Memo MC #32
STATE OF ALASKA
Department of Health and Social Services
Division of Public Assistance
TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: MC #32
MANUAL: Adult Public Assistance
DATE: December 1, 2011
This year Social Security announced a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) increase effective January 2012. The Adult Public Assistance need and maximum payment standards are adjusted by the same percentage as the COLA increase in Social Security benefits. This year the COLA increase is 3.6%. We have incorporated the 2012 standards into the examples and Addendum 1. These standards become effective with the benefit month of January 2012. The COLA adjustment also causes:
An increase in the income limit for Substantial Gainful Activity; and An increase in the student earned income exclusion.
Highlights of these policy revisions are described below. If you have any questions please contact the Policy and Program Development Team at 465-3382 or email dpapolicy@alaska.gov .
OVERVIEW OF CHANGES
MS 433-1 Transfer of Resources
Updates examples to reflect the 2012 need and maximum payment standards.
MS 433-2 A Eligibility for Conditional Benefits
Updates the SSI payment standard to the new 2012 amount in order to accurately calculate if an applicant is eligible for conditional benefits.
MS 452 Payments
Updates examples to reflect the 2012 need and maximum payment standards.
MS 460-5 Income Allocations
Updates examples and standards to reflect the 2012 need and maximum payment standards.
Addendum 1 Program Standards
Updates program standards to reflect the COLA changes for 2012.