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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES HANDLING CHANGES
10/24 VOLUME V, PART XIV, PAGE 8
5. Mass Changes (7 CFR 273.12(e))
A mass change is one that affects the entire caseload or significant portions of the caseload. Mass change notices are not required if the change does not affect current benefits such as an increase in net income limits. For mass changes that only affect benefits for a portion of the caseload, the BPS may opt to send notices to the households potentially or actually affected by the change only instead of the entire caseload. These changes could include a mass change in TANF grant amounts. For mass changes that result in a reduction or termination of benefits, the BPS does not need to send an Advance Notice of Proposed Action. Each household must receive an individual notice that a change will occur, however.
A general notice may be used for mass changes. Households must receive the notice no later than the benefit availability date. Minimal information needed on the mass change notice includes:
a. the general nature of the change;
b. examples of the change's effect on allotments;
c. the month in which the change will take effect;
d. the household's right to a fair hearing;
e. the household's right to continue benefits as long as its appeal is filed in a timely manner and the issue appealed is the improper computation of SNAP eligibility or benefits, or the misapplication or misinterpretation of federal law or regulation;
f. general information on whom to contact for additional information; and
g. the liability the household will incur for any overissued benefits if the fair hearing decision is adverse.
Instead of the above notice, the BPS may send each household an individual Notice of Action.
Mass changes include (7 CFR 273.12(e)):
a. adjustment to the maximum allowable monthly income.
b. adjustment to the shelter cost deduction.
c. adjustments to the dependent care deduction.
d. adjustment of the utility standard.
e. adjustment of the standard deduction.
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