9085.3 Processing Changes Which Increase Benefits

[273.12(c)(1)] For changes which result in an increase in a household's benefits, make the change effective no later than the first allotment issued ten (10) days after the date the change is reported to the Division. For changes which produce an increase in benefits as the result of the addition of a new household member who is not a member of another certified household or as the result of a decrease of $50 or more in the household's gross monthly income, make the change effective not later than the first allotment issued ten (10) days after the date the change is reported. These changes must take effect no later than the month following in which the change is reported. For example, a $30 decrease in income reported on the 15th day of May would increase the household's June allotment. If the same decrease were reported on May 28, and the household's normal issuance cycle was on June 1, the household's allotment would have to be increased by July. If the change is reported after the 20th of a month and it is too late for the Division to adjust the following monthly allotment, issue a supplement by the 10th day of the following month or, if possible, in the household's normal issuance cycle in that month. For example, a household reporting a $100 decrease in income at any time during the month of May would have its June allotment increased. If the household reported the change after the 20th of May and it is too late to adjust the benefit normally issued on June 1, issue a supplement for the amount of the increase by June 10. Verify changes which result in an increase in a household's benefit in accordance with the verification requirements in DSSM 9038, prior to taking action on these changes except in the case of newborn infants. When a household reports the birth of a newborn, add the newborn to the household when the baby comes home according to DSSM 2006. Allow the household ten (10) days from the date the change is reported to provide verification required by DSSM 9038. If the household provides verification within this period, take action on the changes within the timeframes specified above. The timeframes will run from the date the change was reported, not from the date of verification. If, however, the household fails to provide the required verification within ten (10) days after the change is reported but does provide the verification at a later date, then the timeframes specified in the first and second paragraphs of this section for taking action on changes will run from the date the verification is provided rather than from the date the change is reported. In cases where DSS has determined that a household has refused to cooperate as defined in DSSM 9029, the household's eligibility will be terminated following the notice of adverse action.