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Asset Limit The maximum amount of countable assets an applicant/recipient may own or have available and remain eligible for assistance. Assets Cash or other liquid assets, non-liquid financial assets, and any real or personal property that a member of an assistance unit owns. Assignment To transfer a legal claim, such as assignment of child support or medical support. Assistance Unit Those persons whose needs, income and resources are considered when making a determination of eligibility for, and the amount of, public assistance. Authorization Date The date the Social Service Representative (SSR) or supervisor completes the authorization action. Authorized Representative Generally, an adult non-member of a Food Stamp household who may act on behalf of the household in applying for, obtaining, or using program benefits. A private, nonprofit organization or institution managing a drug addiction or alcoholic treatment and rehabilitation center may also serve in this capacity. An authorized representative can also be a person who applies for MA on behalf of others. Automated Teller Machine (ATM) An electronic banking device used by TANF recipients to access their cash assistance benefits. B

Beneficiary The person named to receive benefits or payments. Beneficiary Data Exchange (BENDEX) A computerized system which makes available to the Department information from the Social Security Administration regarding the Old Age and Survivors Disability Insurance (OASDI) benefits and Medicare coverage. Buy-in The purchase of Medicare premiums, co-payments or deductibles by the Department of Human Services for certain low-income individuals who are eligible for Medicare. After the Department of Human Services has 'picked up' the buy-in costs, Medicare premiums are no longer withheld from the recipient's monthly OASDI check, also referred to as a Social Security check. C

Capitol Access Card The District of Columbia's electronic benefits transfer card. It allows eligible program beneficiaries to access cash and food stamp benefits electronically at point of sale terminals and cash assistance benefits at ATMs. Caretaker A person who is responsible for the day-to-day care of the child. This includes physical care, supervision, and making decisions about the child. Caretaker Relative A non-parent individual responsible for the care and support of a dependent child and who is related to the child within a specified degree of relationship. Case Error An overpayment, underpayment, or payment to ineligible individuals.