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3 b. Cost control recommendations to control increases in general fund public assistance expenditures

1) Changes in eligibility standard:

TAONF: July 1, 2009, net income standard decreased to 48% of 2006 FPL or $450 per month for one person. Gross income standard has been $1,737 for one person as of July 1, 2007.

GA: November 1, 2009, net income decreased to 32 % of 2006 FPL or $300 a month for one person. July 1, 2010, increased to 37.6% of FPL or $353 a month for one person. October 1, 2011, decrease to 34% of FPL or $319 for one person. February 1, 2013, decrease to 31.7% of FPL or $298 for one person. Gross income standard has been $1,737 for one person as of July 1, 2007.

AABD: July 2010, net income decreased to 34% of 2006 FPL or $319 a month for one person. Gross income standard has been $1,737 for one person as of July 1, 2007.

2) Adjustments to assistance allowance:

TAONF: July 1, 2009, decreased to 48% of 2006 FPL or $450 per month for one person.

GA: November 1, 2009, decreased to 32 % of 2006 FPL or $300 a month for one person. July 1, 2010, increased to 37.6% of FPL or $353 a month for one person, October 1, 2011, decrease to 34% of FPL or $319 for one person, February 1, 2013, decrease to 31.7% of FPL or $298 for one person and April 1, 2014, increase to 37.1 of FPL or $348 for one person.

AABD: July 1, 2010 decreased to 34% of 2006 FPL or $319 a month for one person and April 1, 2014, increase to 37.1% of FPL or $348 for one person.

3) Alternatives to financial assistance to meet the needs for an adequate standard of living:

We continue to have a contracted medical provider examine all individuals who claim a disability. To ensure quality control, the medical evaluations are reviewed by a contracted medical board. This process is implemented statewide and has standardized the definition used to determine if a person meets the disability criteria according to HRS for the specific financial program the individual is being considered or eligible to receive. All those needing assistance are now being assessed through the use of a consistent standard.

We also continue to contract advocacy services to maximize the number of people eligible for federal assistance provided by the Social Security Administration. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) advocacy program is included in the medical and psychological assessment contract to streamline the process in referring clients to apply for SSI and is sub-contracted with the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii (LASH). LASH assists