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West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Chapter 20

West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Page 32 Chapter 20 Emergency and Special Assistance Programs

20.2.4.F.1 Transients A transient is an individual who is traveling or passing through a locality and experiences an emergency that makes it necessary to return to his home community. The home community does not need to be in West Virginia. The definition of transient does not include individuals who are visiting within the locality or who arrived with the intent to obtain temporary to permanent employment or otherwise remain within the locality on a temporary or permanent basis. In addition, an individual who finds temporary or permanent employment within a locality, but later decides to return to his home community does not meet the definition of a transient. A transient must be without resources with which to purchase the item or service that will enable him to return to his community. Prior to authorizing payment, the Worker must verify by a collateral contact that the transient has a place to live or that another agency will assist him to become reestablished in the community to which he wishes to return. Applications for transportation by transients must not be denied if the maximum payment does not complete the travel arrangements. However, the Worker must determine how far they can travel and whether or not there is another agency in that location to help them. 20.2.4.F.2 Determining the Amount of Payment ➢ Transients The amount of payment depends upon the type of transportation to be used and the one-way distance. However, the maximum payment cannot exceed $50 per AG member, regardless of the type of transportation used or the one-way distance. Payment may be authorized for the cost of gasoline, oil, and minor auto repairs for a privately- owned automobile or for use of a common carrier, restricted to bus, train, or taxi. If a common carrier must be used, payment up to $50 of the established one-way fare per AG member is made to the vendor. If an automobile is used, payment may include mileage one way for the cost of gasoline and oil, based on the current State reimbursement rate, and minor automobile repair. The total payment for either mileage or minor repairs or a combination cannot exceed $100 per AG. Form DFA-67 is completed and made payable to the recipient. If payment is authorized only for minor automobile repairs, the check is made payable to the vendor.