When verification is not provided, F419 – “Request for Verification” must be sent allowing the household 10 days from the mail date of the notice to verify the reported change.

 

  1. If the household provides verification within the 10-day period, the worker must act on the reported change within 10 days and send the household the appropriate notice.
  2. If the household fails to provide verification within the 10-day period, the previously verified amount of the reported change is used and the benefit stays the same.

If there is no previously verified amount (i.e. household reports now paying rent and previously had not), no change is made and the benefit stays the same.

  1. If the household fails to provide verification within the 10-day period and provides verification at a later date, benefits are increased the month after receipt of the verification.

Examples:

  1. Worker receives an alert that child support was received in the base month for an ongoing case.  Using base month child support results in an increase in benefits.  The alert must be acted on.
  2. The annual changes in the Thrifty Food Plan, Gross and Net Income Limits, Standard Deduction, Maximum Shelter Deduction and the Mandatory Utility Standards must be acted on as they will result in an increase in benefits.  The household must be notified of their new reporting requirement (Gross Income Limit) at six month report or recertification, whichever occurs first.  The worker must send the appropriate change in benefit notice.
  3. A household reports that a job ended.  The worker must send Notice F419 – Request for Verification – Simplified Reporting.  If the household responds and provides the requested information within 10 days of the mailing date of the notice, the change must be acted on to increase benefits and the appropriate notice must be sent to the household.

If the household fails to provide the requested verification within the 10 days, the previously verified amount of income is used and the benefit stays the same.  

 

If the household fails to provide the requested verification within the 10 days, but provides it at a later date, benefits are increased the month after receipt of the verification.  

 

If verification from the employer substantiates a job quit and the individual was a mandatory work registrant, the change must be acted on regardless of whether it results in an increase or a decrease in benefits.