403.05.02 Specific OSS Income Considerations

(Rev. 01/01/11)

OSS does not consider the value of In-kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) in the income determination.

Recouped and garnished amounts are not counted as income. (Refer to MPPM 401.08.03 and 401.08.04)

Any money given to the CRCF on behalf of an individual or to cover his or her basic needs is considered income to the individual. It is counted in the eligibility and payment determinations.

If an individual’s income is less than the SSI need standard, he or she is REQUIRED to apply for SSI within 30 days of applying for OSS.

If the individual has not applied for SSI within 30 days, beginning the month following the month the 30th day occurs, budget the amount of SSI he would be receiving if he had applied for and received SSI.

If the applicant is denied SSI benefits, determine if the reason for denial affects his eligibility for OSS. If the applicant is denied for failure to cooperate or failing to provide information, budget the amount of SSI he would have received if approved for SSI.

If an individual is currently residing in a medical facility and SSI is suspended because of the living arrangement, a slot can be requested for the individual. For the month of entry into a CRCF, the individual will have zero SSI. Beginning the month following the month of entry, assume the individual will begin to receive SSI and budget accordingly.

A slot can be requested if an individual has an approval letter from SSI indicating eligibility will begin once the individual has been discharged from a medical facility. For the month of entry into a CRCF, the individual will have zero SSI. Beginning the month following the month of entry, assume the individual will begin to receive SSI and budget accordingly.

Example #1 Sallie Barnes applies for OSS. Her only income is SAA. The gross SSA benefit is $750; however, Sallie only receives $600 per month due to a previous overpayment. Her countable gross income is $600. Example #2 Clyde Wilton receives gross SSA of $500 per month. He also receives VA. His total gross monthly VA pension is $500 ; $ 300 is pension and the remaining $200 is Aid and Attendance of $200. $50 of his VA is being recouped due to an overpayment. His countable gross income is $750. $300 – $50 (recouped amount) = $250 $200 A&A is excluded $500 (SSA) + $250 = $750 Example #3 Audrey Green resides at Safe Haven RCF. She gets $600 per month SSA. Her daughter gives the CRCF $100 per month to help pay for a private room. Her countable income is $700. Example #4 Bryson Hall applied for OSS on April 1. His only income is $400 per month in SSA. He must apply for SSI and provide verification of this by May 1. Example #5 Stuart Little applies for OSS April 15. His only income is $500 SSA. He does not apply for SSI within 30 days. Beginning June, budget Mr. Little’s case as if he were receiving a SSI payment.

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Note: All alleged income must be VERIFIED and DOCUMENTED in the Case Record. All available data matches must be performed: BENDEX, SDX, State Retirement, Wage Match, and CHIP (if available).