Page 555

7207

[ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION PROCESS: MISSISSIPPI CORRECTIVE AUTHORIZATION PROCEDURES]

Revised 08-01-06 1. The new evidence shows that the eligibility factor did exist at the time of the original decision, even though the information was not available at the time, and 2. The application was denied, assistance reduced, or assistance terminated at or prior to that time, and 3. No change has occurred in the individual's condition or situation since the original decision was made to deny, terminate, or adjust assistance. For example, if the individual is found eligible because he developed incapacity after the county department denied his TANF application, a retroactive TANF benefit cannot be issued for any period prior to the time at which the change occurred. When the decision is made that the claimant is eligible for retroactive assistance, the letter from the Department will give the beginning date of eligibility for assistance. The county office will at once carry out the instructions by authorizing assistance, unless a change in the individual's situation affects the hearing decision. Retroactive Corrective Payments as Cash Reserve Consider retroactive corrective payments as cash reserve only when the money is still available to the family two months after the month in which the corrective payment was made. LOST, STOLEN OR DAMAGED DEBIT CARDS The cardholder should be advised to contact a customer service representative of the issuing agent to report his/her card lost, stolen, or damaged and request a replacement card (See Form MDHSEA303A, Recipient Information Sheet). PROCEDURAL CHANGES IN STATUS The following types of action are considered procedural changes because assistance is continued to or on behalf of the recipient without a break in benefits. With specified exceptions, notice must be given to the individual, stating what the change is and why it is being made. Advance notice is required when only part of the recipients continue to be eligible, such as in change of payee but it is not required for change of address, transfer between counties, etc. A non-advance notice is used for this purpose. Change of Address Make a change of address for a recipient by means of the ADDR screen in MAVERICS. A change