452-6 ISSUANCE OF APA PAYMENTS

452-6 ISSUANCE OF APA PAYMENTS

APA payments may be made by electronic benefit transfer (EBT) to a Quest card or by direct deposit on a monthly basis. The monthly benefit will normally be paid to the recipient on the first day of each month. However, the Eligibility Information System (EIS) also has the capability of issuing initial benefit payments three times a week.

Note: Quest cards cannot be used to make purchases with APA cash benefits or to withdraw cash benefits from ATM s located in bars, liquor stores, gambling or adult entertainment establishments.

452-6 A. INITIAL MONTH'S APA PAYMENT

The APA payment for the initial month of APA eligibility is calculated from the date on which the APA application is received in a DPA office or the date on which the applicant meets all APA eligibility requirements, whichever date is later.

To prorate the initial month's benefit payment, first calculate the APA benefit amount as if the applicant were entitled to a full month's benefit. Multiply the full month's benefit amount by the number of days in the month from the application date forward, divided by the total number of days in the month. Round the result down to the next lower dollar to get the prorated benefit amount. If the prorated, unrounded benefit amount is less than $1.00 and at least $0.01, the individual or couple is still considered eligible for APA , but receives no payment for that month.

Note: If the prorated, unrounded benefit amount is less than $1.00 and at least $0.01, EIS will issue the individual or couple $1.00. This is due to an EIS programming error that cannot be corrected at this time. Staff will consider the $1.00 payment in this situation to be accurate.

Example: An individual applies and is found eligible for APA beginning July 30. Without proration, the individual's full month's benefit for the initial month of July is $200. The prorated benefit amount for July is calculated as follows: $200 X 2 days = $12.90 31 days The $12.90 amount is rounded down to the next lower dollar to get the prorated benefit amount. The prorated APA benefit for the initial month of July is $12.00.

452-6 B. INITIAL MONTH IA PAYMENT

Interim Assistance payments are always paid for an entire calendar month. Proration of initial month's benefits does not apply to Interim Assistance payments.

452-6 C. CONTINUING MONTHLY PAYMENTS

For months following the initial month, payment is made for the entire calendar month.