Action on Changes Reported by a Source Other than the Household 430-05-67-40

(Revised 11/01/06 AMENDED ML3044)

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Any change reported from a source other than the household where the effect on the benefit is an increase or unknown, must be acted on by sending the F419. The household must be allowed 10 days from the mailing date of F419 to respond and to clarify its circumstances either by telephone or by correspondence.  If the change results in a decrease in benefits, the change must be acted on at six month report or recertification, whichever occurs first.  

 

Exceptions:

  1. Medical expenses that are reported from a source other than the household during the certification period must not be acted on if the worker must contact the household for verification.

Example:

A niece calls to report that her aunt who is on food stamps is paying $60 a month for prescriptions. The worker is prohibited from contacting the aunt.

  1. If the change is reported by the primary source of the information and includes all needed information/verification to act on the change, it must be acted on to increase or decrease benefits.

Example:

The annual cost of living increases and the Medicare premium changes must be acted on to increase or decrease benefits.  

  1. A household reports the addition of a new household member that is included in another Food Stamp case. The change in household composition must be acted on for both cases.

Example:

Dad reports that a child came to live with him permanently who was included and receiving food stamp benefits in mom’s case.  The child must be removed from mom’s case allowing for a 10 day advance notice to reduce benefits.  The child must then be added to dad’s case.  

  1. If the household responds and provides sufficient verification within the 10-day period and it results in an increase in benefits, 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 changes 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 provides the verification at a later date and the change results in an increase in benefits, benefits are increased the month after receipt of the verification.
  2. If the household responds and provides sufficient information/verification within 10 days or provides verification at a later date and the change results in a decrease in benefits, the change must not be acted on until the six month report or at recertification, whichever occurs first.

Exception:

If the change meets the criteria to reduce benefits, the change must be acted on within 10 days from the date the change was reported and a 10 day advance notice must be sent.  If the change is reported in writing and signed by the household, a 10 day advance notice is not required.  Adequate notice is required.

 

Example:

A source other than the household reports a household member is working on October 15 and the effect on the benefit is unknown. Notice F419 was sent to the household on October 16 and the household did not respond to the notice within 10 days of the mailing date.   When determining eligibility and level of benefits for November, the reported and unverified change is not acted on.

 

On November 16, the household provides verification of the previously reported and unverified new source of income.  The new source of income does not put the household over 130% of the gross income limit for the household size.  When determining eligibility and level of benefits for December, the verified change is not acted on as it results in a decrease in benefits and the verification was provided by the household.