SNAP and POWER Policy Manual - Wyoming Department of Family Services

101 Purpose of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP – 7 CFR 271.1

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is designed to promote the general welfare and safeguard the health and well being of the nation's population by raising the levels of nutrition among low-income households.

SNAP is benefits provided to the states by the federal government for issuance to eligible low-income assistance units to spend through the normal channels of trade on food and food items.

102 Purpose of the POWER Program

POWER - P.L. 104-193, as amended | ARW, Chapter 1

Personal Opportunities With Employment Responsibilities (POWER) is a time limited Pay-After-Performance program which assures families with a dependent child(ren) are working on a plan to become self sufficient.

POWER performance payments shall be used to purchase or make available: Food, shelter; Apparel and upkeep; Utilities, telephone; Personal needs; Recreation; Home furnishings maintenance; Miscellaneous medical; Travel costs; Housekeeping supplies; and Reading and education.

The program is funded with state dollars and with federal dollars through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant established under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996 (P.L. 104-193), as amended by the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act and the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.

301 Verification

SNAP - 7 CFR 272.8, .11, 273.2, .7-.8, .14 | ARW, Chapter 1, Section 3 | POWER - W.S. 42-2-105

Verification is the use of documentation or a contact with a third party to confirm the accuracy of statements or information. Verify each eligibility factor for each individual to be included in the assistance unit prior to making the initial/ongoing eligibility determination.

Verify the eligibility factors prior to making the ongoing eligibility determination. Eligibility factors required to be verified include but are not limited to: Gross Non-Exempt Income Alien Eligibility Utility Expenses Medical Expenses Social Security Numbers Residency Identity Disability Household Composition Students Legal Obligation and Actual Child Support Payments ABAWD Eligibility

Authorize the $1 nonpayment status for POWER for noncompliance when eligibility cannot be determined because the applicant/recipient refuses to provide: The requested document(s)/documentation, or The written consent to obtain it.

Require the applicant/recipient to provide the document(s)/ documentation necessary to verify the eligibility factors except: When the verification is provided on one (1) of the following interfaces: Reports and Verification for Eligibility (RAVE), Numident, TPQY, BENDEX, SDX, ESY4 or RIS; and When verification is available within DFS in a prior case file and the factor is not subject to change (i.e. a SSN or date of birth).

Assist the applicant/recipient, upon request, in obtaining the document(s) for verification when the individual is or would have difficulty providing them.

Evaluate the verification(s): Compare each piece of verification to the others to see if the information is consistent. Assure the date the document(s) was created verifies the factor and does not raise more questions. Consider the reason why the document was created. Examine the verification to determine whether it has been tampered with or altered. Determine whether the verification answers the issue in question.

Resolve any discrepancies or questions raised by the verification by: Requiring additional verification; or Contacting a knowledgeable source.

Allow the assistance unit at least 10 days from the date the notice is mailed to provide required verification.

Accept a collateral contact in cases when requiring documentary evidence would delay processing the application: Conduct a collateral contact either in person or over the phone; Select a collateral contact if the assistance unit fails to designate one (1) or designates one (1) which is unacceptable; Disclose only the information absolutely necessary to get the information being sought; and Do not disclose the assistance unit applied for SNAP, failed to provide information or suggest the assistance unit is suspected of any wrong doing.

Schedule a home visit only when documentary evidence is insufficient to make a firm determination of eligibility or benefit level or cannot be obtained.

Allow postponement of eligibility factors, excluding identity, when the assistance unit is eligible for expedited SNAP and: Certify the assistance unit for the appropriate time period; or Allow migrant farm-workers two (2) months to provide verifications from out-of-state sources.

Review and evaluate the information provided by the RAVE, ESY4, SDX, BDX, RIS and eDRS interfaces at each application, re-certification and when adding a new household member.

302 Documentation

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.2 | POWER - W.S. 42-2-105

Enter the proof of the verification in the case record by recording the type of verification, identifying numbers and any clarification notes.

Document the case file narrative as follows: The name of the person providing the information; The title of the person providing the information (when appropriate); The organization name; The date obtained; The type of document and date of the document; Identification number of the document (if any); Volume and page(s) reference of public records (when appropriate); The content of the information/document; and The initials of the individual who verified the information and the date verified.

Obtain a free copy of the Wyoming birth certificate for DFS purposes only by emailing the designated contact at the Department of Health, Vital Records Department. Specify the individual's full name at birth, mother's maiden name, father's name, date and place of birth.

Obtain information concerning immigrant status through the SAVE process ( Section 606(G) ) or by writing USCIS at SAVE.Help@uscis.dhs.gov .

303 Acceptable Verification/Evidence

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.2 ; POWER - W.S. 42-2-105

A. Use the table below as a guide for requesting primary evidence and secondary evidence to be used for verification and documentation.

1. The document/documentation needs to clearly link the evidence to the household.

B. Require the applicant/recipient to provide no less than one (1) primary source or two (2) secondary sources of documentation to verify each eligibility factor.

1. Require the primary document/documentation when it is obtainable. 2. Accept secondary documents/documentation only when the primary evidence is not available. 3. One (1) document may verify more than one (1) eligibility factor for more than one (1) applicant/recipient.

FACTOR PRIMARY EVIDENCE SECONDARY EVIDENCE AGE Birth Certificate Adoption papers or records Church records Baptismal certificate Vital statistics records United States passport Family Bible records Indian census records Social Security records Military records School records Census records Driver’s license Court support order Juvenile court records Child Welfare records None ASSETS Bank accounts, CD’s, bonds, stocks, mutual funds SNAP only for cash and safety deposit box Bank officials Savings bonds Certificates of deposit Bank statements Viewing certificates, bonds or notes Statement of applicant/recipient Notarized statement of contents None Bona Fide Effort To Sell land, buildings, and other real property Realtor Listing Online Posting Newspaper Ad None Vehicles - Ownership Registration Title RIS interface Statement from DMV Proof of purchase or sale None Vehicles - Value Edmunds Automobile Valuation Internet site (trade in value) for cars and trucks, or NADA for Campers and trailers. Appraisal from licensed dealer Payment book Statement from two (2) knowledgeable sources in the community CHILD SUPPORT RECEIVED Assigned For verification of received child support payments, see Income, Unearned, Support Assignment of support, DFS100/DFS100S Report of non-custodial parent, DFS 543 Individual Responsibility Certificate of Understanding None CITIZENSHIP By birth or naturalization (Includes persons born in D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa or Swains Island) For SNAP only: Verify citizenship only when questionable Birth certificate Citizenship papers U.S. Passport Hospital record of birth Baptismal record showing date and place of birth Military service papers Family Bible Indian census records For SNAP only: A written declaration, made under penalty of perjury and possibly subject to later verification of status, from one or more third parties indicating a reasonable basis for personal knowledge that the applicant is a U.S. citizen or non-citizen national. For POWER only: Drivers License from a state that requires proof of citizenship or permanent resident status in order to be issued (i.e. Wyoming). By permanent residence Immigrant registration card (I-551) Re-entry permit Parolee, Asylee, Refugee USCIS records (see prior section for USCIS address) I-94 marked refugee conditional entry or paroled Correspondence stating indefinite or voluntary departure, indefinite stay deportation or not under direct order of deportation Correspondence stating immigrant under USCIS order of supervision Correspondence stating immigrant granted deferred action status SDX or TPQY Victims of trafficking Certified letter for the adult(s) from HHS, Office of Refugee Resettlement Similar un-certified letter for a child(ren) SECONDARY EVIDENCE Canadian Indians Unexpired Form I-551 with code S13 Unexpired temporary I-551 stamp on a Canadian passport Form I-94 with the code of S13 Letter or other tribal document, certifying at least 50% Indian blood; and Birth certificate or other satisfactory evidence of birth in Canada Legal immigrant victim of domestic violence Any official documentation of an approval or a petition pending setting the domestic violence status None Qualifying quarters Verification from SSA TPQY interface Wage information not covered by SSA match None Color of law prior to 1/1/72 Permanent Residence under Color of Law (PRUCOL) USCIS records Evidence verifying continuous residence prior to 1/1/72 School records Marriage license voter registration card Insurance policy Military service records social security card None DEDUCTIBLE EXPENSES Dependent care - SNAP only Statement of provider showing actual or prospective amount Actual bill(s) from the provider Receipt(s) reflective of what was billed None Legally obligated Child Support See income, unearned support for verification sources of child support payments Court order or court records Divorce or separation decrees Support agreements Lawyer’s records Wage withholding statements Employer’s records showing attachment of wages Statements from custodial parent Income tax returns Canceled checks Correspondence regarding support payments Title IV-D and Child Support Enforcement agencies. None Medical Bills from the providers of health insurance, services and products Statements from providers Health insurance policies describing areas of coverage. None Self-employment Business ledgers (except for SNAP) Actual receipt of expense Income Tax records None Shelter Rent/mortgage bill(s) Receipt(s) reflective of what was billed Landlord statement or DFS 109 Lease agreement/ rental verification form Utility bills Statement of utility provider Receipt of LIEAP Property tax/insurance records None FACTOR PRIMARY EVIDENCE SECONDARY EVIDENCE DISABILITY/ INCAPACITY Individual Official Document or proof of receipt of benefits from: SSI RSDI Railroad Retirement Other governmental agency VA None Exemption from work registration - SNAP only DFS 110 Visual verification by Benefit Specialist Physician’s statement None EDUCATION Degree Diploma Transcript Signed statement from school Class schedule Grade report None ELDERLY (see AGE) EMANCIPATION For POWER only: Marriage certificate Divorce decree Birth certificate Military papers Decree of emancipation 5 YEAR BENEFIT LIMIT For POWER only: Issuance history Verification from prior state(s) of residence None GOOD CAUSE For POWER only: Child support claim Medical records Written statement of mental health professional Written statement of person other than applicant/recipient Law enforcement records Court or legal records Written statement of child protection or social service personnel None Employment Physician statement or DFS 110 DWS statement Social Service statement Employer statement Statement of other employees or clients OSHA statement Proof of expense None FACTOR PRIMARY EVIDENCE SECONDARY EVIDENCE IDENTITY For SNAP only - Any documents which reasonably establish the applicant’s identity must be accepted and no requirement for a specific type of document such as a birth certificate may be imposed. Birth certificate State issued ID from Revenue Dept. Driver’s license Voter’s registration card Naturalization certificate Marriage certificate Divorce decree Military service records or IDs U.S. Passport Church record Clinic, doctor or hospital record Insurance policy Immigration documents TPQY School record Report card Baby’s hospital wrist band Newspaper announcement Child care or pre-school records Record of child’s membership in a youth organizationFor SNAP - Collateral Contact INCOME Wages and in-kind wages Wage stubs Employer’s statement or DFS 106 ESY4 BDE (earned income BENDEX) None Self-employment For SNAP only Business ledgers Income Tax records Client Statement None Unearned income Award notice Official correspondence Recent check BDX (BENDEX) printout/interface SSA form 1610 SDX printout/ interface UIB (unemployment insurance benefits interface) Railroad unemployment benefits Third Party query (TPQY) BDP (Pension BENDEX) UFO (IRS interface) RAVE Collateral contact with appropriate agency None Contributions Statement from source of payment Copy of check Official correspondence None Grants, scholarships DFS 111 Financial Information Award notice Official printout/correspondence None Support payments, retained or excess child support Reports and Verification for Eligibilty (RAVE) CSPmt History Information from child support authority Clerk of Court in locality of court order Canceled checks from non-custodial parent Divorce or separation decree Statement from source of payment ReliaCard Statement Court order/records Support agreement Income tax return Employer’s record of attached wages Official correspondence Child support collection Review interface window None FACTOR PRIMARY EVIDENCE SECONDARY EVIDENCE LIVING WITH A RELATIVE Current school record showing address of child and responsible relative Hospital, clinic, health department or physician Court Support order Juvenile court record Child welfare record Statement of minister, priest or rabbi Signed statement from a non-relative Visually observing child in the home Non-relative landlord’s statement LOANS – BONA FIDE Written agreement, signed by all parties, to repay the loan within a specified time Evidence the loan was obtained from an individual or establishment engaged in the business of making loans None PRISONERS For SNAP only TPQY interface None RELATIONSHIP For POWER only Child and relative same or different surname Birth certificate(s) Adoption papers or official records Indian census records Marriage license Divorce decree Hospital or clinic records of birth Church records of birth, parentage Vital statistics records Baptismal certificate or records Paternity or presumed paternal relative Marriage certificate Birth certificate Paternity papers Court order Adoption papers Indian census records U.S. Passport Records of verification if father listed or paternal relative listed and relationship identified: Social Security records Hospital/Clinic/Health Department records Child welfare agency records Census Bureau records Income tax records Insurance policy School/juvenile court records Military/veterans records Wills/deeds/trusts, etc. Baptismal certificateNotarized statements from both parents(except for POWER) RESIDENCE Statement of applicant/recipient Landlord statement Employer’s statement Collateral contact Post office records/statements Tax office records Rent/mortgage receipts Item of mail with assistance unit name, address and current post mark Driver’s license/DMV records Voter’s registration card High school diploma Utility bills Wages School records DFS 109 Rental Verification form None FACTOR PRIMARY EVIDENCE SECONDARY EVIDENCE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE/ STUDENT STATUS Secondary and Post-secondary Statement from/contact with school authorities DFS111 Current report card Correspondence from school authorities Registration information Correspondence from scholarship source Signed statement from non relative with knowledge of child’s attendance Moved from another state and not pre-registered School authorities from other state Child welfare record Statement of client Report card Signed statement of non relative For SNAP only Statement from school authorities DFS 111 Social Security Number (SSN) Social Security card Documents/ printouts from SSA FOR POWER; Require a hard copy or SSA printout or interface for all assistance unit members. For newborns: Require a hard copy or SSA printout or interface, no later than end of the baby's third month birthday. FOR SNAP: Verification is required only through the SSA interface for SNAP. (see Section 605)

401 Application/Intake Process

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.2, .14 | ARW, Chapter 1, Section 3 | POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 3, W.S. 42-2-103 - 111

The following are acceptable types of applications: DFS 100 Application for Benefits; or DFS 100S (Spanish) Application for Benefits.

Give, fax, e-mail or mail an application to the applicant on the date of request;

Require a separate application for each assistance unit.

For SNAP and POWER; 1. Applications and verification received via email will be considered received on the actual date showing in the email, regardless of time of day, with the exception of verification received on a weekend or holiday (see below). 2. Applications and verification received via mail, fax, drop box or delivered in person will be date stamped upon receipt. All documents received on a weekend or holiday, regardless of how they were submitted, shall be considered received on the first working day following the weekend or holiday. 3. All drop box and fax locations should be checked, at a minimum the beginning and close of business, daily.

The SNAP application shall be considered complete if it contains the name, address of the applicant, and signature of the applicant or authorized representative (including expedite).

All POWER applications must be registered in EPICS. If withdraw is requested the application must be registered and then denied.

Applications shall be screened and processed for expedited SNAP following the procedures in Sections 405 SNAP Expedited Service and 406 SNAP Migrants/Seasonal Farm Workers.

An enrolled Tribal member who is a resident of Fremont or Hot Springs County and who is applying for the Tribal TANF program may have the application for benefits processed at the appropriate Tribal TANF office.

An interview shall be conducted and the application shall be acted upon within the following time frames: Remember: The processing time limit begins the first calendar day following the day the application is received in a DFS-FO. Within five (5) calendar days, authorize the benefits to allow the applicant to receive the SNAP benefits within seven (7) calendar days for expedited services; Within 28 calendar days, authorize benefits for SNAP to meet the 30 calendar day application processing time limit; After meeting the initial performance requirements for POWER (see Section 1203); and SNAP benefits shall not be delayed because of delays in other program eligibility determinations/requirements.

Changes in circumstances, reported or known, which occur between the date of application and the date of authorization shall be acted upon. Eligibility shall be determined from the date the application is filed. Any changes in assets, which occur and are reported after the interview, shall be disregarded in determining eligibility for the month of application for SNAP benefits. See Section 1500 for treatment of changes that have become known or are reported after the interview and prior to the date of authorization.

Applicants shall be informed of their rights and responsibilities as detailed in Sections 402 Client's Rights and 404 Client's Responsibilities. Rights and responsibilities shall be reviewed at the beginning of the interview.

Applicants for SNAP benefits shall be given a reasonable opportunity of at least 10 days from the date of a notice requesting verification to provide valid documentation of their immigrant status: An immigrant’s eligibility for SNAP shall not be delayed, denied, reduced or terminated when the DFS-FO fails to provide an immigrant applicant with a reasonable opportunity to provide verification of immigrant status within 30 days following the date of application. The DFS-FO shall provide the household with benefits no later than 30 days following the date of application, provided the household is otherwise eligible. POWER shall not be authorized without valid documentation. Inform the applicant that valid documentation of alien status shall be provided within five (5) days from the date of intake interview for all individuals who are not U.S. citizens.

SNAP – 7 CFR 273.2; ARW, Chapter 1, Section 3

An individual leaving an institution can apply prior to leaving and the date of application shall be the date s/he is released, if they jointly apply for SNAP and SSI at the same time.

Do not schedule a second interview if the assistance unit misses a scheduled interview: The appropriate notice to notify the assistance unit it is responsible to reschedule a missed interview shall be generated; and The application shall not be denied until the 30th day following the date of application for a missed interview.

The application shall not be denied until the 30th day following the date of application unless the assistance unit is not eligible due to not meeting an eligibility factor or for missing verifications (does not include a missed interview).

Do not require a new application when: The application was denied based on an eligibility factor; New information is provided, within the 30-day processing period, on the specific eligibility factor which caused the denial; and The new information allows the assistance unit to be eligible for benefits. Benefits shall be authorized from the original date of application.

Do not delay an eligibility determination when jointly processing a POWER application and the assistance unit is eligible for SNAP.

Delay the SNAP eligibility determination up to 30 days if the assistance unit: Appears to be categorically eligible; Is not otherwise eligible; and Is not eligible for expedited services (see Section 405 and Section 406).

Take the following actions when there is a delay in processing the SNAP application: Delay caused by assistance unit: Consider the assistance unit’s benefits forfeited for the month of application if, by the 30th day, no action can be taken on the application due to the fault of the assistance unit; Send a notice of denial, giving the reason, on the 30th calendar day; and Re-open the case, without requiring a new application, if the requested action is taken within 60 calendar days of the initial application and prorate benefits from the date the action is taken or verification is received. Delay caused by DFS: Notify the assistance unit the application is pending no later than the 30th calendar day following the date of application; and The assistance unit shall be entitled to benefits back to the date of application if the assistance unit is determined eligible and DFS was at fault. Require a new application after 60 calendar days.

Click here for denying SNAP application on the 30th Day for further instructions.

POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 3, W.S. 42-2-103-111

Inform the applicant of: The Pay-After-Performance requirements which shall be met before a monthly performance payment can be authorized; and The penalties for noncompliance with pay-after-performance requirements.

Begin payment as stated in Section 1204 POWER Payment Process unless the circumstances in B exist.

Authorize a performance payment for the assistance unit after compliance has taken place for 30 calendar days: Verify no one in the assistance unit has within the 60 calendar days prior to the date of application and without good cause: Refused a bona fide offer of employment or training for employment; Voluntarily quit employment; or Voluntarily reduced the number of hours of employment and/or rate of pay. The employment was for at least 20 hours per week or provided weekly earnings equivalent to the federal minimum wage multiplied by 20 hours. The mandatory applicant(s) shall comply with the performance requirements immediately; and Notify the work program action center case manager the case shall remain open for a minimum of 30 days; Verify, grant and document good cause only if one (1) of the following exists: The applicant was legally, physically or emotionally unable to perform the type of work involved or lacked the basic skills required to do the job; Employment was reduced or terminated through no fault of the applicant; The applicant was subjected to intimidation, abuse, discrimination, exploitation or harassment by the business management or the general public and the applicant exhausted all means available for resolution of the problem; Unsafe or unsanitary working conditions existed and the applicant exhausted all means available for resolution of the problem; The job did not pay the applicable state or federal minimum wage; The expenses of the employment exceeded the net income; The job was not covered by Workers’ Compensation as required under state law and the applicant exhausted all means available to acquire coverage for an injury. The job did not materialize; or The job created religious conflicts that could not be resolved. Education or training. See Section 1204 POWER Payment Process for authorization information.

402 Client's Rights

SNAP - 7 CFR 272.2, .5, .6, 273.2 and .15 | POWER – ARW, Chapter 1, Section 3 | W.S. 42-2-103 – 111 | W.S. 20-3-101

The applicant/recipient has the following rights:

To apply for benefits: Upon request and without delay; On the prescribed form(s) obtained in person or by mail, fax, e-mail or internet; During regular business hours; and In the county of residence (unless a neighboring county has been approved by DFS-SO).

To be accompanied at interviews by a person(s) of his/her choice.

To designate, in writing, an authorized representative when applying for or receiving SNAP: To assist with the application process and/or interview; To apply for benefits on the client’s behalf; and/or To receive and use SNAP benefits on the client’s behalf.

To request a telephone or home visit interview when applying for SNAP: Schedule and conduct a home visit or telephone interview; and Require the assistance unit to provide the needed verification(s); Accept a collateral contact in cases when requiring documentary evidence would delay processing the application; and Document the case record.

To have the application and other personally identifiable information maintained confidential, except as necessary to determine eligibility or to comply with state or federal law. (see Section 403 - Confidentiality/Safeguarding Information).

To be informed about: The purpose of the program, eligibility factors, verifications needed and the POWER performance requirements which shall be met in order to receive a POWER benefit each month; The choice of participating in either the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) or the SNAP program prior to any benefits being authorized. Under no circumstances shall any household participate simultaneously in the SNAP and the Food Distribution Program; The length of time benefits are certified/authorized; The rights and responsibilities of applicants/recipients; and Other available DFS and non-DFS programs.

To withdraw the application at any time for a POWER benefit: Document the case record when a withdrawal is requested, either in writing or verbally; Generate the withdrawal notice; and See Section 1203 - Initial POWER Eligibility Determination for possible POWER penalties.

To voluntarily request, either in writing or verbally, to withdraw the application at any time prior to the determination of eligibility (the point a Notice of Eligibility is sent) for a SNAP benefit: Document in the case record the reason for withdrawal, if any was stated by the assistance unit, and that contact was made with the assistance unit to confirm the withdrawal; The assistance unit shall be advised of the right to re-apply at any time subsequent to a withdrawal; and Generate a notice stating the client withdrew the application.

The notification in writing of the decision to approve or deny the application and/or the reason for nonpayment of POWER due to noncompliance when applicable. For SNAP, a denial notice cannot be sent prior to the 30th day due to a missed interview. (Reminder: A notice of missed interview is required to be sent prior to the denial notice).

To a notice of adverse action within the specified time frames for the program. (see Section 1400 - Notification).

To an explanation of the right to request an administrative hearing within 30 days from the date of a notice of adverse action for POWER and within 90 days from the date of a notice of adverse action for SNAP.

To continue SNAP benefits, unless the certification period has expired, pending an administrative hearing when the hearing is requested within 10 days of the notice of adverse action POWER is not continued.

To re-apply following denial or termination of benefits.

SNAP – 7 CFR 273.2

To be interviewed on the date of application or have an interview scheduled for a specific date and time when the application is filed.

To file a discrimination complaint regarding her/his civil rights with the: DFS-Field Office DFS-State Office (Regional Manager or Program Manager); Food and Consumer Service, Mountain Plains Region, 1244 Speer Blvd., Suite 903, Denver, CO 80204; Civil Rights Statement: In accordance with federal civil rights laws and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Programs that receive federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and programs HHS directly operates are also prohibited from discrimination under federal civil rights laws and HHS regulations.Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLAINTS INVOLVING USDA PROGRAMS USDA provides federal financial assistance for many food security and hunger reduction programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) and others. To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:mail: Food and Nutrition Service, USDA 1320 Braddock Place, Room 334, Alexandria, VA 22314; or fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or phone: (833) 620-1071; or email: FNSCIVILRIGHTSCOMPLAINTS@usda.gov. For any other information regarding SNAP issues, persons should either contact the USDA SNAP hotline number at (800) 221-5689, which is also in Spanish, or call the state information/hotline numbers (click the link for a listing of hotline numbers by state); found online at: SNAP hotline. CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLAINTS INVOLVING HHS PROGRAMS HHS provides federal financial assistance for many programs to enhance health and well-being, including TANF, Head Start, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and others. If you believe that you have been discriminated against because of your race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), or religion in programs or activities that HHS directly operates or to which HHS provides federal financial assistance, you may file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) for yourself or for someone else.To file a complaint of discrimination for yourself or someone else regarding a program receiving federal financial assistance through HHS, complete the form on line through OCR’s Complaint Portal at https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/. You may also contact OCR via mail at: Centralized Case Management Operations, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Room 509F HHH Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20201; fax: (202) 619-3818; or email: OCRmail@hhs.gov. For faster processing, we encourage you to use the OCR online portal to file complaints rather than filing via mail. Persons who need assistance with filing a civil rights complaint can email OCR at OCRMail@hhs.gov or call OCR toll-free at 1-800-368-1019, TDD 1-800-537-7697. For persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech difficulties, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. We also provide alternative formats (such as Braille and large print), auxiliary aids and language assistance services free of charge for filing a complaint. Right to File. Any person or representative alleging discrimination based on a prohibited basis has the right to file a complaint within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory action. Only the Secretary of Agriculture may extend this time under special circumstances. The complainant must be advised of confidentiality and Privacy Act applications. The complainant and the entity that the complaints filed against will be encouraged to resolve the issue at the lowest possible level and as expeditiously as possible.

Acceptance. All complaints, written or verbal, must be forwarded to the office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, unless an approved State complaint procedure is in place. Anonymous complaints will be handled as any other complaints, to the extent feasible, based on available information. Employees must be informed that in the event a complainant makes an allegation verbally or in person and refuses or is not inclined to place such allegation in writing, the person hearing the allegation must write up the elements of the complaint for the complainant and forward such complaint to the office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

When a complaint is filed, regardless of who the complainant made the complaint to, it needs to be escalated to a benefits supervisor IMMEDIATELY. The supervisor is then going to alert the Regional Manager who will complete a Civil Rights Complaint Form. This form is submitted to the SNAP Program Manager, who then turns it over to USDA. From the date that the complaint came in, we as an agency, have 5 days to get it to USDA. Please refer to the Civil Rights Complaint Procedures document in the shared drive for additional information.

POWER – ARW, Chapter 1, Section 3, W.S. 42-2-103 – 111; W.S. 20-3-101

A caretaker who wishes to be included in the POWER Work Program may volunteer to participate and be included in the grant but must comply with all Work program regulations for either a single parent or a two parent family

To be informed that DFS shall report to CIS the name, address and other identifying information of any individual who is known to be unlawfully in the U.S.

To request a review of her/his child support case and to request the child support order be amended to reflect the current situation of the child(ren) and her/his parent(s).

To apply for non-public assistance child support services for a fee when POWER is denied.

When living in the same household, the parent, adult relative or court appointed guardian or custodian shall apply on behalf of an unemancipated minor parent.

An emancipated minor or parent age 18 and over shall apply on his/her own behalf and cannot be included in his/her parents' assistance unit, even if living in his/her parents' household.

Native American(s) and other minority clients have the right to equal access to POWER services even when the services are available under a tribal program.

403 Confidentiality/Safeguarding Information

SNAP - 7 CFR 272.1, .4, 273.2 and .15, 274.12 | POWER - W.S. 16-4-203, 42-2-103 - 42-2-111

Public Records:

A. The following are public records and shall be made available to the public upon request with the approval of an Assistance Division Region Manager or designee:

General information which does not identify individuals; Statistical information related to budgets, expenditures, numbers of applicants or recipients or other information, which does not identify individuals; and Documents or information which detail the policies and procedures related to the delivery and administration of programs and services administered by DFS.

B. Charge the actual copying costs to the individual/agency requesting the records.

Confidential Information:

C. Any information that can be identified as relating to a specific individual shall be confidential, except as specified below; the following information is confidential and shall not be released:

The names and addresses of applicants and recipients and amounts of cash assistance provided; Documents naming a specific individual(s); The fact of the existence of documents naming a specific individual(s); Personal facts relating to a specific individual(s); The fact of application for or receipt of a program or service through DFS; Information relating to the social and economic conditions or circumstance of a particular individual including information obtained from IRS and SSA which shall be safeguarded in accordance with procedures set forth by those agencies; and Any information known about a specific individual but not part of a case record or document.

Safeguarding Information:

D. The individual, and/or the authorized representative, shall be allowed to examine, review or copy from his/her own case record any information, except the following confidential information:

The names of individuals or other parties who have disclosed information about the subject without the individual’s knowledge; Reports, correspondence or any case entry involving information from another individual, agency, organization or institution about the subject; and Information related to the status of prosecution of the individual.

E. The authorization to release information on the application allows only the release for gathering of information as related to determining eligibility for the program or service.

F. Do not distribute materials such as holiday greetings, general public announcements, alien registration notices or voter information and registration materials.

G. Do not publish names of applicants or recipients.

H. Limit the use or disclosure of information concerning clients to purposes directly connected with:

Any investigation, prosecution, or criminal or civil proceeding conducted in connection with the administration of such programs; The administration of any other federal or federally assisted program which provides cash or in-kind assistance or services directly to individuals on the basis of need; and/or Any audit or similar activity conducted in connection with the administration of any such program by any governmental entity, which is authorized by law to conduct such audit or activity.

I. Confidential information to another party, other than that necessary to determine eligibility, shall be released only when the subject of the information has authorized the release to another party by completing a release form except officers and employees of the following:

The DVR when relating to a referral of an applicant/recipient; Workers’ Compensation as related to POWER work program job seekers; Employees of the Tribal TANF program; Federal and State agencies responsible for the operation of the various programs and services administered by DFS; The SSA for establishing eligibility, determining the amount of the benefit and providing services for applicants or recipients; Wyoming DWS as related to SNAP work registrants and POWER work program job seekers; and The Department of Education for programs administered by DFS where there is a data exchange agreement and to school officials to provide information regarding the eligibility of specified assistance units in order to determine eligibility for free or reduced price meals per Section 169 of P.L. 97-253.

J. Require any information to be released by the DFS-FO region manager or designee and be directly related to legally established programs and functions of the inquiring agency or office and used only for the purpose made available.

K. Comply with a court order to release confidential information:

Contact the Attorney General’s office with any questions concerning the court order; A court order for information relieves DFS of any harm in the release of information to the court; and File the court order in the case file or record.

L. Hold confidential and do not release confidential information requested by a subpoena without written direction from the Attorney General's office or a DFS FA region manager.

Follow the directions given to release the subpoenaed information; or Forward a copy of the subpoena to the DFS-SO who shall involve the Attorney General’s office for advice or for action to nullify the subpoena; and File the subpoena in the case record and document: The direction given by the DFS-SO; The action taken to release the information or nullify the subpoena.

M. Release confidential information to law enforcement and CPS as follows:

Make available, upon written request, to any Federal, State or local law enforcement officer the address, SSN and, if available, a photo ID or a recipient if the officer furnishes the recipient's name and notifies DFS the individual: Is fleeing to avoid prosecution, custody or confinement for a felony; Is violating a condition of parole or probation; or Has information necessary for the officer to conduct an official duty related to a felony/parole violation. Limit the report to law enforcement concerning a fugitive felon to the felon’s address when a law enforcement officer has not requested the information (W.S. 42-2-111). Report to DFS, any cases of known or suspected physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, or negligent treatment or maltreatment of a minor parent and/or a child(ren). (DFS is required to provide all information available regarding such situations to the proper officials, which may include law enforcement agencies). Assist law enforcement officials and the family of a minor mother to pursue the filing of criminal charges against the father of the minor mother's child(ren) if the minor mother conceived her child(ren) while under 16 years of age and the father was at least four (4) years older than the minor mother at the time of conception.

N. Allow materials to be sent or distributed to applicants, recipients, or medical vendors, which are in the immediate interest of the health and welfare of clients such as announcements of free medical examinations, availability of surplus food and consumer protection information.

O. Computer Security Controls – Facsimile Mail (FAX) and Electronic Mail (E-Mail):

E-mail sessions on the DFS/State G-mail (Google) site are encrypted, including attachments (incoming and outgoing). Users are required to secure their computers when leaving the area by locking their computer by one (1) of the following procedures: Push the Windows Logo key (Winkey) + L on the keyboard (Preferred Method); or Push Control + Alt + Delete, then click Lock Workstation.

There is an automatic screen saver that requires the user to log back into the computer with a required username and password. However, users are informed at the time of hiring, and reminded yearly that Federal Tax Information (FTI) is not to be printed, copied, e-mailed or faxed. This is an IRS Publication 1075, Section 9.18.5 requirement. FTI is only reviewed on the Records and Verification for Eligibility (RAVE) interface.

P. DFS staff shall not be allowed to access their own case, the case of their immediate colleague, or the cases of clients where a conflict of interest exists.

If FTI was ever faxed to another office, IRS Publication 1075, Section 9.18.6 requires the following procedures be followed to protect FTI: Ensure a trusted staff member is at both the sending and receiving fax machines; Maintain broadcast lists and other preset numbers; Place fax machines in a secured area; Include a cover sheet on fax transmissions that explicitly provides guidance to the recipient, including: 1. Notification of the sensitivity of the data and the need for protection; 2. Notification to unintended customer to telephone sender, calling collect if necessary; and 3. To report the disclosure of and confirm the destruction of the information.

DFS Incident Handling Procedure: Protecting Federal Tax Information (FTI) if/when transmitting by e-mail or fax.

Q. Purpose – to provide guidance in reporting, needs, and actions in responding to information security breach incidents. The reaction to an incident aims to protect and restore the normal operating condition of services, computers and information.

R. Scope – DFS staff, contract personnel or anyone who accesses the EPICS system.

S. Procedure:

DFS Personnel shall establish and implement practices to minimize the risk associated with violations of information security and ensure timely detection and reporting of actual or suspected incidents or violations. All DFS personnel and contractors (users) shall report any suspected or confirmed security violations and incidents in a timely manner. Security violations shall be reported to one (1) of the following: an Administrator, Regional Manager, Supervisor, Security Liaison or the office LNA. Any incident that compromises IRS (FTI data) or SSA (PII data) confidentiality state standards shall be reported an Administrator, Regional Manager, Supervisor, or Security Liaison in a timely manner. The Supervisor, Regional Manager, Administrator, or Security Liaison shall then report the incident to the SSA Regional Office Contact and the SSA Systems Security Contact, or the Agent-in-Charge of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). The Administrator, Supervisor or Director shall investigate information security violations and incidents and refer them to other government and law enforcement authorities when appropriate. The Director, Administrator, Supervisor or District Manager may direct the PC/LAN (ETS) staff to restrict access to any or all systems, e-mail, folders, etc., for any employee. PC/LAN (ETS) staff may be directed to seize equipment pending an investigation of an alleged or actual incident. If equipment is seized, it shall be maintained under lock and key or given to the person directing the seizure for safekeeping. If equipment is seized by any law enforcement agency, by subpoena or other authorizing measure, the Financial Services Division (FSD) Administrator or next higher authority shall be notified immediately.

404 Client's Responsibilities

SNAP - 7 CFR 272.2, .5, 273.2, .7 and 273.10 | POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 4 |W.S. 42-2-103 - 111| W.S. 20-3-101

The applicant is responsible for providing an application to DFS in the form prescribed by DFS.

The application is to be considered complete when there is a name of the applicant, address of the applicant and a signature by the applicant or the applicant's authorized representative.

The appropriate application shall be completed as specified for the following programs: Allow the client the choice of completing the DFS 100 or DFS 100S; Require completion of all required questions on the DFS 100 or DFS 100S for SNAP; and Require completion of the DFS 100 or DFS 100S for the POWER program.

The applicant/recipient is responsible for cooperating with the process of determining eligibility by: Participating in an interview; Providing information essential to the decision on eligibility, including valid documentation of alien status for all individuals who are not U.S. citizens; Providing documents for required verification; and Providing an SSN, SS card or providing proof of application for a SSN as specified in Section 605 Social Security Number Requirement.

The applicant/recipient is responsible for notifying the DFS-FO and verifying any changes, which affect eligibility or the performance payment. (see 1500 - Reporting Requirements/Action on Changes) For SNAP: Simplified reporting, once an interview is conducted, the applicant/recipient is responsible for notifying DFS if his/her household's gross monthly income (earned plus unearned income) goes over 130% of the Federal Poverty Level for the household size. This change shall be reported no later than 10 days from the end of the calendar month in which s(he) received the income that put the household over the income limit. If a household contains an ABAWD and that member(s) hours decrease to less that 20 hours per week averaged monthly that change shall also be reported no later than 10 days from the end of the calendar month in which the hours decreased. Changes shall be reported within ten (10) calendar days upon knowing of the change for POWER.

The applicant/recipient shall provide information/verification needed about an eligibility factor(s) not later than 10 days from the date of a notice of adverse action (see Tables) requesting the information/verification or by the date indicated on the notice for POWER.

SNAP – 7 CFR 273.2, 275.3 and .12

The assistance unit shall cooperate with completion of any quality control review or benefits shall be terminated (see Section 1603 Quality Control Reviews).

POWER - W.S. 42-2-103 - 42-2-111; Responsibilities - W.S. 20-3-101

The application is to be considered complete when there is a name of the applicant, address of the applicant and a signature by the applicant.

Applicants that are mandatory to participate in the work program: Mandatory applicants/recipients are those who do not meet any of the exemption criteria as well as the following individuals: A child who is no longer subject to mandatory school attendance laws and drops out of school or is suspended; A minor parent; or A teen parent under the age of 20 without a high school diploma or equivalent. The applicant/recipient and all other mandatory family members who require work program engagement shall be responsible for meeting the Pay-After-Performance work requirements. The applicant/recipient and all other mandatory family members shall be responsible for signing the IRCU (DFS 500) within the following time frames: By Wednesday of the same week if application is made on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday; or By Wednesday of the following week if application is made on Thursday or Friday of the prior week. Each mandatory applicant/recipient shall complete the initial IRP (DFS 568) within the following time frames: By Wednesday of the same week if application is made on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday; or By Wednesday of the following week if application is made on Thursday or Friday of the prior week.

Each mandatory applicant/recipient shall be responsible for registering for work with DWS and meeting with the work program action center and CSE case managers by the date indicated on the the initial DFS 568: Determine the contact date and method, by the availability of the referral source: CSE contact shall be made within 14 working days from the date of application; and Contact with the work program action center shall occur within 14 days from the initial DFS 568. Include a contact date on the Initial DFS 568 for each mandatory applicant and immediately e-mail a copy to: DWS for the work program; CSE (do not refer the applicant or recipient when there are no child support issues involved); and/or Other referral resources as appropriate.

Non priority cases include: Applicants/recipients who are exempt; caretaker relatives, SSI parents or individuals ineligible for POWER due to citizenship and the single custodial parent of a child who is personally providing care for a child under the age of three (3) months. The applicant/recipient shall be responsible for signing the IRCU (DFS 500) and the initial IRP (DFS 568). Non priority work program cases must be processed within 28 calendar days, authorize benefits for POWER to meet the 30 calendar day application processing time limit.

The applicant/recipient who has a previous overpayment is required to sign a DFS 707, Installment Contract, as a condition of eligibility and as a performance requirement unless: The case is pending prosecution; or The error cause is an agency error.

The applicant/recipient is responsible to apply for and accept income for which the person(s) would be eligible such as, but not limited to, SSI, RSDI, UIB and Workers’ Compensation. Foster Care Maintenance Payments are excluded from this requirement. A family will not be required to pursue Foster Care Maintenance Payments even if they potentially could be eligible.

The applicant/recipient is responsible for reporting abandonment/desertion to law enforcement per W. S. 20-3-101 when requesting an additional year beyond the five (5) year benefit limit due to abandonment/desertion. (Per state statute, the penalty for abandonment is a fine not to exceed $750 or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both).

The applicant or recipient is responsible for providing verification, as specified in Section 303, of fleeing because of being battered or subjected to extreme cruelty or because of domestic violence when requesting assistance due to the situation.

405 SNAP Expedited Services

SNAP – 7 CFR 271.7; 273.2, .7, .9 - .11, .13 - .14

Review for expedited services at each initial application and when an application is made after the end of the certification period whether requested by the applicant or not and document the decision in the case record.

The following assistance units are entitled to expedited service, households only have to qualify for one of the situations in 1-3 to be eligible for expedited service: Assistance units with less than $150 in monthly gross income, provided their liquid assets (i.e. cash on hand, checking or savings accounts, savings certificates, and lump sum payments – non liquid assets are not used) do not exceed $100; Assistance units whose combined monthly gross income and liquid assets (non liquid assets are not used) are less than the assistance unit’s monthly rent or mortgage, and utilities (including the appropriate utility allowance: SUA, UOA, TOA); or Migrant or seasonal farm worker assistance units who are destitute, provided their liquid assets (i.e. cash on hand, checking or savings accounts, savings certificates, and lump sum payments) do not exceed $100. (see Section 406).

B. The applicant or designated authorized representative applying for expedited services shall be interviewed on the date of application or the following business day.

The interview shall be conducted by: an in-office face to face interview; telephone interview; or a home visit interview. Do not postpone or waive the interview.

See Example 5 for missed interviews.

See Examples 6-9 for client vs. agency caused delays.

C. See Section 402 for Client's Rights.

D. Certify the assistance unit within the expedited service time frame if s/he has submitted an application which includes the following information:

Applicant's name; Applicant’s address; Assistance unit income and asset amounts; Name(s) of other assistance unit member(s); and Applicant's or applicant’s authorized representative’s signature.

E. Verification

Identity. The identity of the person making application shall be verified before the household is certified. Where an representative applies on behalf of a household, the identity of both the authorized representative and the head of household shall be verified. Identity may be verified through readily available documentary evidence, or if this is unavailable, through a collateral contact. Examples of acceptable documentary evidence which the applicant may provide include, but are not limited to, a driver’s license, a work or school ID, an ID for health benefits or for another assistance or social services program, a voter registration card, wage stubs, or a birth certificate. Any documents which reasonably establish the applicant’s identity must be accepted, and no requirement for a specific type of document, such as a birth certificate, may be imposed. Other Verification. All reasonable efforts must be made within the expedited service time frame to obtain all verification that is required under the normal processing procedures. Use the applicant's statement as verification when verification has been postponed for the month(s) of expedited service. Social Security Number. Require the assistance unit to present or apply for a SSN for each assistance unit member before the second full month of participation unless good cause exists per Section 605.

F. If the household is not eligible for SNAP benefits for the month of application but is eligible for SNAP benefits and qualifies for expedited service for the following month, the household must be provided an opportunity to participate within 7 days from the date of application or the 1st working day of the 2nd month whichever is later.

G. If the household is eligible for SNAP benefits but not entitled to expedited service in the month it applies but it has very little income in the following month, the household must be certified under normal procedures within 30 days from the date of initial application; the household cannot be expedited for the second month.

H. There is no limit to the number of times an assistance unit can be certified under expedited procedures, as long as, prior to each expedited certification, the assistance unit either:

Provides the verification requirements that were postponed at the last expedited certification; or Was certified under normal processing standards since the last expedited certification.

I. New SNAP client's that have never been issued as Wyoming EBT card and eligible for expedited services will be auto issued an EBT card to insure it is received in the required timeframes. New expedited SNAP clients are auto issued an EBT card on day zero (o), the day the application is registered.

J. All expedited eligible applications must be registered in EPICS the day it is received for the card to auto issue.

K. EPICS must have an address, SSN or DOB for a card to auto issue. If an expedited application comes in without this information, please do NOT apply the "Y" expedited flag to the case until you are able to complete this information. Once the information is received and entered into EPICS, you can apply the "y" expedited on the APMA screen and the card will issue on the evening the case was updated.

L. Explaining to new clients the following:

Receiving a card does not mean that there are benefits on that card; Families will receive an approval or denial notice when their case has been finalized; and If they have any questions, they can call the number on the back of their card to check the balance.

M. To identify cases that have been auto issued an EBT card there is a DEMO SENT field on the CAP1 screen. In the event a card was sent, a 'Y' indicator will appear in that field and if not the field will remain blank.

Expedited service means the State agency must make benefits available to eligible households no later than the 7th calendar day after the application is filed. The 1st day of the 7-day count is the 1st calendar day after the application was filed. Issue expedited benefits to eligible assistance units within the designated time frames for the benefits to be received within seven (7) calendar days. When processing benefits for applications received after the 15th of the month, both months shall be authorized on the same day. Send a notice of expiration (F101) explaining which pending verifications must be provided for continued benefits if verification was postponed.

Assistance Unit Type Authorize by: From Date: Day of Receipt: Battered Women and Children Shelters 5th day Following date of Application 7th day Other Group Living Arrangements 5th day Following date of Application 7th day All Other Expedited Assistance Units 5th day Following date of Application 7th day Late Determination of Expedited Service Need 5th day Of Discovery 7th day Intervening Weekends of Holidays Authorize by: From Date of: Day of Receipt: Fifth Calendar Day - Saturday/Sunday Previous Friday X Saturday Fourth of Fifth Calendar Day - Monday holiday Previous Friday X Saturday Fourth or Fifth Calendar Day - Friday holiday Previous Thursday X Saturday

When the assistance unit has applied on or before the 15th of the month, and verification is postponed, the assistance unit is only eligible for SNAP benefits for the month of application. On the FSAD screen in EPICS, the Certification Thru date shall be the month of application only. Send the F100 Expedite Before the 15th of the Month notice. Enter the amount of the next month's allotment. This amount is shown on FSAD as "monthly allotment". Enter the full certification period that will be allowed if the postponed verification is provided. Enter the due date, which is the last day of the month of application. Enter the information/verification that must be provided. All reasonable efforts must be made within the expedited service time frame to obtain all verification that is required under the normal processing procedures. For subsequent benefit months: If the requested postponed verification is provided prior to the certification period expiring, the certification period shall be lengthened on the FSAD screen to the certification period showing on the F100. If the requested postponed verification is not provided prior to the certification period expiring, the assistance unit must re-apply.

When the assistance unit has applied after the 15th of the month, and verification is postponed, certify the assistance unit for the month of application and the following full month. On the FSAD screen in EPICS, the Certification Thru date shall be the month of application and the following month only. Send the F101 Expedite After 15th of the Month notice. Enter the amount of the next month's allotment. Enter the full certification period that will be allowed if the postponed verification is provided. Enter the due date, which is the last day of the month after the month of application, i.e. application date August 17th, the due date will be September 30th. Enter the information/verification that must be provided. All reasonable efforts must be made within the expedited service time frame to obtain all verification that is required under the normal processing procedures. For subsequent benefit months: If the requested postponed verification is provided prior to the certification period expiring, the certification period shall be lengthened on the FSAD screen to the certification period showing on the F101. If the requested postponed verification is not provided prior to the certification period expiring, the assistance unit must re-apply.

Assign a standard certification period to assistance units that are certified on an expedited basis, and have provided all necessary verification required prior to certification.

When the assistance unit submits a second (2nd) application at the same time the initial expedited application is processed: Date stamp the application as of the actual date received in the DFS-FO; and Consider the application an early re-certification and process it under the normal time frames and regulations governing a re-certification.

Click here for further instructions on sending expedite approval notices.

Click here for 405 - SNAP Expedited Services Prior to 8/01/16

Source: Expedited Service Training Handbook 9/18/98

Clarifications:

Identity: The identity of the person making application shall be verified. Where an authorized representative applies on behalf of a household, the identity of both the authorized representative and the head of household shall be verified. Identity may be verified through readily available documentary evidence, or if this is unavailable, through a collateral contact. Examples of acceptable documentary evidence which the applicant may provide include, but are not limited to, a driver’s license, a work or school ID, an ID for health benefits or for another assistance or social services program, a voter registration card, wage stubs, or a birth certificate. Any documents which reasonably establish the applicant’s identity must be accepted, and no requirement for a specific type of document, such as a birth certificate, may be imposed.

Exhausted ABAWD & Expedite: When an exhausted ABAWD applies for SNAP and states they have worked 80 hours in a 30 day period or states they meet some other exemption, the worker should attempt to obtain as much verification as possible within the expedited service time frame. If the worker is unable to verify the client's statement, SNAP regulations do not prevent the State from postponing verification of an ABAWD exemption or work hours if it would delay processing expedited service eligible cases within the time frame.

When an exhausted ABAWD applies for expedite SNAP benefits and claims they are not physically or mentally fit to work. The worker would waive the verification of incapacity for the expedite month(s) and expedite the case, coding the ABAWD as (Y- ABAWD; Y- Exempt; N-Count). If verification of the incapacity is not received or it is determined they are able to work the ABAWD coding for the expedited months would not be changed and an overpayment would not be established. However the ABAWD would have to become exempt in order to receive additional SNAP benefits.

Examples:

Example 1

Application date January 14th; this is a new application. Household consists of Suzy and her one year old child. Suzy is not currently employed. She does have a checking account and in it she has $100. Suzy has no other income or liquid assets. Since Suzy has less than $150 in monthly gross income (she has zero) and her liquid asset are less than $100, she is eligible for expedited SNAP benefits.

Example 2

Application date March 3rd; this is a new application. Household consists of Robert only. Robert is employed and states he earns $500/month; he states he is paid semi-monthly and receives $250 each paycheck. Robert doesn't have any liquid resources. Robert's billed rent is $550. Robert is eligible for expedited SNAP benefits.

Example 3

Household does not have income at the time of application, but anticipates receipt of income. The household is uncertain as to the amount of income or when it will be received. The worker should expedite the case and certify the household based on zero income. Verification of the income should be requested; if verification of the income is not received, no further benefits would be issued.

Recertification Clarification:

Question: If a household reapplies before the end of its current certification period (recertification), can expedited services be offered? Answer: No, expedited services provisions cannot be applied when a household reapplies before the end of its current certification period.

Ineligible for the Month of Application but Eligible for Expedited Services the Following Month:

If the household is not eligible for SNAP benefits for the month of application but is eligible for SNAP benefits and qualifies for expedited service for the following month, the household must be provided an opportunity to participate within 7 days from the date of application or the 1st working day of the 2nd month whichever is later.

Note - If a household is eligible for SNAP benefits but not entitled to expedited service in the month it applies but it has very little income in the following month, the household must be certified under normal procedures within 30 days from the date of initial application; the household cannot be expedited for the second month. Source: Expedited Service Training Handbook 9/18/98

Example 4

A woman moved from Kansas to Wyoming. She applied at the local office after the sixteenth of the month and upon screening, met the entitlement criteria for expedited service. At the interview, it was determined she had already participated that month at her former address in Kansas and, therefore, was ineligible for benefits in the month of application. The month of application would be denied based on its previous participation, the following month would be approved for expedited services.

Example 5

Client appears to be entitled to expedited services and is scheduled with an interview the next day. The next day the client calls and asks for the interview to be rescheduled (or misses the interview). The client reschedules the interview. 1. The NOMI should be sent after the 1st missed interview, even if the interview was rescheduled. 2. The client should be scheduled with a 2nd interview allowing time for benefits to still be issued within 7 days.

Example 6

Question: If the household does not participate in an interview (client caused) within 7 days of the application date (i.e. 8th day or later) is the household entitled to expedited service by the 7th day following the date the household complies? Answer: No. The household is no longer entitled to expedited service.

Example 7

Question: The household files an application and worker screens for expedited service. The worker incorrectly decides that the household is not entitled to expedited service. The worker schedules an interview for the seventh day after the date of application. At the interview, the worker discovers the mistake and correctly decides that the household is entitled to expedited service. Must benefits be issued within the 7 days from the date of application? Answer: Benefits must be issued by the seventh calendar day after the date the worker discovered that the client was entitled for expedited service, not within 7 days following the day the client filed his/her application.

Example 8

Question: The household files an application and is correctly screened as not entitled to expedited service. The interview then occurs more than 7 calendar days after the household originally applied. The worker discovers that the household’s circumstances have changed and that the household is now entitled to expedited service. Even though the household was not eligible for expedited issuance at the time the application was filed, the regulations require that benefits be issued within 7 days from the date that information on the change in circumstances was provided. Correct? Answer: Yes, this would be ‘expedite upon discovery’. The worker needs to indicate in the narrative that the case is ‘expedite upon discovery’ and start the 7 day count from the date that it is discovered that the assistance unit is entitled to expedited services.

Example 9

Question: Use the same scenario as in Example 8, except that the household reports the change of circumstance within 7 days of application filing date. The household files an application and is correctly determined to not be entitled to expedited service. The household reports a change in circumstances within 7 calendar days of applying. Because of the change, the household is now entitled to expedited service. Is the worker required to provide expedited service by the seventh calendar day after the date of application? Answer: No. The regulations only require the worker to determine entitlement to expedited service based on the information the client provided at the time the client requests assistance.

Example 10 (A) Question: The household has $500 in their bank account and zero income, the $500 is from per capita; are they eligible for expedited services?

Answer: You would consider the $500 as a liquid resource on hand and the zero income. This household would not be eligible for expedited benefits due to having over $100 in liquid resources accessible to them. However, when actual eligibility determination is done the per capita monies would be exempt for SNAP purposes.

(B) Question: Client has $3500 in the bank but just recently got a $6000 tax refund and zero income; are they eligible for expedited services?

Answer: This household would not be eligible for expedited services as their liquid resources are over the $100 required to be eligible for expedited services.

(C) Question: The household reports they are entitled to receive a per capita payment of $350/month, however, states they have obligated the funds to re-pay a loan and the payment is never received by the household. Do we count the $350 when considering expedite?

Answer: No. Since the household never receives the per capita funds, they are not accessible to the household and we would not count them when determining expedite.

(D -1) Question: The household reports $0 income and less than $100 in their bank account on their application. During the interview the client reports they own land valued at $250,000 with no legal encumbrances. The worker verifies the value of the land during the interview.

Answer: No. Since we have verified the client is over asset limit for SNAP. The worker can just deny the household's application.

(D-2) Question: The household reports $0 income and less than $100 in their bank account on their application. During the interview the client reports they own land valued at $250,000 with no legal encumbrances but the work is unable to verify the value of the land during the interview.

Answer: No. Based on the client's statement the household is not eligible for SNAP therefore not eligible for expedited SNAP. The worker would pend the case for verification of the value of the land and deny the case accordingly.

(E-1) Question: The household reports their application that their rent and utilities exceed their current income. During the interview the client states their gross income is greater than the income limit for SNAP. The worker is able to verify income during the interview.

Answer: No. Since we have verified the client is over gross income limit the worker can just deny the application.

(E-2) Question: The household reports their application that their rent and utilities exceed their current income. During the interview the client states their gross income is greater than the income limit for SNAP. The worker is unable to verify income during the interview.

Answer: No. Based on the client's statement the household is not eligible for SNAP therefore not eligible for expedited SNAP. The worker would pend the case for verification of the household's income and deny the case accordingly.

Example 11

Question: Does In-Kind income count when determining expedite eligibility?

Answer: In-kind income does not count as income available to the household when determining expedite eligibility. The income does not count, but depending on the in-kind arrangement, the household would not be eligible for the shelter deduction when determining income and resources against the shelter expenses.

If the in-kind agreement covers just the rent and the client is responsible for all utilities, the rent would not be included in the expedite eligibility but the utilities would.

If the in-kind agreement covers both rent and utilities, neither would be included in expedite eligibility determination.

406 SNAP Migrants/Seasonal Farm Workers

SNAP – 7 CFR 273.2, .7, .9 - .10

Destitute Households. Migrant or seasonal farmworker households may have little or no income at the time of application and may be in need of immediate food assistance, even though they receive income at some other time during the month of application. The following procedures shall be used to determine when migrant or seasonal farm worker households in these circumstances may be considered destitute and, therefore, entitled to expedited service and special income calculation procedures (also see Section 405). Households other than migrant or seasonal farm worker households shall not be classified as destitute.

Households whose only income for the month of application was received prior to the date of application, and was from a terminated source, shall be considered destitute households and shall be provided expedited service. If income is received on a monthly or more frequent basis, it shall be considered as coming from a terminated source if it will not be received again from the same source during the balance of the month of application or during the following month. If the income is normally received less often than monthly (i.e. quarterly), the income shall be considered as coming from a terminated source if it will not be received in the month in which the next payment would normally be received.

Example – if income is received on a quarterly basis (i.e. quarterly, on Jan. 1, April 1, July 1, and Oct. 1) and the household applied in mid-January, the income should not be considered as coming from a terminated source merely because no further payments will be received in the balance of January or in February. The test for whether or not this household’s income is terminated is whether the income is anticipated to be received in April.

Households whose only income for the month of application is from a new source shall be considered destitute and shall be provided expedited service if income of more than $25 from the new source will not be received by the 10th calendar day after the date of application. Income which is normally received on a monthly or more frequent basis shall be considered to be from a new source if income or more than $25 has not been received from that source within 30 days prior to the date the application was filed. If income is normally received less often than monthly (i.e. quarterly), it shall be considered to be from anew source if income of more than $25 was not received within the last normal interval between payments.

Example – If a household applies in early January and is expecting to be paid every three months, starting in late January, the income shall be considered to be from a new source if no income of more than $25 was received from the source from October through January.

Households may receive both income from a terminated source prior to the date of application and income from a new source after the date of application and still be considered destitute if they receive no other income in the month of application and income of more than $25 from the new source will not be received by the 10th day after the date of application.

Determine if the assistance unit meets the expedite criteria when not eligible under the destitute assistance unit criteria.

Destitute households shall have their eligibility and level of benefits calculated for the month of application by considering only income which is received between the first of the month and the date of application. Any income from a new source that is anticipated after the day of application shall be disregarded.

Calculate benefits for the month of application as follows: Consider only income from a terminated source which is received between the first of the month and the date of application. Disregard income from a new source in the month of the new certification if income of more than $25 shall be received from the new source by the 10th calendar day after the date of the assistance unit’s normal issuance cycle. Disregard any travel advances considered reimbursement. Count any travel advances which, as part of the contract, are part of the wages and considered an advance of wages.

Exempt a migrant and/or seasonal farm worker from the work registration requirements when the individual is under contract or similar agreement for at least 30 hours per week with an employer or crew chief and shall begin employment within 30 days.

Certify migrant and/or seasonal farm workers as follows: Certify the assistance unit only for the month of application when verification has been postponed. Assign the assistance unit the longest certification period possible, not to exceed six (6) months, based on the predictability of the assistance unit’s circumstances; or Certify the assistance unit for the full month if reapplication is made within 30 days of the last termination date.

Treat assets of migrant and/or seasonal farm worker assistance units as follows: Exempt the home when temporarily unoccupied for reasons of employment: Allow the shelter costs when the assistance unit intends to return; and The current occupants of the home, if any, are not claiming the shelter costs for SNAP purposes; and The home is not leased or rented during the absence of the assistance unit. Count all nonexempt assets of an ineligible immigrant.

Treat income of migrant and/or seasonal farm worker assistance units as follows: Exempt the earned income of a child(ren) who is a member of the assistance unit and: Is a student at least half-time; Has not reached her/his 18th birthday; and Is under the parental control of another assistance unit member. Continue the exemption during temporary interruption in school attendance due to semester or vacation breaks provided the attendance shall resume following the break. Exempt the prorated share of the child(ren)’s income if the child(ren) meets 2 above and is part of the working assistance unit: Divide the total income projected by the total persons working. Prorate all of the nonexempt income of an ineligible immigrant (see Section 507).

Use the DFS 303 Employer’s Statement (Migrant) form to verify the anticipated income of the migrant and/or seasonal farm worker assistance unit.

501 Eligibility Factors

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.1 and 273.9 | POWER - W.S. 42-2-103 and 42-2-104 | ARW, Chapter 1, Section 6

FACTOR PO SNAP 502 - Categorically Eligible X 503 - Potentially Eligible Persons X X 504 - Strikers X X 505 - Students X 506 - Assistance Unit Composition X 507 - Including/Excluding Individuals X X 601 - Age X 602 - School Attendance X 603 - Residence X X 604 - Identity X X 605 - SSN Requirement X X 606 - Citizenship/Immigrant Status X X 607 - Relationship X 608 - Living With a Relative X 609 - Temporary Absence X 700 - Participation/Cooperation Requirements X X 800 - Assets X X 901 - Income X X 1701 - Program Time Limits – POWER - Five (5) year limit X X

502 Categorically Eligible Persons

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.1 and 273.9 | POWER - W.S. 42-2-103 and 42-2-104 | ARW, Chapter 1, Section 6

Consider the following persons categorically eligible.

REASON SNAP Recipient of POWER/Tribal TANF X Participating in SNAP E&T Recipient of SSI – except when citizenship/alien status is not met. (See Section 606) X

An assistance unit is categorically eligible when all persons in the assistance unit are receiving POWER, Tribal TANF and/or SSI except under the following conditions: The entire assistance unit is institutionalized; The assistance unit or a member has been disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits due to an IPV or sanctioned for failure to comply with a work requirement; or All assistance unit members do not purchase and prepare food together.

Deem the following eligibility factors met for each categorically eligible assistance unit member: Assets; Residency; Identity; SSN requirements; and Gross and net income

503 Potentially Eligible Persons

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.1 | POWER – W.S. 42.2-103 and W.S. 42.2-104

See Section 506, Assistance Unit Composition for SNAP.

The following persons shall be considered potentially eligible for POWER: A dependent child; A natural or adoptive parent, including one who is married to a stepparent; A caretaker relative who is in need; A stepparent with a natural, step or adopted child in the home who is the only caretaker relative and is in need; A two (2)-parent assistance unit or a married couple when there is at least one (1) child in common in the home.

The following person(s) shall be ineligible for POWER: Receives SSI; A fugitive felon or a parole violator; A child for whom adoption assistance payments are provided; An individual receiving IV-E or other federal, state or local foster care maintenance payments, including a voluntary placement; An individual(s) who is an inmate in a public institution; An applicant and/or recipient, person for the month cash assistance is received in another state; and Any individual who is an illegal immigrant. Refer to Section 504 for information concerning strikers. Has been convicted of Fraud against the State of Wyoming after January 1, 1997. Was found to have committed an IPV for POWER.

An un-emancipated minor parent(s) who has a child(ren) in her/his care and who resides in the household of a parent or in a supervised setting with an adult relative or court appointed guardian or custodian shall be considered potentially eligible: Refer an un-emancipated minor to the CPS within DFS when: The un-emancipated minor parent claims no residency as stated in D.; or The un-emancipated minor parent claims the physical or emotional health or safety of the minor parent or dependent child(ren) would be jeopardized if s/he resided in such a residence. Find the minor parent and dependent child(ren) ineligible for performance payments when 1. a. and/or b. occur. Do not deny the assistance unit if the only available household contains an individual who has been convicted of or charged with incest and the charges have not received final disposition. The minor parent and dependent child(ren) are potentially eligible for a performance payment.

A parent with a child(ren) in the home who receives SSI or the child(ren) in the home of a parent receiving SSI to be shall be considered potentially eligible.

504 Strikers

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.1 and 273.7 | POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 6

Assistance units with striking members shall be ineligible for benefits, unless the assistance unit was eligible for benefits the day prior to the strike and are otherwise eligible at the time of application.

Any employee affected by a lock-out shall not be deemed as a striker.

Any individual who goes on strike and is exempt from work registration the day prior to the strike, other than those exempt solely due to the employment, shall not be deemed as a striker.

The benefit level shall not be increased as a result of the decrease in income of the striker.

Pre-strike eligibility shall be determined by considering the date prior to the strike as the date of application and assume the strike did not occur.

Determine the income: Compare the striker's income prior to the strike, to the striker's current income; Use the higher of the two (2) incomes; Add the striker's income to the current income of non-striking assistance unit members during the month of application; and Allow the earned income and all other appropriate deductions.

POWER eligibility shall not be allowed for an assistance unit when any member is participating in a strike.

505 Student

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.2, .5, .7 - .11

Determine if each applicant and/or recipient meets the eligible student criteria and apply specific criteria for eligible/ineligible students. If a student is enrolled online at least half time.

NOTE: Individuals enrolled less than half-time at any type of school are NOT considered to be enrolled in an institution of higher education, please consult this flowchart to determine whether an individual is enrolled in an institution of higher education for SNAP eligibility purposes.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 Created two (2) temporary exemptions during the National Public Health Emergency (PHE) for students enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education. The PHE expired on May 11, 2023. States agencies must continue to apply the temporary exemptions for initial applications filed on or before June 9, 2023, or re-certifications submitted through June 30, 2023.

The two (2) Student of Higher Education eligibility exemptions that end with the ending of the PHE are:

An Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $0; and

Eligible to participate in a State or Federally funded work study program.

A student age 18 through age 49 who is physically or mentally fit and enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education shall meet one (1) of the following criteria to be eligible to receive SNAP: Employed and receiving pay (monetary compensation) for an average of 20 hours per week or 80 hours per month; Self-employed for an average of 20 hours per week and earning (monetary compensation) at least the federal minimum wage or 80 hours per month and earning at least the federal minimum wage; Are participating in a State or federally financed work study program during the regular school year, as determined by the institution of higher education; Receiving a POWER or Tribal TANF payment; or Participating in an on-the-job training program under WIOA or TAA while the individual is being trained by the employer; Assigned to an educational program approved through: WIOA (Job Corps has been verified approved through WIOA); The SNAP E&T program; Section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974; or A comparable state or local employment and training program. Caring for a dependent assistance unit member under age six (6) or, if a single parent/caretaker, caring for a child under age 12; or; Caring for a dependent in the assistance unit who has reached the age of six (6) but is under the age of 12 and the Benefit Specialist has determined adequate child care is not available to enable the student to attend class and comply with 1, 2, or 3.

Note: A student is not considered physically or mentally fit if they receive VA disability compensation regardless of disability rating, or if they are a DVR participant.

The student criteria shall not be applied to an individual pursuing only a GED regardless of age;

The enrollment status of the student shall be determined as of the first day of the school term and considered the status as continuing through: Normal periods of class attendance; Vacation and recess unless the student graduates (graduates meaning the student has competed their course of study or training) , is suspended or expelled or drops out of school; and Summer break if the student was enrolled in the spring semester and is enrolled for the fall semester.

Treat the income and assets of the student as follows (see Sections 806, 901 and 1000): Eligible student: Exempt educational savings accounts; Exempt educational loans, grants and scholarships as an asset for six (6) months when designated for educational purposes only when commingled with other nonexempt funds; Exempt educational loans, grants and scholarships as income when earmarked for educational purposes only; and Do not exempt educational funds as an asset or income when not earmarked for educational purposes only: Allow the following deductions (see DFS 111 form): Tuition, books and mandatory fees; Supplies and equipment; Miscellaneous personal items; Dependent care when AU is responsible for payment; and Additional documented expenses (i.e. transportation to and from school). Countable educational income shall be prorated over the period of intended use. Countable educational income shall be excluded from assets for the period over which the income has been prorated. Ineligible student (see Section 507).

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.1(b)(7)(vi)

E. Individuals are defined as residents of institutions if they receive a majority of their meals (more than 50 percent of three (3) meals daily) as part of their institution’s normal services. Individuals who receive the majority of their meals (more than 50 percent of three (3) meals daily) through a meal plan are considered residents of an institution and ineligible for SNAP.

Individuals who do not receive the majority of their meals from a meal plan are not residents of an institution and may be eligible for SNAP, if they meet other eligibility criteria.

Example 1: Q : Do students who teach school 20 hours a week as part of the teacher training curriculum meet the Student Eligibility Criteria? A: No. Work performed without pay as part of a curriculum requirement does not meet the work requirement for student eligibility. Work performed for pay does meet the requirement.

REF: ATTACHMENT 6 TO POLICY LETTER 89-12

Example 2: Q: A household consists of a father, a mother, and their 5-year old and 3-year old children. The father and mother are both students and they each spend time caring for the children. In the morning the mother cares for the 3-year old while her husband attends classes. The 5-year old is in kindergarten in the morning. In the afternoon the father cares for both children while the mother goes to school. Can both parents be eligible students? A: Each parent fulfills the requirement -- be responsible for the care of a dependent household member under the age of six. Therefore, both parents are eligible. The regulation does not state how long the student must be responsible for the care of the child. Student eligibility criteria is based on responsibility for the care of dependents be consistent with work registration exemptions based on the same criteria. More than one person cannot obtain eligibility by claiming to be responsible for the care of the same dependent. In the situation above, each parent cares for a separate child part of the time.

REF: ATTACHMENT 11 TO POLICY LETTER 90-04

Example 3: Q: A person who is a full time student at an institution of higher education during the fall and spring semesters applies for food stamps during the summer. Is the person considered a student if he is not attending summer school? A: Enrollment as a student is deemed to continue through vacations unless the student does not intend to register for the next normal school term. The summer term is not considered a "normal" school term. Therefore, if a student intends to return to school in the fall, his student status is maintained during the summer and he must meet one of the student eligibility criteria in order to be eligible. If he does not intend to return to school in the fall, he is not considered a student during the summer.

Example 4: Q: A student completes their last day of class on the 11th, the graduation ceremony is on the 14th, and SNAP interview was completed on the 13th. Should the the client be considered a student at the time of interview? A: No, the client is not a student at time of interview as they completed their course of study or training and is not planning on returning the next regular semester. The graduation ceremony does not affect the client's student status as it is just ceremonial and not a true indicator of completion of course study or training.

506 Assistance Unit Composition

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.1, .16 and .17

Determine whether persons living in a household constitute one (1) assistance unit or separate assistance units in order to determine eligibility and benefit level.

Click here for 506(A) policy prior to change made on 7/27/15.

Click here for 506 policy prior to changes made on 01/01/16.

Click here for 506(A)(4) policy prior to changes made 02/17/17.

The following constitutes one (1) assistance unit: An individual living alone. An individual or group of individuals who live together and customarily purchase food and prepare meals together. An individual living with others (non-relatives), but customarily purchasing food and preparing meals separate and apart from the others, such as but not limited to: (please note that an individual could live with a relative and still be considered a separate household because the individual does not purchase and prepare meals with the rest of the household. For example, siblings are not required to be in the same household. Adult nieces and nephews could reside with aunts/uncles, etc.) A roomer for whom the assistance unit furnishes lodging but not meals; or An individual who resides with an assistance unit to provide medical, housekeeping, child care or other similar personal services. A child under the age of 22 who resides with his/her natural, adoptive or step-parent(s) must all be one assistance unit regardless of the percentage of time as long as the parent says the child lives there. If parents living in separate homes both applying for SNAP cannot mutually agree on which case the child(ren) should receive SNAP, the following shall be applied. The parent that has the child(ren) 51% or more of the time will be allowed to put the child in his/her SNAP household; or If it is verified that both parents have exactly 50/50 custody and the parents claim one parent does not provide more meals than the other parent, the parent that applied first shall continue to have the child(ren) included on their case. A child (other than a foster child) under 18 years of age who lives with and is under the parental control of a household member other than his or her parent must be one assistance unit. A child must be considered to be under parental control for purposes of this provision if he or she is financially or otherwise dependent on a member of the household, unless State law defines such a person as an adult. NOTE: Other household situations: Spouses/significant others with children in common are included in the household when the spouse/significant other with children in common has no separate residence and resides in the household for any part of the month. Example: Interstate truck drivers and oil field workers who have no separate residence may not claim separate household status even though meals are consumed away from home.

The following constitutes separate assistance units. An individual or married couple, when applicable, living with and purchasing and preparing meals with others can be separate if both a and b exist: The individual is 60 years of age or older and is unable to purchase or prepare meals separately due to: Being disabled as defined in the Glossary; or Verification provided by a medical professional stating the individual is unable to purchase or prepare meals separately. The income of all other household members, excluding the individual and spouse, when applicable, is below 165% of the FPL An individual living with others, but customarily purchasing food and preparing meals for home consumption separate and apart from others.

If an individual or group of individuals is claiming separate status, client’s statement shall be accepted as verification. The case file narrative shall specify whether the client stated s/he purchases and prepares separately from his/her roommate(s) and document the roommate’s name(s). If the roommate is a parent or child, the age of the child must be documented in order to determine whether separate households are allowed.

Deny separate assistance unit status to the following persons living together: A child(ren) under age 18 under parental control of an adult assistance unit member, including a non- parent; A natural, adopted or step-child(ren) 21 of years of age or younger living with her/his parent(s), including when her/his spouse and/or her/his child(ren) are living in the home; A spouse living with a spouse (including same sex spouses where the marriage occurred in a state that recognizes same sex marriage); Parents living together with a child in common; Foster care individuals placed by a Federal, State or local governmental foster care program (including Casey Foundation) must be considered to be boarders and cannot participate in SNAP independently of the household providing the foster care services. Foster care individuals may participate, along with a spouse or children living with them, as members of the household providing the foster care services, only at the request of the household providing the foster care. Foster care households (i.e. foster care parents) applying for SNAP have the choice to include or not include the foster care individuals (i.e. foster care children) in their Assistance Unit: If the foster care household chooses not to include the foster care individuals (i.e. foster care children) in the SNAP Assistance Unit, the foster care individuals' income is excluded from the household income. If the foster care household chooses to include the foster care individuals (i.e. foster care children) in the Assistance Unit, the foster care individuals' income must be counted as part of the household income. If the foster care individuals (i.e. foster care children) are not included in the household's SNAP case, they cannot apply on their own. Boarders, see F. Individuals who live together and customarily purchase and prepare meals together.

Deny participation in any assistance unit to a resident of a public institution when the institution provides them with the majority of their meals (over 50% of three meals daily) as part of the institution's normal services, except the following: A resident of federally subsidized housing for the elderly. A narcotic addict or alcoholic, who resides at a facility or treatment center for the purpose of regular participation in a drug or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program. This includes the children but not the spouses of such persons who live with them at the treatment facility. The resident must apply using an authorized representative designated by the facility/center (see Appendix 1 for facility listing). A disabled or blind individual who is a resident of a group living arrangement (see Appendix 1 for facility listing). An individual(s) temporarily residing in a shelter for battered women, men and children. A resident of a public or private nonprofit shelter for homeless individuals.

Deny separate assistance unit status to a boarder but allow her/him to participate in the assistance unit providing board at their request. Determine if the individual is considered a boarder by: Ensuring the amount paid for meals is distinguishable from the amount paid for lodging; Considering a person furnished both meals and lodging but paying less than a reasonable amount as a member of the household and not a boarder. Allow children and adults placed in foster care by a state, federal or local governmental agency to be considered as boarders and excluded from the assistance unit unless otherwise requested.

See Section 507 for treatment of excluded, disqualified or sanctioned individuals.

** Click here for additional information on purchasing and preparing food separately and pass through expenses.**

POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 8, W.S. 42-2-104

Determine which persons in the household are to be included in the assistance unit.

Find one (1) assistance unit and pay only one (1) performance payment when (also see Section 507): Two (2) parents with at least one (1) child in common, whether married or not; or Two (2) parents, each with an eligible child(ren), are married to each other; or Two (2) parents, married with no child(ren) in common, but the stepparent volunteers to participate in work programs. Three (3) generations which includes a minor parent living in the household; allow all related assistance unit members to volunteer to participate in work programs; or A caretaker relative is applying for her/his child(ren) and/or a child(ren) of one (1) or more relatives; Allow the caretaker relative who is applying only on behalf of a child(ren) of one (1) or more relatives to to volunteer to participate in work programs.

Find two (2) assistance units and pay each a performance payment when: Two (2) unrelated caretaker relatives live in the same household; or Siblings are caretaker relatives and live in the same household with their child(ren) and are at least 18 years of age; or A mother or father with a daughter's or son's child(ren) and a second daughter or son with her/his own child(ren) live in the same household and the daughter or son is at least 18 years of age; or A mother or father with her/his own child(ren) lives in the same household with a son or daughter over age 18 or emancipated with her/his own child(ren).

Two (2) Parent Assistance Unit/Married Couple Determine eligibility for a two (2) parent assistance unit/married couple prior to determining eligibility for a single-parent assistance unit/caretaker relative unit (see Section 507). Find the POWER assistance unit ineligible for the single-parent assistance unit/caretaker relative unit when non-compliance with the Pay-After-Performance requirements are not met.

Single-Parent Assistance Unit/Caretaker Relative Determine eligibility for a single-parent assistance unit/caretaker relative when it is verified the non- custodial parent(s) is not living in the home and cannot be counted on to function in the planning for the physical care, guidance and maintenance of the child(ren). Find the case eligible when the caretaker relative of a child(ren): Gives the reason for the absence of the non-custodial parent and return is not expected within 30 days; Names the non-custodial parent; and The preponderance of evidence indicates the non-custodial parent is not in the home; or When joint custody exists, the applicant or recipient has provided proof of being the primary caretaker. The absence was not caused solely for the performance of active duty in the Armed Services of the U.S.; or The absence was not caused solely by reason of employment, school, training or to receive medical treatment.

Example 1: Household consists of: Jamie - biological mother of Robert, ex-wife of Mark Brody - current husband of Jamie Mark - ex-husband of Jamie, current husband of Abbie Abbie - married to Mark Robert - 6 year old biological child of Jamie and Mark Jamie and Brody claim they purchase and prepare food separately from Mark and Abbie. Question: Can they be separate assistance units for SNAP? Answer: No, since Jamie and Mark have a child in common, they must be in the same assistance unit; Jamie and Mark cannot be separate assistance units from their spouses either. Therefore, they must all be one assistance unit.

Example 2: Question: Bonnie filed an application for SNAP for herself and her two children. The two children live with Bonnie one weekend a month; the rest of the time, they live with their father in Colorado. Can Bonnie include her children in her SNAP case? Answer: No, Bonnie's children attend school and are residents of Colorado; therefore, they cannot receive SNAP benefits in Wyoming.

507 Including/Excluding Individuals for SNAP and POWER

SNAP – 7 CFR 273.1 and .11P.L. 105-183

Income, assets and deductions shall be treated as indicated in the following table for excluded, sanctioned or disqualified individuals.

Treatment of Income, Assets and Deductions of Excluded Individuals

(Individual’s needs are excluded from assistance unit size when determining benefit level)

The sanction/disqualification is by individual, not the assistance unit.

** Mandatory minimum penalty applies.

SNAP -Treatment of Income, Assets and Excluded Individuals SEPA Code Situation Income Asset Deduction OU Ineligible boarder residing with SNAP assistance unit Exempt Exempt None OU Ineligible student Exempt Exempt None DI Exhausted ABAWD Prorated All Prorated (SUA not prorated) DI Individual who failed to meet the SSN requirement Prorated All Prorated (SUA not prorated) DI Individual who refused to attest to citizenship Prorated All Prorated (SUA not prorated) DI Ineligible immigrant *See Section 907 for proration of shelter deductions Prorated All Prorated (SUA not prorated) DF Work requirements** - Work registration/UIB - Reduction of work effort - Voluntary quit - E&T All All All DF Individual disqualified for IPV All All All DF Individuals found to have used or received benefits in a transaction involving the sale of a controlled substance. All All All DF Individuals found to have used or received benefits in a transaction involving the sale of firearms, ammunition or explosives. All All All DF Fleeing felon/Probation or parole violator (see section 610) All All All DF Individuals convicted of any of the following after February 7, 2014 and is out of compliance with the terms of their sentence: - Aggravated sexual abuse; - Murder; - Sexual exploitation & other abuse of children; - Sexual assault All All All DF Ten year penalty period when found guilty through an admin hearing or court of receiving/trying to receive multiple SNAP benefits in one (1) month All All All DF Individual found guilty of trafficking SNAP over $500 All All All

POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 6

The following individuals shall be included in one (1) POWER assistance unit: The natural, legal or adoptive parent(s) of a dependent child; and/or The blood related or adoptive brothers and sisters of the dependent child who are themselves dependent children and who meet all eligibility factors. (An emancipated minor is not considered a dependent child.)

The following individuals shall be excluded from the assistance unit and the income and assets treated as indicated in the table.

POWER -Treatment of Income, Assets and Excluded Individuals SEPA Code Situation Income Assets SS An individual who receives SSI benefits (see glossary for definition Receiving Social Security Benefits) N/A N/A OU An individual for whom adoption subsidy, IV-E, other federal, state, or local foster care maintenance payments are being made N/A N/A OU An immigrant who is ineligible due to deeming the income of their sponsor or due to sponsorship by an agency or organization (see Section 901) N/A N/A DI A fugitive felon/probation or parole violator All All DI An illegal immigrant All All DI An individual convicted of fraud or IPV All All DI An individual receiving/trying to receive assistance in more than one (1) state (10 year penalty) All All ST Stepparent Prorated All

Emancipated minors and parents age 18 and over shall be in a separate assistance unit and no longer in their parents' unit.

508 eDRS

SNAP – 7 CFR 272.12, .13, .15 and .16

Determine if any household member(s) age 18 or older has a current SNAP sanction making the household ineligible to receive SNAP benefits.

An individual age 18 and older shall be ineligible to receive SNAP benefits if: He/she is run through the eDRS interface in RAVE and he/she is found to have a SNAP disqualification; and The state where the disqualification was received verifies the sanction has not been served and the client is not eligible to receive SNAP. The individual(s) shall remain coded as "DF" on SEPA. The individual(s) shall remain coded as "DF" until the sanction has been served. An alert shall be set to code the individual(s) back in the case if the sanction will be served prior to the certification period ending.

eDRS disqualification codes and disqualification time lengths 999 - Lifetime disqualification 120 - 10 year disqualification 24 - 24 month disqualification 12 - 12 month disqualification

An individual 18 and older shall be eligible to receive SNAP benefits if: He/she is run through the eDRS interface in Records and Verification for Eligibility (RAVE) and is not found; or He/she is run through the eDRS interface in RAVE and is found to have a sanction, but upon contacting the state where the sanction was received, it is verified the sanction has been served.

601 Age

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.1

Refer to Section 506

POWER - W.S. 42-2-104; ARW Chapter 1 and 6

Each child(ren) shall be between birth and less than age 18; or

When the child(ren) is 18, he/she shall be attending high school full-time and be expected to graduate before reaching age 19.

602 School Attendance

SNAP - No requirement | POWER - W.S. 42-2-104 and 202, W.S. 21-4-101 and 102

Determine whether each child applicant/recipient, including a minor parent, meets the school attendance factor for POWER.

Through Age 15: The parent(s) of a child(ren) age 15 and under, and who has not yet completed the tenth grade, shall require the child(ren), including a minor parent, to be currently enrolled and attending school full-time. School includes a district approved alternative or district approved homeschool program beginning with the first grade; The DFS field office shall form an appropriate team to work with the parent(s) or caretaker relative(s) of a child(ren) who is not attending school full-time and the parent(s) or caretaker relative(s) shall cooperate in developing and implementing a plan to resolve the problem; and Allow the child(ren) to remain exempt but do not authorize a POWER payment if the parent or caretaker relative does not cooperate in developing and implementing the plan.

Age 16 through Age 17: Require a child(ren), excluding a minor parent, age 16 or older or who has completed the 10th grade and not graduated to be: Currently enrolled and attending high school or district approved alternative full-time; or Complying with the work program performance requirements. Do not authorize a performance payment for the performance period when compliance with the Pay- After-Performance requirements is not met.

Age 18 or a Minor Parent: Require a child(ren) age 18 or a minor parent of any age to be: Currently enrolled and attending high school or district approved alternative full-time; and Maintaining a "C" or equivalent cumulative grade point average. Require a child(ren) age 18 to graduate from the school or district approved alternative program before reaching the age of 19; and Consider the student who is expected to complete high school sometime during the month of his/her 19th birthday eligible for the performance payment month since he/she was eligible for a portion of the performance period. Remove the child the first of the month following the 18th birthday if s/he is not expected to graduate from the school before reaching the age of 19; or Close the case the first of the month following the 18th birthday when the above age eligibility factor is not met by the only child in the assistance unit. Example: Tommy is turning 18 on January 27th, it was verified with his school that he will not graduate before his 19th birthday. Due to these circumstances, Tommy is no longer considered a dependent child and does not meet the age eligibility factor for POWER. If Tommy is the only child in the case, the case must be terminated in February. If Tommy is not the only child in the case, he should be removed from the grant by coding him OU in SEPA beginning in February. Require the minor parent to graduate as projected when beginning secondary school or within six (6) months.

Not Attending School: Find a dependent child(ren), who is not mandatory for the POWER work program, eligible when absent from school because of official vacations, illness, convalescence or family emergency involving an immediate family member and the absence is temporary and the child(ren) was enrolled until the time of the absence. A dependent child who is required to comply with the POWER work program performance requirements shall seek and accept employment during summer breaks if not enrolled in summer school full-time.

Verification of School Attendance: Verify school attendance each September, fall midterm, January and spring midterm for those individuals age 16 and older and who are meeting the school attendance requirements. Verify school attendance of children less than 16 years old when school attendance is questionable during the school year or if they are a minor parent. Verify school attendance for all students for fall in the spring when pre-registration takes place.

603 Residence

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.3 | POWER - W.S. 42-2-108 | ARW, Chapter 1, Section 6

Each person who is applying for or receiving benefits shall be a resident of Wyoming.

A person is a resident of Wyoming, if he/she: Is living in the state voluntarily with the intention of establishing a permanent residence; Is living in the state voluntarily (i.e.) homeless individual, migrant worker, student), and has not established any durational residency, for SNAP only; Is not in the state only for vacationing; or Is receiving assistance in the Wyoming county of residence.

A lack of a permanent dwelling or lack of a fixed residence or home address shall not act as a barrier to receipt of assistance as long as residence is met.

Residence shall continue until it is established elsewhere by the individual.

No individual shall participate as a member of more than one (1) assistance unit or in more than one (1) county/state in any month except: For SNAP purposes under the following circumstances: The individual is a resident of a shelter for battered women and children (See Appendix 1); and The individual was a member of the assistance unit containing the abusive person.

Residence shall not be interrupted by a temporary absence for POWER if the POWER eligible is a child(ren) and meets the temporary absence criteria (see Section 609).

604 Identity

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.2 |POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 5

For POWER, each applicant shall provide identification prior to being found eligible.

For SNAP, the identity of the person making application shall be verified. Where an authorized representative applies on behalf of a household, the identity of both the authorized representative and the head of household shall be verified.

Identity is the minimal eligibility factor an applicant (person and/or authorized representative making the application) shall meet prior to receiving expedited service for SNAP.

605 Social Security Number (SSN) Requirement

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.2 and .6 | POWER - Social Security Act, Section 1137 | ARW, Chapter 1, Section 5

Determine if each assistance unit member meets the SSN eligibility factor.

Refer to Section 303 for information concerning acceptable evidence when hard copy verification is required.

Verification For POWER, require a hard copy of the social security card or a copy of an interface. For newborns; require a hard copy of the social security card or a copy of an interface, no later than three (3) months after the child's date of birth. Enter the child's date of birth in the SS5 DT field in SSDO to allow this grace period and set a reminder alert. Terminate the POWER assistance unit when this requirement is not met. For SNAP, require a SSN or proof of application for a card unless good cause exists. The assistance unit member shall be disqualified from SNAP when he/she refuses or fails to provide or apply for a SSN. If the assistance unit is unable to provide proof of application for an SSN for a newborn for SNAP, the assistance unit shall provide the SSN or proof of application at its next recertification or within six (6) months following the month the baby is born, whichever is later. If the assistance unit is unable to provide an SSN or proof of application for an SSN at its next re- certification within six (6) months following the baby’s birth, the worker shall determine if the good cause provisions are applicable (see 605 E).

Immigrant Without Work Authorization. The SSA will not assign or replace a SSN to an immigrant who does not have CIS work authorization unless a federal, state or local statute or regulation, in accordance with federal law, requires the immigrant to provide a SSN to receive assistance/benefits. Establish that the immigrant(s) meets all requirements to receive assistance except for a SSN; Obtain verification that the immigrant does or does not have authorization of the CIS to work in the U.S.: Use the SAVE process as outlined in Section 606; or Obtain verification from the CIS as outlined in Section 606. Require the immigrant who does not have authorization of the CIS to work in the U.S. to provide evidence of age, identity and lawful immigrant status; and Submit to the local SSA a statement on letterhead stationery specifying: The identity of the immigrant; The reason the SSN is required; and The immigrant meets all the requirements to receive assistance except a SSN.

SNAP only - 7 CFR 273.6

E. Good Cause

Determine if the assistance unit member who is unable to provide or apply for a SSN has good cause; Has applied for the SSN; Made every effort to provide SSA with the necessary information; or Refused to apply for a SSN based on a sincere religious objection. If no SSN, use documentary evidence from the assistance unit, the SSA and the DFS-FO case record to verify the assistance unit member; Allow the assistance unit member to participate for 30 days in addition to the month of application when good cause exists; Re-evaluate the good cause monthly until the SSN is provided and allow continued participation when good cause exists; and Document the reason good cause is allowed.

606 Citizenship and Immigrant Status

SNAP - 7 CFR 271.2, 272.1, .11, 273.2, .4 | P.L. 105-185, P.L 106-386 | Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 | POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 6

Determine if each applicant/recipient meets one (1) of the citizenship/immigrant eligibility factors as indicated in the Table below to qualify for benefits.

Automatic citizenship is granted to a child(ren) born in a foreign country or a child(ren) adopted from abroad by U.S. citizens and the child(ren) is (Child Citizenship Act, P.L. 105-185): Under 18 years of age; Admitted to the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident; and In the legal and physical custody of at least one (1) parent who is a U.S. citizen.

An adult victim of trafficking who is certified, and a child(ren) who has a certification letter, are eligible for benefits the same as a refugee under 207 of the INA (see the following chart) (Trafficking Victims Protection Act, P.L. 106-386) (FOR POWER ONLY) : The certification letter for the adult(s), and letter for a child(ren), shall be issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), and shall be accepted in place of USCIS documentation; Confirm the validity of the certification letter, or letter for a child(ren), and notify ORR of the benefits for which the individual(s) has applied by calling the trafficking verification line at (202) 401-5510; and Record and set an alert for the expiration date of the certification date as a review of continuing eligibility shall be conducted.

SNAP: Changes to this policy are related to the OBBB signed on July 4, 2025. Please see the links below for the Policy Memo as well as the Q&A provided by FNS. Implementation Memo FNS Q&A

Eligible Alien Groups Eligibility Timing • Non-citizen U.S. nationals • Cuban and Haitian entrants • Compacts of Free Association (COFA) citizens Eligible immediately, with no waiting period, as long as they meet all other SNAP financial and non-financial eligibility requirements. • Lawful permanent residents (LPR) (also known as Green Card holders) Eligible after a 5-year waiting period, as long as they meet all other SNAP financial and non-financial eligibility requirements. LPRs may still be eligible for SNAP without a waiting period if they meet one or more of the following conditions: • Are under 18 years old • Have 40 qualifying work quarters • Are blind or disabled • Were lawfully residing in the U.S. and 65 or older on August 22, 1996 • Have a U.S. military connection • Are admitted to the United States as an Amerasian immigrant • Are an American Indian born abroad • Certain Hmong or Highland Laotian tribal members •If any of the LPR groups have adjusted status from a humanitarian category (Refugee, Asylee, Deportations Withheld or Victim of Trafficking), they are eligible immediately.

POWER:

Citizen/Noncitizen Eligibility POWER U.S. Citizen or resident of American Samoa or Swains Island (noncitizen national) Yes Illegal immigrant No Immigrants eligible indefinitely: Lawful permanent resident (LPR) Yes Children under 18 who are Lawful permanent residents (LPR) or Qualified Immigrants (see below) Yes U.S. military connection (veteran, active duty, spouse or unmarried dependent child) Yes Battered spouse, child, or parent or child of a battered person with a petition pending under 204(a)(1)(A) or (B) or 244(a)(3) of the INA Yes Lawfully in U.S. on 8/22/96 & age 65 or older No Qualified immigrant receiving blind or disability benefits, or under 18 years of age, regardless of date of entry Yes Canadian born Indians under 289 of the INA No Member of an Indian Tribe under 4(e) of Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act No Hmong or Highland Laotian refugees (fought on behalf of U.S. during Vietnam conflict) No Special immigrants (SIVs), SIV parolees (SQ/SI Parole, also known as special immigrant parolees). Yes *Do not count any quarter after 12/31/96 when the immigrant received benefits from SNAP, LIEAP, ME, POWER, federally funded foster care, etc. Likewise, a parent’s or spouse’s quarter is not creditable if the parent or spouse actually received any Federal means-tested public benefit or actually received SNAP in that quarter. Citizen/Noncitizen Eligibility POWER Qualified immigrants eligible for five (5) years (PO) and eligible for seven (7) years under PRWORA or indefinitely after five (5) years in the US from date of entry of granting of status. Paroled under 212(d)(5) of the INA or humanitarian parolees for at least a year. To clarify, it is the duration of the parole period that must be at least one year, not the length of time the person has been in parole status. Eligible for at least one (1) year Refugee under 207 of the INA from date of entry into U.S. Yes Granted conditional entry under Section 203(a)(7) of the INA as in effect before April 1, 1980. Yes Cubans and Haitians under 501(e) of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980 from date of entry or granting of status Yes Asylees from date granted asylum under 208 of the INA Yes Deportation is being withheld under 243(h) as in effect before 4/1/97, or 241(b)(3) of the INA from date of entry or granting of status Yes Amerasians under 584 of Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related Program Appropriations Act from date of entry or granting of status Yes Ukrainian humanitarian parolees resulting from the Ukraine invasion, granted parole between February 24, 2022, and September 30, 2024, under the Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations act 2022 (AUSAA) from date of entry or granting status Yes Afghan nationals, citizens, or those who last habitually lived in Afghanistan who are granted parole between July 31, 2021, and Sept. 30, 2023, are eligible to receive resettlement assistance, entitlement programs, and other benefits available to refugees admitted under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. These individuals are not subject to a waiting period and are immediately eligible for benefits as long as they meet all other financial and non-financial eligibility requirements. The Act allows these individuals to receive benefits for a limited period of time, either through March 31, 2023, or until the end of their parole term, whichever is later. Additionally, the spouses and children of such individuals, as well as parents and legal guardians of such individuals who were unaccompanied minors, are eligible for benefits even if they are granted parole after Sept. 30, 2023, as long as they meet all other income and eligibility requirements. This eligibility lasts until March 31, 2023, or the end of the parole term, whichever is later. Please note, the Act only applies to Afghan nationals, citizens, or those who habitually lived in Afghanistan who are granted parole status between July 31, 2021, and Sept. 30, 2023. Refugees and special immigrants (SIV), including SIVs with parolee statuses, are not subject to the March 31, 2023, limitation and continue to be eligible for federal public benefits, provided all other eligibility requirements are met. Yes Temporary Protected Status (TPS) permitted to remain temporarily in the U.S. because their home nation is suffering under armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other "extraordinary or temporary" conditions. No

D. Immigrant Verification Process

Assure the information entered on the eligibility computer system is correct for illegal immigrants as DFS shall report them to USCIS when: A government entity knows that an immigrant is present illegally only when the entity’s finding or conclusion of unlawful presence is made as part of a formal determination subject to administrative review and is supported by a determination of the USCIS or the Executive Office of Immigration Review, such as a Final Order of Deportation. *If you have an individual who meets the criteria outlined in this section (D)(1)(a), please notify the SNAP program manager for reporting on this individual. The unsponsored lawful permanent resident not meeting the eligibility requirements shall not be eligible for SNAP benefits; and This individual may not be eligible for SNAP.

E. See Appendix 4 for the SDX immigrant codes and the definition.

F. See Appendix 10 for instructions for Quarters of Coverage History System (QCHS) Inquiry.

G. Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE).

Require all immigrant applicants to present original documentation of immigrant registration or another form of documentation the issuing agency determined was reasonable evidence of the applicant's immigration status or an Alien Registration Number (A-Number). All queries to obtain and/or verify immigrant status shall be made through the Internet. The web site is: https://save.uscis.gov/Web/vislogin.aspx?JS=YES . This site is provided by the Department of Homeland Security and contains initial and secondary information on immigration and immigrant status. If an immigrant does not have USCIS documentation, the worker shall verify the date of entry into the United States or date status was given by submitting USCIS Form G-845. You must email the SAVE program at saveregistration@uscis.dhs.gov and receive approval before you submit Form G-845.

H. Documentation. The case record shall show documentation of the validity of the immigrant’s status as provided through the USCIS and/or contain a copy of the USCIS Form G-845.

I. Failure to Comply

The assistance unit shall be ineligible for POWER when any member indicates an unwillingness to provide documentation of immigrant status. Disqualify from SNAP any assistance unit member who indicates an inability or unwillingness to provide documentation of immigrant status.

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.2, .4, .8 and .11 | POWER - P.L. 104-193, as amended | W.S. 42-2-109, W.S. 42-2-202

J. Sponsor of an Immigrant

Deem the assets of the sponsor of an eligible immigrant, and the sponsor's spouse, to the eligible immigrant 100% until: The immigrant(s) becomes a citizen; The 40 qualifying quarters of work without receipt of government benefits exist; or The sponsor dies.

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.2, 4, .8 and .11

K. Reduce the value of the deemed asset(s) by $1,500 to determine the amount available to the assistance unit.

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.2, 4, .8 and .11 | POWER - P.L. 104-193, as amended | W.S. 42-2-109, W.S. 42-2-202

L. Income

Deem the income of the sponsor of an eligible immigrant, and the sponsor's spouse, to the immigrant until: The immigrant(s) becomes a citizen; 40 qualifying quarters of work without receipt of government benefits exist; or Until the sponsor dies.

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.2, 4, .8 and .11

M. Use the following to calculate the amount available to the sponsored immigrant for SNAP:

Deduct 20% from the gross earned income of the sponsor/sponsor's spouse; Deduct an amount equal to the monthly gross income eligibility limit for the size of the sponsor's household; and Divide the net income by the number of sponsored immigrants.

N. Do not apply these provisions to:

An immigrant who is a member of his/her sponsor's assistance unit; A refugee, parolee, asylee, Cuban/Haitian entrant; A battered immigrant spouse, immigrant parent of a battered child or child of a battered immigrant after determining the battering is connected to the need for benefits and the battered individual does not live with the batterer; or An immigrant whose income, including cash contributions, the value of any in-kind assistance provided by the sponsor and others, or the amount of income available from the sponsor calculated in CM 606(L)(2) does not exceed 130% of the FPL.

POWER - P.L. 104-193, as amended | W.S. 42-2-109, W.S. 42-2-202

5. Use 100% of the income for POWER (see Section 1101). 6. Exempt the income of an ineligible immigrant sibling in determining the need of an otherwise eligible dependent.

Example 1.

Question: Do qualified alien children under 18 have to wait five years before they can start receiving SNAP?

Answer: Only children who are LPRs, CHEs, or COFA citizens are eligible. Qualified Alien is too broad of a term to apply this to and each category must be reviewed to ensure that the child meets the requirements of eligibility as well.

Example 2.

Question: If a non-citizen child receiving SNAP turns 18 years of age during a certification period, and has been living in the United States for over five years, is the child still eligible to receive SNAP?

Answer: Yes. Once a child turns 18, the child may continue to be eligible for SNAP as long as he or she meets other program criteria.

Example 3.

Question: If a qualified alien is in an exempt category (e.g., asylee or refugee) and later adjusts to LPR status, does the qualified alien have to meet the five-year requirement?

Answer: No. Those non-citizens are exempt from the five-year residency requirement and are eligible indefinitely, both before and after adjustment of status to LPR. Their exemption from the five- year waiting period is not affected by their adjustment to LPR status. An example of this is an individual who was initially granted asylum in January 2009 and then adjusted to LPR status in January 2011. Even though this non-citizen has not been in a qualified alien status for five years, the qualified alien is eligible indefinitely without a waiting period as an asylee.

When a non-citizen has adjusted to LPR status from another category, the green card usually shows the previous status and the date of the adjustment of status to LPR rather than the date the previous status was granted. To obtain a history of a non-citizen’s status from USCIS, State agencies may have to specifically ask for the information on USCIS Forms G-845 (Document Verification Request) and G-845 Supplement (Document Verification Request Supplement). Generally, these and other USCIS forms are available on the USCIS website.

607 Relationship

SNAP - No requirement | POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 6

POWER only:

Determine if the applicant/recipient meets the relationship eligibility factor by requiring the caretaker to be a relative to the child(ren).

608 Living With A Relative

SNAP - No requirement | POWER - W.S. 42-2-104 | ARW, Chapter 1, Section 6

For POWER only: Determine if the applicant or recipient meets the living with a relative eligibility factor.

Require the caretaker to be a relative of the child and consider the eligibility factor met when: Living with the child; Responsible for the care and control of the child; and It has been established the caretaker relative is the primary caretaker of the child(ren); or The parents share joint custody and it has been established the applicant/recipient is the primary caretaker.

Consider a stepparent eligible and the living with a relative factor met when s/he is the only caretaker relative in the household and, for POWER, is in need.

609 Temporary Absence

SNAP - No requirement | POWER - W.S. 42-2-104 | ARW, Chapter 1, Section 5

For POWER only.

Temporary Absence of the POWER Eligible Individual Find the temporary absence criteria met and allow the individual to continue to remain in the assistance unit when: The caretaker relative remains responsible for the care and control of the child(ren); and The absence of the child(ren) is for no more than 90 days and verification has been provided the child(ren) is expected to return to the home within 90 days and the child(ren) has not entered foster care. The absence of the caretaker relative or parent due to hospitalization or recovery from injury or illness is not expected to continue beyond thirty (30) days and verification has been provided. For special circumstances not addressed above, please escalate the situation to the DFS-SO for an individual case circumstance review and determination.

610 Fleeing Felons/Probation or Parole Violators

SNAP: 273.11(n) | POWER P.L. 104-193, Section 408

General Rule:

Fleeing felons and probation or parole violators: Individuals who are fleeing to avoid prosecution or custody for a crime, or an attempt to commit a crime, that would be classified as a felony (or in the State of New Jersey, a high misdemeanor) or who are violating a condition of probation or parole under a Federal or State law shall not be considered eligible household members. The income and resources of the ineligible member shall be handled in accordance with Section 507.

To determine if an individual is a fleeing felon the following 4 criteria must be met - all four items have to be present and verified by the State to determine that an individual is a fleeing felon: There has to be an outstanding felony warrant for an individual; The individual has to be aware of, or should reasonably have been able to expect that, a warrant has or would have been issued; The individual has to have taken some action to avoid being arrested or jailed; and A law enforcement agency must be actively seeking the individual.

To be considered a probation or parole violator: An impartial party, as designated by the State, must determine that the individual violated a condition of his or her probation or parole imposed under Federal or State law; and Federal, State, or local law enforcement authorities are actively seeking the individual to enforce the conditions of the probation or parole.

Actively seeking is defined as follows: A Federal, State, or local law enforcement agency informs a State that it intends to enforce an outstanding felony warrant or to arrest an individual for a probation or parole violation within 20 days of submitting a request for information about the individual to the State; A Federal, State, or local law enforcement agency presents a felony arrest warrant as provided in 273.11(n)(1)(ii); or A Federal, State, or local law enforcement agency states that it intends to enforce an outstanding felony warrant or to arrest an individual for a probation or parole violation within 30 days of the date of a request from a State about a specific outstanding felony warrant or probation or parole violation.

States have the responsibility of verifying the fleeing felon and parole or probation violator status of an individual. Contact the SNAP Program Manager if determination needs to be made and the SNAP Program Manager will make the determination.

If a State needs to act on an application without determining fleeing felon or probation or parole violator status in order to comply with the application processing time frames, the State shall process the application without consideration of the individual’s fleeing felon or probation or parole violator status. This applies to expedited service as well.

An individual is only a fleeing felon or a parole or probation violator for SNAP purposes if that individual meets the definition of a a fleeing felon. Once the individual is not meeting the appropriate criteria, they may be certified. A new determination of fleeing felon or probation or parole violator would need to be made each time the individual applies.

Under simplified reporting, if an individual is determined to be a fleeing felon or a probation or parole violator during a certification period, that individual must be disqualified from the program even though it might result in a decrease in benefits.

The case file narrative shall be documented explaining the final determination and how it was reached

700 Participation/Cooperation Requirements

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.7| W.S. 42-2-202 | POWER - P.L. 104-193, as amended | W.S. 42-2-103

Each mandatory assistance unit member shall comply with the approved activity, participation, work registration, and/or performance requirements mandated by the applicable program.

701 Work Registration Requirements

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.7 | ARW, Chapter 2, Section 5

The Work Agreement/Registration and/or E & T Referral shall be completed at the time of application by all individuals mandatory for work registration, excluding mandatory persons who are excused while meeting the work requirements by participating in UIB, POWER or Tribal TANF. The primary household member is agreeing to the Work Agreement/Registration for all household members by signing the application.

Require mandatory work registrants described in 1 to: Register either on-line or at DWS; Complete an online resume at HireWYO.com ; Respond to a request for supplemental information regarding their employment status or availability for work; Report to an employer to whom referred if the potential employment meets the definition of suitable employment (see Section 704 Suitable Employment). Not voluntarily and without good cause quit a job of 30 or more hours a week or reduce work effort to less than 30 hours a week. See Section 705 Voluntary Quit/Reduction in Work Effort Provisions. Accept a bona fide offer of suitable employment if the wage is at least federal minimum wage; Retain and maintain suitable employment (see Section 704 Suitable Employment).

Work compliance requirements shall be reviewed during the interview with all mandatory for work registration and anyone who is temporarily excused from signing the form so s/he is aware of the requirements and penalties for noncompliance.

Deny any mandatory individual who refuses to comply with the work agreement/registration (see Section 707) and/or sanction anyone who fails to comply with the work requirements for UIB, POWER or Tribal TANF (see Section 713).

A mandatory individual shall be disqualified for failure to comply with the work registration requirements in 1. and 2. without good cause.

An individual is assumed to have complied unless information is received from DWS that s/he has not complied.

Example 1: Household of 3 applies for SNAP benefits. The household consists of 1 adult and 2 children over the age of 12. The adult in the household is not employed and does not meet any other exemption and is required to complete the work registration requirements. The individual refuses to comply with the work requirements listed in section B. The adult (PI) should be sanctioned and coded "DF" on SEPA and a sanction date "SA" should be added to WORW in EPICS. Benefits will be issued for the remaining 2 members of the household.

702 Exemptions From Work Registration

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.7 | ARW, Chapter 2, Section 4

An assessment of each applicant/recipient shall be performed to determine if the individual is exempt from the work registration and update the exempt status on WORW whenever the recipient’s status changes.

An individual shall be exempt if s/he meets the criteria in one or more of 1-12: A child under age 16, including a child who turns 16 within the certification period. Age 16 or 17,who is: Not the head of the assistance unit; or Attending school; or Enrolled in an employment training program at least half-time. Age 60 or older (NOT AN ABAWD EXEMPTION) Physically or mentally unfit for employment as verified by: Receipt of temporary or permanent disability benefits issued by governmental or private sources (see Glossary for definition of disabled); A determination of incapacity (preferably using the DFS 110 Statement of Incapacity) which is completed by the individual’s medical professional; A visual determination of a physical disability by the Benefit Specialist as documented in the case record; Cooperating with the Department of Employment/DVR including when verified the individual is in the application process for services; or Cooperating with the Social Security Administration (SSA) in the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) application process (must be verified). If a client is denied SSI, the appeals process no longer exempts the person from work registration. *Note: this exemption only applies to SSI, not Social Security Disability (SSD) aka SSDI or SSDS. Receipt of VA disability compensation - regardless of disability rating. A parent or other individual who is responsible for the care of a dependent child under age six (6). A parent or other individual who is responsible for the care of an incapacitated person. A person receiving unemployment compensation (UIB). A person who has applied for, but is not yet receiving, unemployment compensation is also exempt if that person is complying with work requirements that are part of the Federal-State unemployment compensation application process. A regular participant in a drug addiction or alcoholic treatment (does not include Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)) and rehabilitation program. Regular participation consists of required, recurring counseling that occurs during work hours (7:00 am - 9:00 pm) and/or therapy that has been court ordered or is part of a probation agreement and cannot be accomplished outside of work hours (7:00 am - 9:00 pm). The individual must be participating a significant amount of time during work hours that would prohibit them from seeking/gaining employment and/or the facility providing the services verifies seeking/gaining employment is detrimental to their recovery at this time. A bona fide student enrolled at least half time in any of the following during normal periods of class attendance, vacation and recess (see Section 505): Recognized school (i.e. high school). Training program (i.e. Wyoming Technical Institute, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), and SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) programs). Institution of higher education (i.e. Laramie County Community College (LCCC), University of Wyoming (UW)). Subject to the requirements of the POWER or Tribal TANF program. Employed or self-employed and working a minimum of 30 hours weekly or receiving weekly earnings equal to at least the federal minimum wage multiplied by 30 hours. Meets 11 above and is a migrant/seasonal farm worker who is under contract or similar agreement with an employer or crew chief to begin employment within 30 days.

Refer to Section 703 for coding on WORW in EPICS.

Changes in exempt status shall be: Updated the next month when the change is due to a mandatory reporting requirement (see Section 1501); or Updated at the time of re-certification if the change is not required to be reported.

Example 1:

Question: Do GED classes fall under "training program" and exempt a client from work registration? Answer: No, GED/HiSET is not considered an institution of higher education.

Example 2:

Question: An assistant unit consists of a mom, dad, two children (7&4) and an uncle. The mom and dad are both employed over 30 hours per week. The PI states to the benefit specialist that the uncle is responsible for the care of the children while the parents are at work. Is the uncle then exempt from work registration? Answer: Yes, the uncle is exempt from work registration as he is responsible for the care of a child under the age of 6.

Example 3:

Question: If a person is exempt from work registration due to being age 62, does that exempt them from the ABAWD time limited provision? Answer: No, their age only exempts them from the work registration requirements. They would need to meet an additional exemption to be exempt from ABAWD as the age for ABAWD is until age 65.

703 Tracking Work Program Requirements

Use the following codes on WORW for work registration (see Section 702): Exempt individuals shall be coded “Y-EX” in the “EXEMPT” field; The work registration date shall be entered in the SNAP WORK RGDATE field.

Use the following codes on WORW in EPICS for E&T: Code exempt individuals “Y-EX” in the EXEMPT field; Code the “VOL” field “Y”.

Use the following codes on JAS for E&T after selecting the individual to be activated: Assure the caseload number of PASS is correct; Enter 101 as the component code on EMDP for regular E&T with scheduled start and scheduled end dates which reflect no more than a 60 day period at 30 hours per week; Create the participant reimbursement for E&T participants (see Section 712); Assure all payments have been authorized at the end of 60 days or when advised by the E&T provider the component activity is completed: Enter an actual end date on EMDP; Generate a JAS E&T closure notice; and Terminate the case on PASS.

704 Suitable Employment

Mandatory work registrants described in Section 701 are required to report to an employer to whom referred if the potential employment meets the definition of suitable employment.

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.7

Employment shall be considered suitable unless one (1) or more of the following has occurred to make the employment unsuitable:

The wage offered is less than the applicable federal minimum wage.

The employment offered is on a piece-rate basis and the average hourly rate the employee can reasonably be expected to earn is less than the applicable federal minimum wage.

The individual, as a condition of employment or continuing employment, is required to join, resign from or refrain from joining any legitimate labor organization.

The work is at a site subject to a strike at the time of the offer unless the strike has been enjoined under Section 208 of the Labor Management Relations Act or Section 10 of the Railway Labor Act.

The degree of risk to health and safety is unreasonable.

The member is physically or mentally unfit to perform the employment as documented by medical evidence or by reliable information from other sources.

The distance from home to work exceeds two (2) hours per day, not including the transportation of a child to and from a child care facility, or the distance prohibits walking and neither public nor private transportation is available.

Working hours or the nature of employment interferes with religious beliefs, observances or convictions.

705 Voluntary Quit/Reduction in Work Effort Provisions

Mandatory work registrants cannot voluntarily and without good cause quit a job of 30 or more hours a week or reduce work effort to less than 30 hours a week, see Section 701(B)(6).

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.7

Exempt an individual from the voluntary quit/reduction in work effort provisions if s/he is exempt from the work registration requirements due to meeting one of the exemptions in Section 702(B)(1-10).

Exempt an individual from the voluntary quit/reduction in work effort provisions if s/he has resigned from a job at the demand of the employer or has been terminated or fired from employment.

Determine whether any individual voluntarily quit employment or voluntarily reduced hours/wages: Thirty days or less prior to the date of application; or Any time after the date of application.

Apply the voluntary quit provision only if 1-3 apply: The employment was for at least 30 hours per week or provided weekly earnings equivalent to the federal minimum wage multiplied by 30 hours; The employment met the definition of suitable employment (see Section 704 Suitable Employment); and The quit was without good cause (see Section 706).

Document the decision in the case record.

Disqualify a mandatory individual for voluntarily quitting suitable employment or reducing work effort without good cause.

Terminate a sanction when any of the following occur: If the disqualified individual, prior to the effective date of the sanction or during the disqualification period, becomes exempt from the work requirements; If the disqualified individual, prior to the effective date of the sanction or during the disqualification period, returns to employment or secures new employment which is comparable in salary or hours to the job which was quit; or If the minimum mandatory ineligibility period has expired (see Section 707). The disqualification period(s) shall run uninterrupted regardless of whether or not benefits are received.

706 Good Cause for Failing to Comply with Work Requirements

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.7

Determine if good cause exists when an individual claims to have good cause for failing or refusing to comply with work requirements.

Grant good cause under the following conditions: Circumstances are beyond the individual’s control such as, but not limited to: Illness; Illness of another assistance unit member requiring the presence of the member; An assistance unit emergency; The unavailability of transportation; or The lack of adequate child care for children who have reached age six (6), but are under age 12. Discrimination by an employer based on age, race, sex, color, disability, religious beliefs, national origin or political beliefs. Work demands or conditions that render continued employment unreasonable, such as working without being paid on schedule. Acceptance by any assistance unit member of employment or enrollment of at least half-time in any recognized school, training program or institution of higher education that requires the member to leave employment and/or move. Resignations by persons under the age of 60 which are recognized by the employer as retirement. Acceptance of a bona fide offer of employment of more than 30 hours a week or in which the weekly earnings are equivalent to the Federal minimum wage multiplied by 30 hours which, because of circumstances beyond the control of the wage earner, subsequently either does not materialize or results in less than 30 hours a week or weekly earnings of less than Federal minimum wage multiplied by 30 hours. Leaving a job in connection with patterns of employment in which workers frequently move from one (1) employer to another such as migrant farm labor or construction work. Employment that is no longer suitable as defined in Section 704 Suitable Employment.

Document the reason good cause was approved or denied in the case record.

707 SNAP Sanctions Due to Noncompliance

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.1, .7, .11

If there is a failure to comply with POWER or Tribal TANF: Do not increase the benefit when the income of an assistance unit is reduced for failure to perform a required action; Maintain the current benefit level if benefits would increase as a result of this provision.

Apply the following procedures when a sanction occurs for failure to comply with the SNAP work program requirements: Impose the sanction period as follows: For the first occurrence of non-compliance with the work requirements the household member(s) shall be disqualified for one (1) full month; For the second occurrence of non-compliance with the work requirements the household member(s) shall be disqualified for three (3) full months; and For the third or subsequent occurrence of non-compliance with the work requirements the household member(s) shall be disqualified for six (6) full months. The member who caused a sanction due to a voluntary quit or a reduction of work effort shall be required to meet the provisions in Section 705(D); and Continue the sanction until: The individual becomes exempt during the sanction period (see Sections 702 Exemptions From Work Registration, and 708 ABAWD Requirements); The individual cooperates with the work requirements; and The minimum sanction period has been served. The disqualification period(s) shall run uninterrupted regardless of whether or not benefits are received.

Proceed as follows for all sanctions: Review any sanction for appropriateness. Assure the notice requirements are met prior to imposing any sanction (see Tables). Generate the F432 SNAP Work Requirements – one (1) person HH notice or the F732 Decreased SNAP: Work Requirements Non-Comply notice for failure to comply explaining: The name of household member(s) in non-compliance; Requirement(s) not met; Length of disqualification period; and Action that can be taken to avoid the disqualification before the disqualification period begins. Cancel the adverse action if the individual complies before the noncompliance can be imposed. Update the SEPA and WORW screens as follows: SEPA - change sanctioned individual(s) to DF; WORW - change sanctioned individual(s) to Exempt - Y, EX (under the applicable WORK RG or SNAP E&T fields) and enter the Sanction Code - SA and effective date.

708 ABAWD Requirements

SNAP – 7 CFR 273.2, .10 - .11 and .24

Wyoming operates on a 36 month fixed period, which starts on a given date and runs continuously for three (3) years. The same fixed period is used for everyone.

Wyoming’s fixed periods are as follows:

October 1, 2012 – September 30, 2015 October 1, 2015 – September 30, 2018 October 1, 2018 - September 30, 2021 October 1, 2021 - September 30, 2024

October 1, 2024 - September 30, 2027 *Current period

A. An Able Bodied Adult a Without Dependent under age 14 (ABAWD) is a SNAP applicant/recipient who is:

1. Able-bodied; 2. As of July 4, 2025, ag 18 through age 64 ; and 3. In an assistance unit without a dependent under the age of 14.

Exceptions:

B. Do not apply the ABAWD benefit limit to an individual if s/he is:

1. Under 18 or over the age of 65 as of July 4, 2025 ; 2. Determined to be medically certified as physically or mentally unfit for employment. An individual is medically certified as physically or mentally unfit for employment if s/he:

a. Is receiving temporary or permanent disability benefits issued by governmental or private sources; b. Provides a statement from a medical professional that s/he is physically or mentally unfit for employment; c. Is obviously unfit for employment as determined by a visual determination by the Benefit Specialist; this must be documented in the case record; d. Cooperating with the Department of Employment/DVR including when verified the individual is in the application process for services; or e. Cooperating with SSA in the SSI application process. If a client is denied SSI, the appeals process does not exempt the person from work registration.

3. Is a parent (natural, adoptive, or step) of a household member under age 14, even if the household member who is under 14 is not himself eligible for food stamps (for example: ineligible student or non-citizen); 4. Is residing in an assistance unit where a member is under age 14, even if the household member who is under 14 is not himself eligible for food stamps (for example: ineligible student or non-citizen); 5. Is otherwise exempt from work requirements, other than being over the age of 60; 6. Is pregnant; or 7. Is a member of an Indian tribe.

C. An ABAWD is subject to all other appropriate SNAP work/work registration requirements.

Work Requirements (exemptions):

D. Do not allow an ABAWD to receive SNAP benefits for more than three (3) months out of every 36 months unless s/he is meeting one of the following work requirements:

1. Works 20 hours per week averaged monthly or 80 or more hours per month (weekly hours shall be converted by 4.3 to calculate monthly average);

a. Works in exchange for money; b. Works in exchange for goods or services (in-kind); or c. Unpaid volunteer work with an agency or organization which is scheduled and structured.

2. Participates in and complies with the requirements of one (1) of the following work programs for 80 hours or more per month:

a. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA); or b. Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA); or

3. Any combination of working and participating in a work program for a total of 80 hours or more per month.

Good Cause:

4. If an individual would have worked an average of 20 hours per week but missed some work for good cause, the individual shall be considered to have met the work requirement if the absence from work is temporary and the individual retains his or her job. Good cause shall include circumstances beyond the individual's control, such as, but not limited to, illness, illness of another household member requiring the presence of the member, a household emergency, or the unavailability of transportation.

Identifying ABAWDS:

E. Identify each ABAWD in an assistance unit at the time of application and/or at the time of any status change.

F. Review the previous 36 months to determine if the ABAWD received countable (free) months of benefits.

1. Count only full benefit months in which the ABAWD received benefits:

a. As a mandatory individual; and b. While not meeting the ABAWD work requirements.

2. Use ABTR, FSBH, and SEPA, if necessary, to make this determination. 3. Count full months of benefits received in other states when known.

a. Add any out of state countable ABAWD months to the ABTR screen in EPICS.

G. Inform the ABAWD of the ABAWD work/work registration requirements and send the F109 Notice of ABAWD Status.

H. Allow a mandatory ABAWD to receive three (3) free months of benefits (the three (3) free months need not be consecutive) every 36 months while not meeting the ABAWD work requirements (see D.).

Regaining Eligibility:

I. Regaining eligibility. An individual denied eligibility due to receiving his/her three countable (free) ABAWD months or who did not reapply for benefits because s/he was not meeting the work requirements shall regain eligibility to participate in the SNAP if, during any 30 consecutive days, s/he:

1. Worked 80 or more hours; 2. Participated in and cooperated with the requirements of one (1) of the following work programs for 80 or more hours:

a. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA); or b. Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA).

3. Any combination of working and participating in a work program for a total of 80 hours or more. 4. Becomes exempt. 5. All other eligibility requirements are met.

J. Allow the ABAWD who has regained eligibility to remain eligible as long as s/he meets the ABAWD work requirements.

Additional Three (3) Month Eligibility

K. An ABAWD who regained eligibility and who is no longer meeting the ABAWD work requirements shall remain eligible for extended benefits for a consecutive three (3) month period, beginning the first full month after the Benefit Specialist is notified s/he is no longer meeting the work requirements.

1. An ABAWD is only eligible for one (1) additional three (3) month period in any 36 months and the three (3) months run consecutively whether or not benefits are received.

ABAWD Tracking:

L. Use the following EPICS coding for ABAWD tracking:

1. The ABTR screen automatically keeps track of any benefits paid in Wyoming; 2. Out-of-state benefits shall be entered manually; 3. Use the ABTR screen to track the type of benefits, when the individual received the benefits, benefits received out-of-state and the 36 month time frame; 4. Enter the following codes on WORW each month:

a. YN field:

(1) Y when the individual meets the definition of an ABAWD; or (2) N when the individual does not meet the definition of an ABAWD.

(a) When the client does not meet the definition of an ABAWD no further coding is required on the WORW screen.

b. EX? field:

(1) Y when the individual is exempt from the ABAWD requirements for the month; or (2) N when the individual is not exempt from the ABAWD requirements for the month.

c. CNT field:

(1) F when the individual is obligated to meet the ABAWD work requirements but did not and is eligible to receive one (1) of the three (3) free months; (2) X when the benefit is one (1) of the three (3) consecutive months granted to the individual for regaining extended eligibility; or (3) N when the individual meets or has no obligation to meet the work requirements. (4) D (For Program/Policy Staff use only) when the State has utilized a Discretionary ABAWD month, to avoid agency caused ABAWD overpayments.

Notices

M. Generate one (1) of the following notices when the ABAWD is determined ineligible and change SEPA to DI for the ineligible individual:

1. F204 Denial - ABAWD; 2. F404 Closure - ABAWD; or 3. F704 Decrease Benefits – ABAWD

For Expedited ABAWD clarification, please see section CM 405

Changes in ABAWD Status:

17 Year Old Turning 18 During Certification Period:

If there is a 17 year old in the household who will turn 18 during the certification period, we must inform the household of their ABAWD status when that 17 year old turns 18. Example 1. HH consists of mom, dad and 17 year old. Certification period is June-September. Neither mom, dad or 17 year old are working and they do not meet any other ABAWD exemptions other than having a child under 18 in the home. 17 year old will turn 18 on July 15th. Beginning August, all HH members will be ABAWDs. An alert must be set to change all HH members to ABAWDs and coding August as a free month. The Notice of ABAWD Status must also be sent to inform the ABAWDs of their status. The worker should also inform the clients of the upcoming changes and what to expect regarding ABAWDs during the interview. Example 2. HH consists of mom and 17 year old. Certification period is June-September. Mom is working full time. 17 year old will turn 18 on July 15th. Beginning August, only the 17 year old will be an ABAWD. An alert must be set to change the 17 year old's coding to a free month for August. The Notice of ABAWD Status must also be sent to inform the ABAWD of their status. The worker should also inform the clients of the upcoming changes and what to expect regarding ABAWDs during the interview. Example 3. HH consists of mom, dad and 17 year old. Certification period is June-September. Neither mom or dad are working and they do not meet any other ABAWD exemptions other than having a child under 18 in the home. 17 year old will turn 18 on July 15th. During the interview the worker explained the ABAWD requirements and the clients stated that the 17 year old is still a high school student who will be attending summer school for the summer and one more year of school for the next school year. Beginning August, the parents will be ABAWDs; the 18 year old will be exempt due to attending high school. An alert must be set to change parents to ABAWDs and coding August as a free month. The Notice of ABAWD Status must also be sent to inform the ABAWDs of their status. Reminders: Be sure to narrate whether the 17 year old does or potentially would meet an exemption in case another worker processes the case or the case is pulled for review. If a child turns 18 within the next 4 months, it would be best to allow a 4 month certification period.

Recalculating ABAWD Months Retrospectively:

Reversing ABAWD months - Free to Exempt. If a client was actually exempt for a month which was previously coded as free, that month needs to be reversed, no matter the situation. If the change was due to a required but non-reported change, the case needs to be sent to the Fraud and Recovery Unit. Example 1. Bob applied on March 1 and had his interview the same day, Bob is an ABAWD using his free months for March, April and May. Bob has a recertification interview on May 14th. At this interview, Bob tells his worker that he started a job on March 5th and made $5000 (worked over 40 hrs/week) in March, $5000 (worked over 40 hrs/week) in April and $3000 (worked a total of 90 hours) in May. Bob has since lost his job so he anticipates zero income for June. The worker contacted the employer while Bob was in the office and verified Bob's income for the last 3 months. Since Bob met an exemption for March, April and May, those three months will be reversed. Bob has 3 free months left. The case will also be sent to the Fraud and Recovery Unit for overpayment recovery. Example 2. Mary applied for SNAP benefits on April 3 and was approved for April-July, using May, June and July as her free months. Mary comes in to recertify in July and is claiming her two children on her application. When asked, Mary states that her children came to live with her on May 3rd. Mary has a court order showing her children were placed back in her home on May 3rd. Since Mary was exempt for at least one (1) day in May, May would not be a countable month, and we should reverse May, June and July from Free to Exempt.

Reversing ABAWD months - Exempt to Free. If a non-reportable change occurs that causes a client to be subject to the ABAWD time limit, we must start the three countable months from the date we know the individual became a non-exempt ABAWD. Example 1: Client applied for benefits on April 3rd and is not subject to ABAWD time limits due to a child under the age of 14 residing in the home; certification period of 04/03/13 – 9/30/13 given. On May 17th the child leaves the home, but this is not reported. In September the client recertifies. Client's free ABAWD months are June, July and August. Client was not required to report the change; therefore, an overpayment does not exist for September.

Clarifications

Under Simplified Reporting, ABAWDs who are meeting the work requirements are required to report timely when their hours fall below 20 hours per week.

Question: A SNAP assistance unit consists of four members, including a child under age 14. They reside in the same household with another SNAP assistance unit. The other assistance unit includes an ABAWD. Does the presence of the child in the household exempt the ABAWD in the other SNAP assistance unit from the ABAWD requirements? ANSWER : No, they must be in the same SNAP assistance unit to be able to use the dependent under 14 exemption.

Example of change that was not required to be reported: Client applied for benefits on April 3rd and is not subject to ABAWD time limits due to a child under the age of 14 in the SNAP assistance unit. On May 17th the child leaves the home, but this is not reported. In September the client submits an application for re-certification and this information becomes known. Client's free ABAWD months are June, July and August. Client was not required to report the change; therefore, an overpayment does not exist for September.

Changes during the certification period. When a non-reportable change occurs and is not reported that causes an ABAWD to lose an exemption, the ABAWD months are re-calculated retrospectively. However, when re-calculating retrospectively, if the ABAWD exhausted his/her ABAWD months and continued to receive more than three months of benefits, please submit the DFS-709 (overpayment referral form) to your supervisor indicating if the overpayment is at the fault of the agency or the client. If the ABAWD overpayment is due to the fault of the agency, the supervisor will review and route the DFS-709 to the SNAP E&T Program Manager. If if is at the fault of the client, the supervisor will review and route the DFS-709 to the overpayment unit at DFS-709@wyo.gov.

Shared Custody: When parents have shared custody of their children, the assistance unit that does not include the children must be counted as an ABAWD and is non-exempt from work requirements.

709 Exemptions From ABAWD Provision

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.2, .10 - .11 and .24

Historical changes to ABAWD criteria

A. An Able Bodied Adult Without a Dependent u nder age 14 (ABAWD) is a SNAP applicant/recipient who is:

1. Able-bodied; 2. As of July 4, 2025, age 18 through the age of 64; and 3. In an assistance unit without a dependent under the age of 14.

B. Do not apply the ABAWD benefit limit to an individual if s/he is:

1. Working (see glossary definition) at least 20 hours per week/80 hours per month, averaged. 2. Exempt from work registration for any reason other than for being age 60 or older. The ABAWD age has increased through age 64, therefore they would need to meet an additional exemption to be exempt from ABAWD; or 3. A pregnant woman; or 4. An Indian tribal member.

710 E&T Participation

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.7

E&T is a voluntary work program administered by the Department of Family Services contracting with Employment and Training vendors. All SNAP recipients are required to complete work registration.

SNAP recipients can voluntarily participate in E&T.

Code ALL individuals Y-EX and code those that voluntarily participate as Y-VOL on WORW in the SNAP E&T fields.

Referral Process:

Verify SNAP E&T eligibility for participant;

Complete the E&T Referral Google Form identifying the appropriate E&T Vendor; Climb Wyoming, Dads making A Difference (DADS), and Easterseals Wyoming.

Contact information for E&T vendors (if needed):

Climb Wyoming (307) 316-1470 primary number or visit https://climbready.org/upcoming-trainings/ ; info@climbwyoming.org

DADS (307) 777-3639/(307) 777-3454; visit https://dws.wyo.gov/dws-division/workforce-center-program-operations/programs/dads-making-a-difference-program or contact program coordinator directly Chris Wiederpahn chris.wiederpahn@wyo.gov

Easterseals Wyoming: (307) 442-0186 primary number, visit their website https://www.esgw.org/ at or contact via email snapwyoming@esgw.org

E&T Expectations

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.7

A. Expectations for each voluntary E&T individual are as follows:

1. Contact the E&T provider within 10 days; 2. Respond to notices, contact the E&T provider upon request and keep scheduled meetings with the E&T provider; and 3. Schedule and fully participate in activities assigned by the E&T provider.

712 E&T Participant Reimbursements

In accordance with 7 CFR 273.7(d)(4), State agencies are required to pay for or reimburse participants for expenses that are reasonable, necessary, and directly related to participation in E&T. State agencies may impose a maximum limit for reimbursement payments.

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.7; ARW, Chapter 2, Section 9

713 POWER Performance Requirements

POWER - P.L. 104-193, as amended | W.S. 42-2-103 | ARW, Chapter 1, Sections 6, 7 and 8

A. Inform the applicant/recipient of the POWER Pay-After-Performance requirements which shall be met before a monthly performance payment can be authorized:

1. Registration with DWS for mandatory individuals; 2. Cooperation with the POWER work program action center for mandatory individuals; 3. Cooperation with the CSE, if applicable; and 4. Meeting all other eligibility factors.

B. Inform the applicant/recipient of the penalties for noncompliance with the Pay-After-Performance requirements.

C. Inform the applicant/recipient which assistance unit members are required to sign the IRCU and/or the initial IRP as a condition of eligibility within the following time frames:

1. By Wednesday of the same week if application is made on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday; or 2. By Wednesday of the following week if application is made on Thursday or Friday of the prior week.

714 POWER Exempt Individuals

POWER - P.L. 104-193, as amended |W.S. 42-2-103 | ARW Chapter 1, Section 8

A. Exempt POWER applicants/recipients who meet the following criteria from the work program performance requirements (see Sections 716 DWS Referral and 717 DWS Work Program Referral).

1. A child, excluding a minor parent, who is attending school full-time or who is preschool age.

a. If a child below the age of 16 is not attending school full-time, the DFS field office shall work with the parent or caretaker relative to resolve the problem; and b. The child shall remain exempt, but the assistance unit’s POWER payment may not be paid if the parent or caretaker relative does not cooperate in developing and implementing the plan to resolve the problem.

2. Sixty-five years of age or older. 3. The single custodial parent of a child who is personally providing care for a child under the age of three (3) months.

a. Start date of the three (3) month exemption begins with the newborn's birth date. b. The duration of the exemption must not extend beyond the month that the baby turns three (3) months old; see CM 719 for next steps. c. This exemption does not apply to the minor parent or the teen parent under the age of 20 without a high school diploma or the equivalent; d. This exemption is available for 12 months in a lifetime beginning with 1/2/97; and e. Can be divided between more than one (1) child.

Example : A child born on July 12, would exempt the single custodial parent through October 31.

July 12 to August, August to September, and September to October 31.

B. Update the exemption on WORW immediately if the status of an assistance unit member changes.

C. Do not exempt anyone from the child support requirements unless there is no child support issue.

POWER Mandatory Individuals

POWER - P.L. 104-193, as amended | W.S. 42-2-103 | ARW Chapter 1, Section 8

A. Mandatory applicants/recipients are those who do not meet any of the exemption criteria as well as the following individuals:

1. A child who is no longer subject to the mandatory school attendance laws and drops out of school or is suspended; 2. A minor parent; or 3. A teen parent under the age of 20 without a high school diploma or equivalent.

716 DWS WyomingatWork Registration Referral (POWER)

POWER - P.L. 104-193, as amended | W.S. 42-2-103 |ARW Chapter 1, Section 8

A. Refer the mandatory applicant/recipient for work registration using the initial DFS 568 at each application or reapplication and when her/his work exemption status changes to mandatory.

B. Complete work registration online ( HireWYO.com ) or at the local Workforce Center within 14 days from the initial DFS 568.

1. Advise the work program action center of any changes in the employment of the assistance unit or of job refusals.

C. Deny the initial application if the applicant/recipient fails to comply with the DWS registration requirements. Authorize the $1 non-payment status for ongoing cases using the "XW" unearned income code on UNIN for the payment month that corresponds with the appropriate performance period(s).

717 DWS Work Program Referral (POWER)

POWER - P.L. 104-193, as amended | W.S. 42-2-103 | ARW, Chapter 1, Section 8

A. Refer the mandatory applicant/recipient to the work program action center using the initial DFS 568 at each application or reapplication and if her/his work exemption status changes to mandatory.

B. Contact with the work program action center shall occur within 14 days from the initial DFS 568.

C. Deny the initial application if the applicant/recipient fails to comply with the Work Program. Authorize the $1 nonpayment status for ongoing cases using the "XW" unearned income code on UNIN for the payment month that corresponds with the appropriate performance period(s).

718 EPICS Coding (POWER)

POWER – no citation

A. Immediate and proper coding is essential for program assessment, reporting and auditing requirements. B. Code exempt applicants/recipients Y-EX on WORW. C. Code mandatory applicants/recipients N-NE on WORW. D. Enter the appropriate code in the target field on WORW to identify the following individuals:

1. "CP" - Teen parent; 2. "CT" - One (1) parent in a Two (2) parent assistance unit shall be coded "CT"; 3. "RA" - Adult claiming to be incapacitated; 4. "WA" - Adult claiming s/he is caring for an incapacitated immediate family member full-time in the individual's home and no other person is available to provide the needed care; 5. "YC" - Child, ages 16 & 17, not attending school; must also be coded N (not exempt) under the Exempt field in WORW. 6. "YF" - Adult or member of an assistance unit fleeing because of being battered or subjected to extreme cruelty because of domestic violence; or 7. "NT" - All other individuals including children.

E. Perform an initial determination of the education level of all POWER applicants and recipients, including a child(ren):

1. Enter this information on the SSDO and UNIE screens; and 2. Update as appropriate.

F. Determine, in Fremont and Hot Springs counties, which recipients are enrolled Tribal members and enter the appropriate coding on the HERC screen.

719 Review of Exempt/Target Group Status (POWER)

POWER - P.L. 104-193, as amended

A. Generate the A 010 EPICS notice at least two (2) weeks prior to any known change in status from exempt to mandatory.

B. At that time, also send the DWS Case Manager the DFS 563 Status Change Report indicating:

1. The date the Participant is to meet with you by; 2. The date the exemption status changes; and 3. Request a DWS appointment date and time for the Participant prior to the exemption status change.

C. When the Participant comes to meet with you, they shall:

1. Complete a new DFS 500 IRCU; and 2. Sign a completed DFS 568 Initial IRP directing contact with the work program action center to occur within 14 days from the DFS 568 Initial IRP.

D. When the exemption status changes, the Participant shall meet with the Benefit Specialist and completed all of the above.

E. Review and update the exemption and target field codes on WORW and advise the DWS Case Manager of any changes such as, but not limited to:

1. Changes in employment and wage verification; 2. POWER eligibility status; 3. Beginning to comply after being in noncompliance; 4. School enrollment status of a POWER child or minor parent; 5. Case transfers; or 6. Address changes.

720 Good Cause for Failure to Comply (POWER)

POWER - P.L. 104-193, as amended | W.S. 42-2-103

A. The CM may accept a reasonable excuse for failure to comply from an applicant/recipient, providing the individual gives the excuse prior to the time when the compliance is expected.

B. The CM shall make a good cause determination if the applicant/recipient offers an explanation after the expected compliance and the request is made in writing within three (3) working days of receipt of the P003 Failure to Comply notice.

C. The CM shall notify the DFS-FO immediately when good cause has been granted and the reason.

D. Do not impose the noncompliance penalty when good cause has been granted.

E. Document (in the case record) the reason good cause was allowed.

721 Child Support Enforcement Referral (POWER)

SNAP - No requirement | POWER - P.L. 104-193, as amended | WS 42 2103, ARW Chapter 1, Section 7

A. Refer all appropriate applicants/recipients to the CSE, using the DFS 568 at application or reapplication.

1. Do not refer the applicant/recipient when there are no child support issues involved; 2. Enter the “IF” (intact family – no CS issues) deprivation code on SPRD next to the child(ren) with no child support issues; and 3. Do not enter a non-custodial parent.

B. The applicant/recipient shall submit a paper or online DFS543/545/546 Child Support application to the Child Support Program within 14 days from the initial DFS 568.

C. The applicant/recipient shall be referred to CSE when the following takes place:

1. Opening a new case, including cases with the following:

a. A deceased parent(s); b. A parent(s) whose parental rights have been terminated; c. A pregnant woman with another eligible child(ren); or d. An adoptive parent.

2. Reapplying for POWER; 3. Adding a child to an open case; 4. The intact family separates; 5. Paternity is excluded; 6. A minor parent applies for POWER and the non-custodial parent is a minor (child support forms shall also be completed against the non-custodial minor parent); 7. A minor parent applies for POWER and lives in a separate household from her/his parents.

a. Child support forms shall be completed against his/her own parents; or b. Use the following guidelines if the minor is emancipated:

(1) If there is a court order stating child support shall be paid until the child reaches the age of 18 or 19, child support forms shall be completed until the emancipated minor reaches the stated age or the court order is amended; (2) If there is a court order stating child support shall be paid until the child is emancipated, child support forms shall not be required; or (3) If there is no court order, child support forms shall not be required.

8. The caretaker relative or non-custodial parent has a name change; 9. Opening a IV-E foster care case with the DFS-FO manager making the assignment; 10. The father is unknown.

a. Since cooperation with child support is a POWER performance requirement, the father(s) shall be named or the case is ineligible for POWER unless "unknown" is approved by CSE.

11. The applicant/recipient is married but claiming the husband is not the non-custodial parent, by completing a DFS 543 form on the husband and all other possible fathers.

D. Require all applicants to complete a paper or online DFS 543/545/546(s) Child Support application. Forward any paper DFS 543/545/546(s) to CSE if received.

E. The CSE shall notify the DFS-FO immediately, but not later than the 15th by 5 p.m., or the first working day after the 14th when the 14th is a holiday or on the weekend, when the applicant/recipient fails to comply with the child support Pay-After-Performance requirements.

F. See Section 1204 POWER Payment Process for specific payment procedures.

722 Child Support Requirements (POWER)

SNAP - No requirement | POWER - P.L. 104-193, as amended | ARW, Chapter 1, Section 7

A. Child support services are available without application or fee for all POWER eligible families with a non-custodial parent or a child for whom paternity has not been established.

B. As a condition of eligibility, each nonexempt individual shall cooperate with the child support requirements.

C. Cooperation requirements:

Inform the applicant /recipient, including a minor parent, about the child support rights and requirements to be met to receive a POWER performance payment as required by law; Require assignment to the state of any rights to applicable support payments, on his/her own behalf or on behalf of any other assistance unit member for whom the applicant/recipient is requesting a monthly POWER performance payment; Require signing of an IRCU at application and when the child support status changes for any assistance unit member(s) The mandatory assistance unit member(s) shall meet with CSE at application, when requested, and cooperate in: Complete the paper or online DFS543/545/546 Child Support application against all non-custodial parents, including the minor non-custodial parent’s parents, and any potentially eligible unborn child when part of an ongoing case (See F if client marks they would like to request good cause); Establishing the paternity of a child born out of wedlock and for all putative paternal relatives at the time of application; Obtaining child and medical support for the child(ren) and minor parent and spousal support for herself/himself; and Obtaining any other payments or property due to self or the child(ren). Allow the assistance unit to retain any support payments received from the non-custodial parent, minor parent’s parents or the minor non-custodial parent’s parents in the month of application but use the support in calculating the POWER payment; and Require the assistance unit to pay immediately to the DFS-FO any applicable support payments received from the non-custodial parent, minor parent’s parents or the minor non-custodial parent’s parents beginning with the 2nd month of authorization.

D. Failure to Comply

1. Failure to comply occurs when the applicant/recipient fails to:

a. Contact the CSE within the time frame established by the Benefit Specialist on the DFS568 Initial IRP; b. Complete the required paper or online DFS543/545/546 Child Support application; c. Keep the initial and all other scheduled appointments; d. Follow through with any requests made by the CSE; and e. Cooperate by contacting the CSE upon request.

2. Accept the applicant’s/recipient’s excuse for failing to comply if the applicant/recipient gives the excuse prior to the time compliance is expected; 3. Verify and document the facts when failure to comply has occurred; and 4. Good cause for failure to comply shall only be granted when the applicant/recipient encounters an emergency (involving herself/himself or an immediate family member) that reasonably precludes full cooperation unless the criteria in 2 is met.

E. Rights of the Applicant/Recipient

1.Inform the applicant/recipient of the following rights:

2.To claim good cause to allow exclusion from cooperation:

a. Inform the applicant/recipient no POWER performance payment shall be authorized until the good cause claim is approved; orb. No POWER performance payment shall be authorized if the good cause claim is denied;

3. To request information as to the child support collection status; 4. To receive continued child support non-public assistance services with no application or fee following termination from POWER; or 5. To apply for child support non-public assistance services for a fee when POWER is denied.

F. Good cause exemption from child support compliance requires the applicant/recipient to read and complete the paper or online DFS543/545/546 Child Support application, assuring the applicant/recipient understands their rights and responsibilities, and check the appropriate statement(s) on each copy of the form when good cause is requested.

1. Allow the applicant/recipient the right to claim good cause requiring one (1) of the following circumstances are present:

a. Cooperation in establishing paternity or securing child support is reasonably anticipated to result in physical harm or emotional harm to the child(ren) or caretaker. b. The applicant/recipient is fleeing because of being battered or subjected to extreme cruelty because of domestic violence (use the “YF” code in the Target field on WORW); c. The child(ren) for whom support is sought, was conceived as a result of incest or rape; d. Legal proceedings for the adoption of the child(ren) are pending before a court of competent jurisdiction; or e. A public or private social agency is helping the applicant or recipient resolve the issue of whether to keep or relinquish the child(ren) for adoption.

2. Forward received paper copies of the completed DFS543/545/546 Child Support application to the DFS-SO, POWER designee, with any evidence the recipient wishes to include using the email address: dfs-power-csp-gc@wyo.gov. 3. The good cause claim process shall be completed within 30 days from the date good cause is requested, which includes the approval or denial by DFS-SO. 4. Authorize the POWER performance payment when the good cause claim is approved and enter "GC" in the COOP column on CSEA on EPICS next to the appropriate child(ren). 5. Acknowledge establishment of paternity or collection of child support shall not be attempted when the good cause claim is approved.

G. Denial of the Good Cause Claim

1. Process the POWER performance payment as specified in Section 1204 POWER Payment Process when the good cause claim is denied by DFS-SO and the application is not withdrawn. 2. If the family wishes to cooperate with child support after the denial of the Good Cause request, they shall meet with the Benefit Specialist within three (3) days to complete a new IRCU and cooperate with the child support requirements including completing a new paper or online DFS543/545/546 Child Support application form.

H. Re-evaluation of Approved Good Cause Claim

1. Require a re-evaluation of approved good cause claims:

a. Set an alert on PAAL as a reminder to review the POWER good cause every six (6) months during the periodic review; or b. Set an alert on PAAL as a reminder to review the POWER good cause at the time specified by DFS-SO; and c. DFS-SO shall notify the Benefit Specialist at least 30 days in advance of any re-evaluation which is due; d. When requested by the DFS-SO, send and EPICS pend notice to the client requesting contact with CSE, giving the client 10 days to respond; and e. Await a decision from DFS-SO and follow the procedures in D when the claim is denied.

2. The applicant/recipient can request the case no longer be in the good cause status.

a. Have the caretaker relative, or a minor parent when part of a caretaker relative's assistance unit, complete a paper or online DFS543/545/546 Child Support application indicating s/he now wishes to cooperate and refer them to CSE using the DFS 568; b. Change the "GC" code to "CO" on CSEA in EPICS;

c. Notify DFS-SO of the change; and d. Issue a notice of action to the caretaker of the change.

I. Retained Child Support Process

Use the following process when the client has retained assigned child support payments.

1. Send the DFS 544 Notice of Retained Child Support form to the CSE and Integrity Unit; or 2. Accept the DFS 544 form when generated by CSE to report retained child support; and 3. Proceed with recovery when support is retained after the POWER performance payment was paid resulting in an overpayment. 4. Generate a notice of action to advise the recipient retaining child support is considered noncompliance and take the appropriate action for the corresponding POWER performance period and enter the "XC" code on the UNIN screen. 5. Allow the assistance unit to reapply but do not authorize a POWER Performance payment until the assistance unit has complied with the POWER Pay-After-Performance requirements for a full performance period and the child support has been turned in or collected by child support services.

800 Asset Limits

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.8, .11 | P.L.’s in Section 1000 | ARW, Chapter 1,Section 4 | POWER - W.S. 42-2-109, W.S. 42-2-202, ARW Chapter 1, Section 6

Maximum Limit of Combined Assets: SNAP POWER All members under 60 years of age One (1) member 60 years of age or older One (1) member is disabled $3,000 $4,750 $4,750 (Effective 10/1/2026) $5,000 Categorically eligible persons X (see Section 502) N/A

Maximum Limit of Combined Assets: SNAP POWER All members under 60 years of age One (1) member 60 years of age or older One (1) member is disabled $3,000 $4,500 $4,500 (Effective until 9/30/2026) $5,000 Categorically eligible persons X (see Section 502) N/A

801 Countable Assets

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.8, .11 | P.L.’s in Sec. 1000 | ARW, Chapter 1, Section 4

A. Determine whose assets are countable to the assistance unit:

1. Consider available assets of all assistance unit members as countable to the other assistance unit members; 2. Consider the POWER, Tribal TANF and/or SSI recipient asset eligible and exempt the individual’s assets due to categorical eligibility (see Section 502); and 3. See Section 507 for treatment of assets of an excluded, sanctioned or disqualified individual.

POWER - W.S. 42-2-109, W.S. 42-2-202; ARW, Chapter 1, Section 6

B. Consider for assistance units living together in the same household the assets of:

1. A spouse are available to the spouse; and 2. A parent are available to a child through age 18, or up to age 19 if expected to graduate, except when the minor is emancipated; 3. See Section 507 for additional information on treatment of assets for excluded individuals.

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.8; ARW, Chapter 1, Section 4 ;POWER - W.S. 42-2-109, W.S. 42-2-202

C. Use the cash, trade-in or fair market value, less the unpaid principal or legal encumbrances to determine the equity value of the nonexempt asset which is then used to determine eligibility.

D. The applicant/recipient shall obtain two (2) appraisals when the value of the asset(s) causes ineligibility and is disputed by the applicant or recipient.

E. Do not exempt the asset when exempt and nonexempt funds are co-mingled. Encourage the assistance unit to separate the exempt and nonexempt assets; and Continue to exempt, for SNAP purposes only, the self-employment funds (see Section 903) over the period of intended use, the commingled educational funds (see Section 505) for six (6) months and all other exempt funds for six (6) months.

POWER - W.S. 42-2-109, W.S. 42-2-202

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.8, .10

G. Consider only the available assets at the time of the interview when determining eligibility for the month of application.

802 Assets: Ownership/Available/Accessible

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.8 | POWER - W.S. 42-2-109, W.S. 42-2-202, ARW, Chapter 1, Section 6

Consider the ownership of a nonexempt asset as available/accessible unless a legal barrier or restriction exists.

A. Assume ownership and availability when the document shows it is owned solely by the applicant/ recipient.

B. Assume all funds are available to the applicant/recipient when there is more than one (1) owner (i.e. bank account, CD) and the other owner(s) is not a client.

C. Consider the asset, or a portion of the asset, available when the applicant/recipient can withdraw funds, sell the asset or owned interest in the asset or dispose of the asset in any way.

D. The asset is available when the asset is owned by more than one (1) person but the applicant/recipient can access the asset, or a portion of the asset, without the permission of the co-owner even when a statement of refusal to sell is furnished.

E. The asset is unavailable when the document (i.e. signature card) stipulates more than one (1) signature is needed to withdraw or convert all or part of the asset to available cash and the other owner(s) has refused to sign.

F. Policy relating to availability of an asset applies to assets within the state of Wyoming.

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.8

G. Jointly owned assets. Assets owned jointly by separate households shall be considered available in their entirety to each household, unless it can be demonstrated by the applicant household that such assets are inaccessible to that household.

If the household can demonstrate that it has access to only a portion of the asset, the value of that portion of the asset shall be counted toward the household's asset level.

The asset shall be considered totally inaccessible to the household if the asset cannot practically be subdivided and the household's access to the value of the asset is dependent on the agreement of a joint owner who refuses to comply.

When the joint owned asset is a bank account we need to know the intended use of the funds in the account. Intended use of funds must be verified with joint account owner. When all funds in the joint bank account can be used by the SNAP household; all deposits from the joint owner are considered unearned income for the SNAP household. When none of the funds in the joint bank account are to be used by the SNAP Household; the current balance in the joint bank account is considered an asset to the SNAP household. When part but not all of the funds deposited by the joint owner can be used by the SNAP household; Any funds intended to be used by the household are count as unearned income for the household. Any funds not intended to be used by the household (the remaining balance after deducting countable income from the joint account) are counted as an asset to household. When the household only has access to a joint bank account incase of an emergency of the joint owner (not an emergency of the SNAP household); the funds are exempt as both income and asset to the SNAP household.

H. Consider assets unavailable to person(s) residing in a shelter for battered women or child(ren), if:

1. The asset is jointly owned by such person(s) and by members of their former household; and 2. Access to the asset by the shelter resident is dependent upon the agreement of the joint owner who continues to reside in the former household.

I. Exclude non-liquid assets against which a lien has been placed as a result of taking out a business loan and the assistance unit is prohibited by the security or lien agreement with the lien holder from selling the asset.

J. Consider an asset inaccessible if the applicant’s/recipient’s share would produce an estimated return of not more than $1,500. (This provision does not apply to financial instruments such as stocks, bonds and negotiable financial instruments.)

POWER - W.S. 42-2-109, W.S. 42-2-202

K. The applicant/recipient was unaware of his/her ownership in the asset and did not have the opportunity to become aware of it.

1. The applicant/recipient bears the burden of proving each member of the assistance unit was unaware of the asset and none had the opportunity to become aware of it. 2. The asset shall be considered unavailable only for the period of time for which the individual can demonstrate such unawareness or lack of opportunity to become aware of the existence of the asset.

Note: Require verification of closure of assets such as bank accounts, credit union accounts, stocks, bonds, etc. only if they were closed within 30 days from date of application/recertification. If the client states they were closed more than 30 days before the date of application, verification shall not be requested.

803 Transfer of an Asset

Determine if a transfer of a nonexempt asset for less than FMV occurred in the look-back period prior to application or during receipt of benefits.

SNAP – 7 CFR 273.8

A. At the time of application, households shall be asked to provide information regarding any assets which any household member (or ineligible alien or disqualified person whose assets are being considered available to the household) had transferred within the three month period immediately preceding the date of application. Households which have transferred assets knowingly for the purpose of qualifying or attempting to qualify for SNAP shall be disqualified from participation in the program for up to one year from the date of the discovery of the transfer, see Section 804 Transfer Penalty. This disqualification period shall be applied if the assets are transferred knowingly in the three month period prior to application or if they are transferred knowingly after the household is determined eligible for benefits. An example of the latter would be assets which the house- hold acquires after being certified and which are then transferred to prevent the household from exceeding the maximum asset limit.

SNAP – 7 CFR 273.8 ; POWER - W.S. 42-2-109, W.S. 42-2-202, ARW Chapter 1, Section 6

B. Exempt the following transfers:

1. Settlement of a legally enforceable debt: 2. Clearing title to property in which the client had no beneficial or enforceable interest; 3. Equity in property, which was owned jointly; and through a court action, the other owner was granted the equity in the property; 4. An asset sold, traded or transferred at FMV; 5. Transfer of an asset between members of the same assistance unit (the asset would be considered toward the appropriate asset limit); 6. An exempt asset (based on the status of the assets at the time of transfer); 7. Assets transferred to an approved special needs, pooled or income trust.

804 Transfer Penalty

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.8 | POWER - W.S. 42-2-109, W.S. 42-2-202, ARW Chapter 1, Section 6

A. Determine the penalty for transferring the nonexempt portion of an asset for POWER when the applicant/recipient cannot provide proof the transfer occurred for reasons other than gaining/maintaining eligibility.

B. Do not apply a penalty for SNAP unless it has been determined, by the client's statement, the transfer was made to gain/maintain eligibility, see 803 Transfer of an Asset.

1. Households which have knowingly transferred assets for the purpose of qualifying or attempting to qualify for SNAP benefits shall be disqualified from participation in the program.

C. Determine the transferred uncompensated value and deduct the amount of the lien(s), the unpaid principal of the mortgage or loan existing against the asset and any compensation received to arrive at the uncompensated equity value.

D. Document the date the transfer occurred, the calculation used to determine the uncompensated equity amount and when the penalty period begins and ends.

Program Look-back Period at app Uncomp Equity Value Penalty Period/Who was Penalized Penalty Begins SNAP 3 months Determine amount all countable assets exceed allowable asset limit. $ -0 -249.99 - 1 mo 250 -999.99 - 3 mos 1000-2999.99 - 6 mos 3000-4999.99 - 9 mos 5000+ - 12 mos Per assistance unit Applicant - month of application Recipient - 1st allotment after 10-day notice unless admin hearing and continued benefits requested. POWER 3 months from date of application Divide value by shelter included maximum payment amount for assistance unit size at time of transfer. resulting # of months (round up)/assistance unit Month transfer occurred Month in this table = calendar month.

805 Sale of an Asset

SNAP – 7 CFR 273.8, 9 | POWER - W.S. 42-2-109, W.S. 42-2-202 | ARW Chapter 1., Section 6

A. Installment payments resulting from the sale of an asset, minus costs of doing business, shall be considered unearned income.

B. Installment contracts for the sale of land, buildings or vehicles, if the contract or agreement is producing income consistent with its fair market value, shall be considered an excluded asset.

1. The exclusion shall also apply to the value of the property sold under the installment contract, or held as security in exchange for a purchase price consistent with the fair market value of that property.

C. See Section 1205 Lump Sums for a one-time payment.

806 Treatment of Assets (Asset Table)

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.8; ARW, Chapter 1, Section 4; POWER - W.S. 42-2-109, W.S. 42-2-202; ARW Chapter 1, Section 6 Regulations - 281.1

Use the following asset table to determine how an asset is to be treated when determining eligibility.

A. See Section 1000 for further information concerning exempt assets under Public Laws. B. See Section 507 for treatment of assets of excluded individuals for SNAP and POWER. C. See Section 606 for treatment of assets for a sponsored alien. D. The EPICS asset screens will capture the following:

1. LIRE - Liquid assets which are readily available and easily converted to cash (i.e. checking, savings, C.D.s). 2. OTAS - Other assets which are available but are not easily converted to cash, (i.e. a home, contracts, land, real property, life insurance, camper). 3. VEHI - Vehicles (i.e. automobile, motorcycle).

TYPE OF ASSET TREATMENT CODING POWER SNAP Advanced Earned Income Tax Credit (AEITC) Exempt in the month of receipt and the following 11 months. NA NA Agreement in escrow Count the balance and subtract any legal encumbrances. OT OT Annuities Count any portion available to the client. OT OT Antiques/Collectibles SNAP: Exempt. POWER: Count the average of two (2) appraisals/estimates of the FMV and subtract any legal encumbrances. GR GR Asset replacement (Also see Insurance settlement.) Exempt any governmental payments which are designated for restoration of a home damaged in a disaster when the assistance unit must legally use the funds for that purpose. NA NA Bona fide effort to sell Refer to Home and Land, buildings and other real property for treatment. Burial funds aka funeral agreement Does not apply to bank accounts, savings, etc. SNAP: Exempt POWER: Exempt the value of one bona fide funeral agreement per household member, provided that the agreement does not exceed $1,500 in equity value. For funeral agreements exceeding $1,500 equity value, exempt $1,500 for each person in the assistance unit when funds are in a bona fide burial agreement, burial trust or contract (does not apply to bank accounts, savings, etc.). Burial funds $1500 equity value BP BL Burial plot Exempt one (1) for each person in the assistance unit. BU BU Business Account(s) Exempt if business bank accounts belong to a LLC or S-Corps and are in the business name (If using funds in the business account for personal expenses, funds paying personal expenses would count as income See CM 903). Also must only deposit business earnings or other business assets into the business account. If depositing personal assets or monies is considered to be commingled, see Commingled funds. NA NA Non exempt Asset if belonging to Sole Proprietorship Partnership, Independent Contractor, or Sharecropper business. Do not count as income and asset in the same month. Do not count monies in account earmarked for employee (non household members) salaries. BC BC Camper/trailer (non motorized) Count the FMV less legal encumbrances. Non-exempt. OT Cash gifts (one time non-recurring) Cash Donations – see Asset Table Cash on Hand Monetary Gifts Proceeds from Pawned Items Non-Exempt See Contribution for use as income. Non-Exempt (Client Statement) CA CA Certificates of Deposit Count cash value after deducting any legal encumbrances. CD CD Checking accounts (Also see Savings of a dependent child) SNAP: Count cash value after deducting any legal encumbrances. Count the cash value after deducting any deposits used as income in the same month. Count the cash value after deducting any outstanding checks written that have not cleared. POWER: Count cash value after deducting any legal encumbrances. Deduct any outstanding checks written and delivered to the payee prior to the first of the month that have not cleared. PC PC Commingled funds SNAP: Self-employment monies that are being held in an account that have been prorated as income would be excluded from assets, educational loans for six (6) months when commingled with nonexempt funds. Do not count other exempt funds for a period of six (6) months when commingled with nonexempt funds. POWER: Do not exempt funds when previously exempt funds are commingled with nonexempt funds. GR GR Contract for deeds and notes SNAP: Consider installment contracts for the sale of land, buildings or vehicles exempt if the contract or agreement is producing income consistent with its fair market value. POWER: Count the unpaid principal balance and subtract any legal encumbrances. GR GR Crime Victims Compensation payments Exempt payments until the total amount paid is sufficient to fully compensate the individual for losses suffered as a result of the crime. NA NA Crowdfunded Sites GoFundMe Kickstarter Indiegogo Count the value of the funds available to the household at the time of interview. OT OT Cryptocurrencies / Digital Currencies Such as, but not limited to; Bitcoin Ethereum Litecoin Other Blockchain-based assets Considered a liquid resource Count the value available to client at time of interview Click here for Policy Memo from FNS OT OT Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Exempt the EITC in the month received and the following 11 months. NA NA Educational Funds Exempt educational loans, grants and scholarships which are designated for educational purposes only and not commingled with other nonexempt funds. If commingled with other nonexempt funds exempt for six (6) months from date of receipt. SNAP: See Section 505. NA NA Educational Savings Account(s) SNAP/POWER: Exempt the following Educational Savings Accounts; Funds in a qualified tuition program, as defined by section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; or Funds in a Coverdell education savings account, as defined by section 530 of the Internal Revenue Code of 196. All other Educational Savings Account(s) count cash value after deducting any legal encumbrances NASV NASV Farm Machinery, Tools SNAP: Exempt if used for self-employment or there is a reasonable expectation the self-employment will resume within 12 months of last use. Count the average of two appraisals/estimates of the FMV and subtract any legal encumbrances when exemption for SNAP for up to one year from the date the self-employment is terminated POWER: Exempt if used for self-employment or there is a reasonable expectation the self-employment will resume within 12 months of last use. . NA TOFA OT NA TOFA OT Health Savings Account (HSA) Count the total value of the HSA minus any penalties for early non-medical expense withdrawals. There may be situations where the individual’s access to the HSA is restricted by the frequency and size of the allowed distribution. If the individual can document that only part of the account is accessible, then only the value of that portion of the account would be counted. . OT OT Home Also see Land, buildings and other real property Exempt the home, including all connected land and buildings, when it is occupied by the assistance unit. SNAP: Consider the home exempt when temporarily unoccupied for reasons of employment, training, for future employment, illness or un-inhabitability caused by a casualty or natural disaster if the assistance unit intends to return. HO HO Household furnishings/ goods and personal effects SNAP: Exempt all household furnishings/goods and personal effects. POWER: Exempt those items determined to be essential for day-to-day living. NA NA HUD escrow account Exempt when funds remain in the account. NA NA IIM account or IIM account restricted (restricted - Anyone under age of 18 payments are restricted until the turn 18) Exempt Asset. See section 901 Countable/Available Income for IIM Disbursements. NA NA Income producing property (including farm land and equipment) 1. Exempt property annually producing income consistent with its FMV even if only used on a seasonal basis. If the property is being rented or advertised as available for rent for a price that is comparable to other rental properties in the area, it is producing income consistent with its FMV for rental purposes and would be excluded from assets. (LB) 2. Exempt property essential to the self-employment of an assistance unit member engaged in farming up to one (1) year from the date the farm self-employment is terminated. (RE) 3. Exempt property related to maintenance or use of an income producing vehicle or a vehicle necessary to transport a disabled assistance unit member. (RR) POWER: Exempt income producing property of a self- employed client, excluding real property. If unemployed, s/he shall be reasonably expected to return to that line of work for the exemption. LB RE RR LB RE RR Inheritance (property) Count the FMV less legal encumbrances when it is still available the first day of the month following the month of receipt. GR GN Inheritance (cash) SNAP: Count the cash when it is still available the first day of the following month. POWER: Cash is income in the month received and the lump sum policy applies. GR GN Insurance settlement for damaged property SNAP/POWER: Nonexempt asset in the month of receipt. POWER: Exempt unearned income and a non exempt asset in the month of receipt. The balance is an asset in the month(s) following the month of receipt. GR GN Joint bank account w/non-assistance unit member Do not exempt the funds in the month following the month of deposit when the client can legally withdraw the funds. JA JA Land, buildings and other real property (See Income producing property.) SNAP: 1. Exempt real property when verified the assistance unit is making a bona fide effort to sell or rent as self employment property at a reasonable price as verified by evidence listed. (See Section 303).(RP) 2. Exempt the value of a lot on which the assistance unit plans to build a home and a home being constructed when the assistance unit does not own or is not currently buying another home. (HS) POWER: Count the average of two (2) appraisals/estimates of the FMV and subtract any legal encumbrances. (LB) LB RPHS Life estate SNAP/POWER: Exempt the home/property if it is occupied by the original owner and there is a life estate. GN LE Life insurance SNAP: Exempt the cash surrender value. POWER: Use the cash surrender value. CV CV Livestock SNAP: Exempt POWER: Exempt if used for self-employment or there is a reasonable expectation the self-employment shall resume within 12 months of last use. Count the average of two (2) appraisals/estimates of the FMV and subtract any legal encumbrances when not used for self-support. NA TOFA OT NA Loans SNAP/POWER: When the household is the lender: 1. Exempt the unpaid loan balance if the note cannot readily be liquidated or if the note has no FMV because it cannot be sold. 2. The principal amount on the loan payment is considered a non-exempt asset. Note: If interest is being paid, the interest is considered unearned income not an asset. When the client is the borrower: Exempt the loan proceeds unless the funds are placed/transferred to an accessible asset. NAGR NA GN LSNA Lottery or gambling winnings SNAP/POWER: Nonexempt OT OT Mineral, water and gravel rights SNAP: Count the FMV and subtract any legal encumbrances, if the rights are not an excluded asset. POWER: Count the FMV and subtract any legal encumbrances. Accept total of one (1) year’s lease/royalty payments as FMV. MR MR Older Americans Act, Title V payments Nonexempt. See Section 1000 for programs under the Act and treatment of income. OT OT Online financial institution accounts (aka Prepaid debit cards like VISA, Mastercard, American Express) Count cash value after deducting any legal encumbrances. Count the cash value after deducting any deposits used as income in the same month. (Online financial institution accounts must be verified and we can not accept client statement) This only applies to cards which can be used the same as a normal bank debit card, and the client has access to add funds themselves. This does not apply to store specific gift cards which must be spent at that specific store. SV SV Online money transfer services Exempt. Only a service to connect financial institutions to facilitate payments at sender's request. Verify the account used for the money transfer. PASS account (SSI) SNAP: Exempt. POWER: Exempt income and assets of an SSI recipient. PA PA Prepaid Cards (aka Relia Cards, Electronic Payment Cards, or Social Security Payment Cards) SNAP/POWER: These types of cards should be counted as cash on hand for the purpose of the resource test. Therefore, if an applicant declares they have such a card, household statements regarding the amount(s) on such card(s) without further verification shall be accepted just as they would if an applicant declared the amount of cash they have. This only applies to cards which can be used the same as a debit/credit card, but the client does not have access to add funds themselves. This does not apply to store specific gift cards which must be spent at that specific store. CA CA Property used for self-employment See Glossary for definitions of Property and Real Property. Exempt property essential to the self-employment business, excluding real property. Also see “Income producing property” and “Livestock, Farm Machinery, Tools”. NA NA Reimbursement for medical expenses (See Section 907 for SNAP) POWER: 1. Exempt reimbursement for medical expenses when the client has already paid the bill. 2. Consider the remaining reimbursement as an asset on the first day of the month following the month of receipt. Also see Income Table for treatment of reimbursements. NAOT Retirement/ Pension Plans/Funds 401(k) Plan 403 (a) & (b) Plan 457 (b) Plan 501 (c) 18 Plan 503A (Trump Account) Cash Balance Plans Employee Stock Ownership Plan Federal Thrift Savings Plan Individual Retirement Account (IRA) KEOGH Plan Money Purchase Pension Plan myRA Profit Sharing Plan Roth IRA Simple 401(k) Simple IRA Simplified Employee Pension Plan (SEP) Traditional Defined Benefit Plan SNAP: Exempt, unless funds are being withdrawn from the account, then would be countable unearned income. POWER: Available - Count the cash value stated by the employer, company, or financial institution when the client has the authority to withdraw the funds. PE PV Retroactive RSDI and SSI payments POWER: Exempt income and assets of an SSI recipient from POWER. (RSDI is nonexempt and considered a lump sum payment (income) when retroactive.) SNAP: See Section 1205. GN Reverse mortgage (See Income Table) Count loan proceeds retained by the client beyond the month in which the funds are received as an asset the first of the following month. OT OT Savings accounts Count cash value after deducting any legal encumbrances. SV SV Savings bonds Count the current cash value of U.S. Savings Bonds and Treasury Notes. (The value can be obtained by contacting a local bank.) BO SB BO SB Savings of a dependent child POWER: Exempt savings of a dependent child who is a full time secondary student under the age of 18 when deposited from the child’s earned income and designated for future educational purposes and not commingled with nonexempt funds. GN STABLE Account (also known as ABLE account or 529a Savings Account) Exempt: If balance is not over $100,000 and funds are drawn only for qualifying expenses. Qualifying expenses are living expenses, education, housing, transportation, employment training and support, assistive technology, personal support services, health prevention and wellness, financial management, administrative services, legal fees, oversight and monitoring, and funeral and burial. NA NA Stocks, mutual fund shares, money market certificates, bonds Count the current market value (CMV) as of the month obtained or received. Understand the closing price on the last business day of the preceding month is the CMV. The value can be obtained from the published quotations in daily newspapers or local securities firm. MM OT MM OT Tax Refund/Tax Return The value of the tax refund received within the past 12 months shall be subtracted from ALL countable resources to determine net resources. Example: HH has a camper trailer valued at $2000 plus $5000 in the bank. Tax refund received seven months ago was $6000. Total resources of $7000 minus tax refund of $6000 = countable resources of $1000. NA NA Trust Funds SNAP and POWER: Exempt any funds in trust, transferred to a trust and the income produced by the trust to the extent it is not available, if: 1. The trust arrangement is not likely to cease and no assistance unit member has the ability to revoke the trust arrangement or change the name of the beneficiary during the certification period. 2. The trustee administering the funds is other than an assistance unit member. 3. Trust investments made on behalf of the trust do not directly involve or assist any business or corporation under the control, direction or influence of an assistance unit member. 4. Funds held in an irrevocable trust are either established from the assistance unit’s own funds and invested by the trustee on behalf of the trust or to pay educational or medical expenses of any person named in the creation of the trust OR established from non-household funds by a non-household member. TN TN Trust Funds, cont’d POWER: Use the cash value when the applicant/recipient has a legal interest or has the legal ability to make the funds available to meet day-to-day needs or the funds can be made available upon request TR Vehicles – Licensed This category includes: cars, motorcycles, vans, trucks, recreational (motorized) and other vehicles used for transportation. Use the average trade in value given in the current Edmunds Automobile Valuation Internet site (or NADA for older vehicles) or the lower of two (2) reasonable appraisals from knowledgeable sources. Document the file. SNAP: Exempt all licensed and unlicensed vehicles used for transportation. POWER: 1. Exempt per assistance unit, two (2) duly registered and licensed motor vehicles. 2. Use the equity value of all other licensed or unlicensed vehicles toward the asset limit. See Section 802 E. (In Wyoming jointly owned vehicles require all signatures to transfer ownership). CA TR PI Vehicles - Unlicensed SNAP: Unlicensed vehicles that are used for transportation are exempt. POWER: Count the equity value of the unlicensed vehicle unless used in self employment and does not require licensing (farming). UL PI

807 - EPICS Asset Codes

Enter the asset codes for SNAP and POWER in EPICS on the screen indicated in the following table:

Screen Description SNAP POWER LIRE Advanced Earned Income Tax Credit (AEITC) for the first two (2) months NA NA LIRE Advanced Earned Income Tax Credit (AEITC) for any amount remaining in the third month OT OT OTAS Agreement in escrow OT OT LIRE Annuities OT OT OTAS Antiques GR GR LIRE Asset replacement NA NA OTAS Boat without motor BT BT LIRE Bonds BO BO OTAS Burial funds < $1,500 BP BP OTAS Burial funds > $1,500 BL BL OTAS Burial space BU BU LIRE Business checking account BC BC OTAS Business inventory/equity (other than real property) NA NA OTAS Camper/trailer (not used as home) CP CP OTAS Camper/trailer (used as home) CH CH LIRE Cash on hand CA CA LIRE Cash gifts < allowable limit CG-EX CG-EX LIRE Cash gifts > allowable limit CG CG LIRE Cash held by third party CH CH LIRE Certificate of deposit CD CD LIRE Checking account PC PC OTAS Collectibles GR GR LIRE Commingled funds GR GR OTAS Contract for deed/notes/mortgages GR GR LIRE Credit union account CU CU LIRE Crime Victims Compensation NA NA LIRE Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for the first two (2) months NA NA LIRE Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for any amount remaining in the third/thirteenth month OT OT LIRE Educational funds (not commingled) NA NA LIRE Excess liquid asset due to welfare reform WR WR OTAS Excess non-liquid asset due to welfare reform WR WR LIRE Gold/silver GS GS OTAS Home (owner occupied) HO HO OTAS Household goods and personal effects NA NA LIRE IIM account (restricted) NA IM OTAS Income producing property RE LB/RE/RR OTAS Indian lands purchased with per capita NA NA OTAS Inheritance (property) GN GR OTAS Installment contracts NO NO LIRE Insurance settlement for damaged property for < 90 days GN GR LIRE Joint Bank Account JA JA OTAS Land, buildings, other real property LB LB OTAS Land (intend to build and live on) HS HS OTAS Life estate, lease, interest LE GN OTAS Life insurance CV CV OTAS Livestock, machinery, tools (income producing) NA/TO NA/TO OTAS Livestock, machinery, tools (not income producing) FA/OT FA/OT LIRE Lump sums LS GR OTAS Mineral rights MR MR OTAS Mobile home (not used as home) MH MH LIRE Mutual funds MF MF LIRE Online financial institution accounts PC PC LIRE PASS account PA PA LIRE Pension plan (available) PE PE LIRE Pension plan (not available) PV/RE PV/RE OTAS Property used for self-employment, excluding real property NA NA OTAS Real property (for sale) RP RP OTAS Real property (not for sale) RR RR LIRE Reimbursement for medical expenses NA NA OTAS Rental property RE RE LIRE Retirement funds, IRA, KEOGH (available) IR/OT IR/OT LIRE Reverse mortgage OT OT LIRE Safety deposit box contents SD SD LIRE Savings account SV SV LIRE Savings of a dependent child < 18 GN GN LIRE Savings bonds BO/SB BO/SB LIRE Stocks, money market certificates MM/OT MM/OT OTAS Stored grain SG SG LIRE Tax refund to elderly and disabled OT OT OTAS Trailer TL TL OTAS Trust fund (available) TR TR OTAS Trust fund (not available) TN TN VEHI Unlicensed vehicle (nonexempt) UL UL VEHI Unlicensed vehicle (necessary to assistance unit) UL VEHI Vehicle (licensed or necessary to assistance unit) Car CA CA Motorcycle MC MC Recreational vehicle (motorized) RV RV Truck/Van TR TR Other vehicle OT OT

808 Substantial Lottery or Gambling Winnings

SNAP - 7 CFR 272.17, 273.11(r), 273.12

Households are required to report substantial lottery or gambling winnings within 10 days of the end of the month in which the household received the winnings. Substantial winnings is defined as a cash prize equal to or greater than the maximum allowable financial asset limit for elderly or disabled households. (See Policy 800 - Asset Limits) Receipt of substantial winnings is a separate reporting requirement from a change in income or assets. The SNAP recipient shall report the total gross substantial winnings. If multiple individuals shared in the purchase of a ticket, hand, or similar bet, then only the portion of the winnings allocated to the member of the SNAP household will be counted toward eligibility determination. Bingo winnings are considered gambling winnings. Verification of winnings are necessary in order to being case closure procedures. This is not an unclear change (see 1501 (D)(1)(a) for Simplified Reporting requirements)

Households with substantial lottery or gambling winnings immediately lose eligibility for SNAP benefits; still allowing 10 days for notice of adverse action. Close the SNAP case for the entire household based on verification of receipt of the winnings. Use the closure code 'GL'; and Send the F409 Notice.

A SNAP household with substantial winnings remains ineligible until they meet statutory income and asset standards. The household may re-apply at any time for SNAP benefits. the next time a household reapplies and is certified for SNAP after losing eligibility under the substantial lottery or gambling rule, are not considered categorically eligible. If eligible, the household would need to be certified under the regular SNAP rules. this requirement is not permanent; it applies only to the first time a household is certified following the loss of eligibility for substantial lottery and gambling winnings.

If the winnings happen in the month prior to application or recertification, the household is subject to the asset limit at time of interview.

Example 1: Jon, household of 5, wins $5,000.00 from a State scratch-off lottery ticket on January 5, 2020. Jon spends $3,000.00 after 7 days and now has $2,000.00 remaining from his winnings. Jon must report his total winnings of $5,000.00 to his worker by February 10, 2020. The worker then must verify and close Jon's SNAP case for his entire household for March 2020, allowing the 10 days for notice of adverse action.

The household may choose to reapply for SNAP at any time and the worker would determine the household's eligibility under regular SNAP income and asset limit.

Jon's household could apply on February 23, 2020 and if his household meets the regular SNAP income and asset limit the household would have no lapse in benefits.

Example 2: Jane, household of 1, wins $4,000.00 gambling at a casino on February 14, 2020. Jane spends all her winnings buying a new vehicle on February 17, 2020. Jane is also on an SSI recipient. Jane must report her total winnings of $4,000.00 to her worker by March 10, 2020. Then the worker must verify and close Jane's case for April 2020, allowing 10 days for notice of adverse action. Jane can reapply any time and the worker would determine the household's eligibility under regular SNAP income and asset limits.

This means the worker does have to verify Jane's assets and income for Jane's first application after the closure for substantial lottery or gambling winnings.

Example 3: Jake, household of 4, wins $10,000.00 from the lottery on March 6, 2020. Jake leaves the household on March 17, 2020. The household is still required to report the $10,000.00 winnings by April 10, 2020. The worker must verify and close the case for the whole household even though Jake left the household. The case would be closed for May 2020 allowing the 10 days for notice of adverse action. The remaining household members can reapply for SNAP at any time. This is the case if Jake is the PI or not for the household.

Example 4: Joseph, household of 2 wins $7,500.00 form the lottery on May 7th, 2024. He provides a new application for benefits on June 10th. Joseph must be under the asset limit in order to qualify for SNAP at this time.

Click here for Q&A for Final Rule Implementation Memo for Lottery & Gambling Provisions 11012019

POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 9

For POWER lottery and gambling winnings are considered a lump sum. See Policy 1205 - Lump Sums.

901 Countable/Available Income

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.9, .11 | ARW, Chapter 1, Sections 5 and 11 and applicable P.L.’s in Section 1000 |POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 6

A. Determine the total income available, each source of income and whether the income is earned, unearned, exempt or nonexempt.

B. Consider income available the date it was posted (i.e. the date on the check or date posted on the interface).

C. Prorate or average income from self-employment, employment on a contractual basis, or income received intermittently on a quarterly, semi-annual or yearly basis over the period covered by the income unless not indicative of future months. (see Section 903)

D. Consider income as an asset when still available on the first of the month following the month received.

E. Consider the garnishment of income as voluntarily assigned to pay a debt and as countable income.

F. See Section 606 for treatment of income of a sponsor of an immigrant

G. Consider contributions by non-assistance unit members based on the contributors written statement. The only exception to this would be panhandling, where you would take the client statement on what the client thinks they are going to continue to make panhandling.

H. Use the following in determining income available to the assistance unit.

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.9 - .11

1. Income anticipated during the certification period shall be counted only in the month it is expected to be received, unless the income is averaged.

Example: A household usually gets paid once per month. However, in the month of January, the household receives two pay checks, one for the previous month and one for the current month, due to a holiday. The additional payment should be counted for the month it was expected to be received (December) and not when it was actually received (January). Likewise, if a payment is received early, such as if two payments are received in May for the months of May and June, then the additional payment should be counted for the month it was expected to be received (June), and not when it was actually received (May).

2. See Section 507 for treatment of all nonexempt income of disqualified, sanctioned or excluded assistance unit members.

3. Use the prior income from POWER or Tribal TANF when the income/benefit is being reduced/lost due to an IPV decision or failure to meet a program requirement (see Section 1101);

4. Use the net income from all other programs (i.e. SSDS, VA, UIB, Worker’s Comp, etc.) when the income/benefit is being reduced/lost to repay an overpayment with the same agency; or

5. Use the gross income from all other programs (i.e. SSDS, VA, UIB, Workers’ Comp, etc.) when the income/benefit is being reduced/lost to repay an overpayment from another agency.

POWER – ARW, Chapter 1, Section 6

6. Consider for family groups living together in the same household the income of:

a. A spouse is available to the other spouse;

b. A parent is available to a dependent child through age 18, or up to age 19 if expected to graduate, except when the minor is emancipated; c. A parent is available to a minor parent to age 18 and to the grandchild;

d. A stepparent is deemed to the assistance unit;

e. A caretaker relative when included in the POWER performance payment; and/or

f. A sponsor of an immigrant and the sponsor's spouse is 100% available to the immigrant unless the requirements in Section 606 are met.

7. See Section 507 for treatment of income for excluded or disqualified individuals.

8. Exempt the income of an ineligible immigrant sibling in determining the need of an otherwise eligible dependent.

I. Require POWER applicants/recipients to apply for and accept income for which they would be eligible if they applied, (i.e. SSI, RSDI, Unemployment Insurance, Workers' Compensation, veteran or disability benefits, child support, annuities, pensions, retirement), or POWER will be denied or terminated due to noncooperation.

1. Foster Care Maintenance Payments are excluded from this requirement. An assistance unit shall not be required to pursue Foster Care Maintenance Payments even if they potentially could be eligible.

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.8 - .11 | ARW, Chapter 1, Section 11 | POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 6

J. Use the following chart to determine the type of income and how it is used in the calculation of the benefit. (See Section 1000 for information concerning exempt income under Public Laws.)

1. Enter unearned income on the Unearned Income screen;

2. Enter earned income on the Earned Income screen;

3. Enter self-employment on the Self-employment Income screen.

TYPE OF INCOME TREATMENT CODING PO SNAP Adoption/subsidized adoption assistance PO/SNAP: Count the subsidy as unearned income next to the adopted child. FS FS Alimony Do not exempt any portion. AL AL AmeriCorps (State Programs) child care allowance under the National & Community Service Trust Act (NCSTA) of 1993 PO: Exempt when used to meet child care expenses necessary for participation in a program under NCSTA. SNAP: Exempt GC GC AmeriCorps (State Programs) living allowance AmeriCorps Vista See Volunteer below. SNAP/PO: Exempt. GC GC Assistance from other programs, purpose covered by POWER Nonexempt. PO: Establish and recover an overpayment when a POWER payment and a foster care payment are made in the same month for a child who was placed in a foster home. OT OT Assistance from other programs, purpose not covered by POWER Exempt if paid as a vendor payment. PO: If a POWER payment and a foster care payment are made in the same month for a child who was placed into a foster home, the POWER payment shall be considered an overpayment and must be recovered. VP VP Cash gifts (see gifts) Cash donations based on need received from private non-profit charitable organizations See Asset Table for treatment. SNAP only: Exempt up to $300 per federal fiscal year quarter (Quarters are Oct-Dec.; Jan-March; April-June and July-Sept.) Child Support See Section 1205. See Section 722 for POWER. Do not exempt when child support is paid to client by a non-assistance unit member for an assistance unit member (except pass-through). PO/SNAP: Exempt when retained by the state. Document in narrative, leave out of EPICS. SNAP: Nonexempt when paid as a regular/ongoing arrearage/delinquent payment. Non court ordered child support shall be considered child support as long as the client states it is child support. Child support shall be coded next to the child it is intended for. Child Support Fees For SNAP only: If the fee is legally obligated to the household, the fee counts as unearned income. CH CH Child Support pass-through PO: Exempt; SNAP: Nonexempt GN GN College work study See Section 505 for SNAP. Exempt when paid for educational purposes only or Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Nonexempt when not earmarked for educational purposes or non Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Title IV = Federal WS (exempt) WR (nonexempt) WS (exempt) WR (nonexempt) Conservation Reserve Payment (CRP) SNAP: Nonexempt. FA FA Contract for deed PO: Nonexempt. Assure asset is within limit. SNAP: Nonexempt – Review for any allowable deductions (i.e. payment to mortgage company on contracted property). CD CD Contributions (Also see Donations, Gifts, Infrequent/Irregular Income and Lump Sums) Do not exempt contributions made to the assistance unit, including when an individual in the assistance unit is panhandling. GI GI Crime Victims Compensation PO: Exempt payments until the total amount paid is sufficient to fully compensate the individual for losses suffered as a result of the crime. SNAP: Exempt. GC GC Death benefits Exempt the one time only death benefit of $250 paid by SSA. GC GC Disability insurance (long-term / short-term) Nonexempt. OT OT Dividends Nonexempt. DI DI Domestic Partner Imputed Income PO/SNAP: This income is exempt for both POWER and SNAP and shall be subtracted from the total countable gross income before a best estimate is calculated. GC GC Donations PO: Non exempt. SNAP: Exempt cash donations based on need and received from one or more private non-profit charitable organizations not to exceed $300 per quarter. GR GR DVR Wages PO: Nonexempt SNAP: Nonexempt. VN VC Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) PO/SNAP: Exempt. GC GC Educational income Also see Veterans Educational Assistance Program and College Work Study. Exempt when earmarked for educational purposes only. Nonexempt when not earmarked for educational purposes. (educational funding not earmarked for educational purposes should be coded in UNIE) EE (earmarked) EN (not earmarked) EE (earmarked) EN (not earmarked) Emergency Assistance Nonexempt. EA EA E&T job search reimbursement Exempt. ET ET Foster Care or Subsidized Guardianship payments PO: Exempt when the child for whom payments are being made is not part of the assistance unit. SNAP: Children and adults are treated as boarders: 1. Nonexempt unearned income when the individual is included as a member of the assistance unit. 2. Exempt unearned income when the individual is excluded from being a member of the assistance unit.> FC FC (nonexempt) GC (exempt) Garnished Wages There is no special consideration for garnished wages. Use gross income to determine best estimate. RE RE General Assistance (State, Local, or Tribal) Non exempt GA GA Gifts SNAP: Monetary gifts to the household such as money received as a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or Christmas presents are generally excluded. The exclusion is usually due to the inability to prospect the income or gift and is usually excluded as a nonrecurring lump sum or irregular/infrequent payment. Monetary gifts that can be prospected are countable and are not considered nonrecurring lump sums or irregular/infrequent payments. These should be considered a contribution. POWER: 1. Exempt monetary gifts not to exceed $50 per individual per quarter. 2. Do not exempt the amount which exceeds $50 per individual per quarter. (see contribution) CG EX CG EX Housing assistance through HUD and Rural Housing Service Exempt. Includes any payments and allowances made to provide energy assistance and one-time weatherization service. HD HD HUD escrow account (cash withdrawal) PO: Nonexempt. SNAP: Exempt. OT LS Individual Indian Monies (IIM) account non restricted WITHDRAWALS (also see See Section 1000) Countable income when receiving disbursements unless exempted by public law see CM section 1000. (Make sure to look at the last 12 months to annualize. Disbursements are based upon each trust and may or not be regular.) Disbursements are not lump sum payments as they are annual, or more often, recurring payments that are irregular. See CM 806 Treatment of Assets. OT OT Individual Indian Monies (IIM) account restricted (Anyone under age of 18 payments are restricted until the turn 18) WITHDRAWALS Exempt. See CM 806 Treatment of Assets. GC GC Indian judgment funds Exempt Indian judgment funds as specified in Section 1000. GC GC Indian per capita (not from gaming revenue) Exempt Indian per capita (as specified in Section 1000). Exempt only up to $2,000 per year per person. Over $2,000 per year per person is non-exempt PC (exempt) OT (nonexempt) PC (exempt) OT (nonexempt) Indian per capita from gaming revenue Non-exempt OT OT Infrequent or irregular income Exempt unearned income which is received too infrequently or irregularly to be reasonably anticipated. LS LS Inheritance (money) See Section 1205. Nonexempt. IH IH In-kind income/wages PO: Nonexempt: 1. Require the employer or purchaser of the service to make a written statement of the value of the in-kind wages based on what would have paid in cash or what the goods or services are worth or use the going rate in the community for the services, whichever is higher. 2. Use the POWER shelter qualified maximum payment level. SNAP: Exempt. IK IK Insurance settlement See Asset Table and Personal Injury Insurance payments. Interest Income Exempt. GC GC Joint bank account Nonexempt: Consider the money deposited during the month as unearned income to the client when not already used to determine eligibility for the same month. Exempt: Consider the money in the account on the first of the month following the month of deposit as an asset. OT (nonexempt) GC (exempt) OT (nonexempt) GC (exempt) Jury duty Nonexempt. GR OT Loan – bona fide Exempt when there is a written agreement to re-pay the money. PL PL Loan – non-bona fide Nonexempt. LM LM Loan – repayment (interest money received) PO/SNAP: Nonexempt - count only the interest portion received. OT OT Lump sum (See Asset Table and Section 1205) Exempt unearned income in the month received. LS LS Military Allotment Sent to client - Nonexempt. AM AM Military Combat Pay Exempt when additional pay results from deployment or service to a combat zone and is not pay received prior to deployment. GC GC Military Income Nonexempt. Count the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) as earned income. RE RE Mineral lease income Nonexempt. ML ML National Guard Income Nonexempt. NG NG Panhandling See Contributions. GI GI Payments from Property Sold Nonexempt. PA PA Personal Injury Insurance payments See Section 1205. Nonexempt. GR OT POWER or Tribal TANF payments SNAP/POWER: Nonexempt. Do not use if it cannot be reasonably anticipated or if it was not received in the month in which it is intended to cover. **An individual can not receive Tribal TANF and POWER in the same month. POWER - AF Northern Arapaho TANF - AFTA Eastern Shoshone TANF - AFTS POWER - AF Northern Arapaho TANF - AFTA Eastern Shoshone TANF - AFTS Pre-Tax Employer Contribution(s) Non-Exempt If an annual benefit, average over the 12 months it is intended to cover. Include in best estimate and count as regular wages. RE RE Private energy assistance Exempt private energy assistance when vendor payment. GC VP Prizes/winnings/windfalls See Section 1205. Nonexempt. PR OT LS Property/rental income (working < 20 hrs/wk) See Section 903. Nonexempt unearned income. RE RE Railroad retirement or railroad unemployment Nonexempt. RR UB RR UB Reimbursement, rebate or refund Exempt when it is money the client already paid or the money does not represent a gain or benefit to the assistance unit. SNAP: Exempt reimbursements for a past or future expense which are job related (i.e. per diem, uniforms, transportation, out-of-pocket expenses for volunteers or medical and dependent care). RM RI RM RI Retroactive payments See Asset Table and Section 1205. PO: Exempt SSI. Do not exempt RSDI. Do not exempt other retroactive payments. SNAP: Exempt retroactive SSI, RSDI and other retroactive payments in the month of receipt. GR LS Reverse Annuity Mortgage Loan Program (RAM) SNAP: Exempt the monthly payment in the month of receipt. Note: This is considered a bona fide loan. PL PL Retirement/Pension Plans/Funds Nonexempt unearned income when funds are being with drawn from the account. PB PB Royalty income (royalties) Nonexempt, unearned income. SNAP: Royalty income is treated as unearned income. However, if there is an element of activity to produce that income, the costs to produce that income may be deducted. Since this is unearned income, the earned income deduction is not allowed. See Example 1. OT OT Sale of blood or plasma If the frequency and amount can be anticipated with reasonable certainty, it is nonexempt. If the frequency and amount is rare and erratic and can not be anticipated with reasonable certainty, it is exempt. Note: Use as self-employment income. OT OT Self-employment See Section 903. Severance pay Nonexempt. Consider earned income when paid with wages. Consider unearned income when paid after leaving job and not as part of wages. OT OT Social Security Benefits received through the Social Security Administration (SSA) to include: Disability, Auxiliary (Other), Retirement, Survivor and Widow/Widower Nonexempt. Note: Use appropriate subtype when coding. Subtypes are as follows: Disability - DS (SS DS) Other - OT ( SS OT) Retirement - RE (SS RE) Survivor - SU (SS SU) Widow/Widower - WI (SS WI) **Note: If the payee for the benefit is not in the household and not providing the benefit to the individual for which the benefits is intended, the appropriate code should be used in EPICS on UNIN with income of $0 in order for eligibility to be determined based on the NET income limit. SS SS Spousal support Nonexempt unless retained by the state. AL AL Stimulus payment (April 2020 CARES ACT) Exempt SP SP Supplemental Security Income (SSI) PO: Exempt. SNAP: Nonexempt. Disregard the fee of a qualified organization's to act as representative payee. The fee to be disregarded can not be greater than 10% of the client's monthly SSI income. (see example #2 below the table)*Wyoming Guardianship Corporation has been verified by the State to be a qualified organization and their fees can be deducted from SSI income. SI SI State Supplement due to SSI PO: Exempt. SNAP: Nonexempt. SH SH Strike benefits See Section 504. SNAP: Nonexempt ST ST Tax Returns aka Tax Refunds PO/SNAP: Tax refunds (returns) are exempt for 12 months from the date of receipt. GC GC Third-Party Beneficiary PO/SNAP: Exempt the money received and used for the care and maintenance of a third-party beneficiary who is not a household member. If the intended beneficiaries of a single payment are both household and non-household members, any identifiable portion of the payment intended and used for the care and maintenance of the non-household member shall be excluded. GC GC Trust fund income Nonexempt when it is accessible and/or withdrawn. Assure the trust is not an available asset. TR TR Unemployment benefits UIB Unemployment Benefits from the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) (August and September 2020 Section 408(e)(2) of the Stafford Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(e)(2)). Section 312(d) of the Stafford Act (42 USC 5155(d)) Nonexempt. (See Appendix 6 - PAIS Alerts for instructions on navigating and interpreting UIB in ESY4)Exempt UBXSP UBXSP Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) Autorized by the CARES Act 2020 and the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 Exempt unearned income in the month received and exempt asset for 9 months after received. GC GC USDA food reimbursement See Section 903. Nonexempt. Deduct the expenses related to the cost of doing business. OT OT Utility allowance including HUD, FHA, or RD Exempt. HD HD Utility allowance paid directly to household. Nonexempt. HU HU Vacation/sick pay Nonexempt. When paid with regular wages count as earned income. (RE) When paid later (separate and not as part of wages count as unearned income. (OT) RE RE OT OT Vendor payment Exempt. VP VP Veterans’ Aid and Attendance (A&A) payments Do not exempt the payment made to the person providing A&A and consider it earned income. PO/SNAP: Exempt the payment made to the veteran as it is a reimbursement. RM VA-AA Veterans’ dependent benefits Do not exempt any money the non-custodial parent sends the assistance unit when not designated as child support. VA-OT VA-OT Veterans’ educational assistance program (GI bill) Also see Section 505. PO: Exempt the portion of the loan or grant actually earmarked for tuition, books, fees, equipment, special clothing needs, transportation to and from school and child care costs necessary for school attendance if the same expenses are not covered by another loan, grant, scholarship or program. Do not exempt remaining amount. SNAP: Exempt the portion of the loan or grant earmarked for educational purposes. VB VB Veterans’ service connected disability less than 100% (For POWER see POWER Table 2, For VA Service Connected Disability Annual Income Guidelines) PO: Exempt. SNAP: Nonexempt (Not considered disabled) VA-SA VA-SA Veterans’ service connected disability greater than 100% PO: Nonexempt SNAP: Nonexempt. (Considered disabled) VA-DS VA-DS Veterans’ non-service connected disability less than 100% PO: Nonexempt SNAP: Nonexempt (Not considered disabled) VA-DA VA-DA Veterans’ non-service connected disability greater than 100% PO: Nonexempt SNAP: Nonexempt (Considered disabled) VA-SD VA-SD Volunteer after receipt of benefits For SNAP the day of joining Vista is the day a person starts. Exempt. Title I of the Domestic Volunteer Services Act of 1973 = VISTA, Univ. Year of Action, Urban Crime Prevention. GC GC Volunteer at time of application Nonexempt.Title I of the Domestic Volunteer Services Act of 1973 = VISTA, Univ. Year of Action, Urban Crime Prevention. OT OT Wages, dependent child (HS student less than 18 years old) PO: Exempt all earned income of a full time high school student under the age of 18. SNAP: Exempt the wages of a child under the age of 18 who is considered by the school to be an elementary/secondary student and who is living with a parent or under the parental control of another adult. SL SL Wages, tips, bonuses, including student age 18 and over. (Earnings from S Corps and LLC’s are also considered earned income and not self employment). Nonexempt. RE RE WIOA Adult, Youth Build and Out of School Youth program Exempt. SJ SJ WIOA In School Youth programs Exempt for dependents less than 19 years of age and attending high school full time. SJ SJ Weatherization Assistance Exempt when vendor payment. VP VP Workers’ Compensation Nonexempt. WC WC

Example #1: Client claims mineral rights income. Verification shows the mineral rights income is considered royalty income (aka royalties). Client earns $200/month in royalty income, $10 per month is taken out for taxes attached to the mineral rights (such as a severance tax). The worker should allow either the actual amount or a 25% deduction, whichever is greater.

*The deduction would not be allowable if the tax deducted is based on the income received (such as federal withholding).

Example #2: An SSI client paying a payee fee to a qualified organization. Client receives $794.00/month. The Wyoming Guardianship Corporation charges the client client $45.00/month to act as the client's payee. The worker would deduct the monthly guardianship fee from the client's monthly income to determine the client's countable SSI income. 794.00 (total SSI the client receives) - 45.00 (the fee) = $749.00. The client's total countable income is $749.00.

902 EPICS/JAS Income Codes (No legal cite)

A. Enter the income codes for SNAP and POWER on the EPICS screen indicated in the following table:

Screen Description PO SNAP EAIN Accumulated vacation/sick leave RE RE UNIN Accumulated vacation/sick leave OT OT UNIN Adoption assistance FS FS UNIN Alimony paid to client AL AL UNIN AmeriCorps child care allowance GC GC UNIN AmeriCorps living allowance GC GC UNIN Assistance from other programs for purpose covered by POWER OT OT UNIN Assistance from other programs for purpose not covered by POWER(vendor payment) VP VP UNIN Child support paid to client Child Support pass-through CH GN CH GN EAIN College work study (nonexempt) WR WR SEEI Conservation Reserve Payment (CRP) FA FA EAIN College work study (exempt) WS WS UNIN Contract for deed income CD CD UNIN Contributions GI GI UNIN Crime Victims Compensation GC GC UNIN Death benefits from SSA GC GC UNIN Disability insurance (long-term / short-term) OT OT UNIN Dividends DI DI UNIN Domestic Partner Imputed Income GC GC UNIN Donations GR GR UNIN DVR Wages VN VC UNIN Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) GC GC UNIE Educational income: BIA grant VA education grant Earmarked for educational purposes only Not Earmarked for educational purposes BA VB EE EN BA VB EE EN UNIN Emergency assistance EA EA UNIN E&T job search reimbursement ET ET UNIN Foster Care FC GC EAIN Garnished wages RE RE UNIN General Assistance (State, Local or Tribal) GA GA UNIN Gifts within allowable limit CG-EX CG-EX UNIN Housing assistance through HUD HD HD UNIN HUD escrow account OT LS UNIN IIM account withdrawals (nonexempt) OT OT UNIN IIM account withdrawals (exempt) GC GC UNIN Indian judgment funds GC GC UNIN Indian per capita exempt (see CM 1000) Indian per capita non-exempt (see CM 1000) PC OT PC OT UNIN Infrequent/irregular income LS LS UNIN Inheritance (money) IH IH EAIN In-kind wages IK IK UNIN Interest Income GC GC UNIN Joint bank account - nonexempt Joint bank account - exempt OT GC OT GC EAIN Jury duty wages GR OT UNIN Loan - bona fide PL PL UNIN Loan - non bona fide LM LM UNIN Loan - repayment (interest money received) OT OT UNIN Lump sum (unearned income) LS LS UNIN Military Allotment sent to client AM AM EAIN Military Combat Pay GC GC EAIN Military Income (BAH) (BAS) RE RE UNIN Mineral Lease Income ML ML EAIN National Guard Income NG NG UNIN Panhandling GI GI UNIN Payments from Property Sold PA PA UNIN Personal injury insurance GR OT UNIN POWER payments AF UNIN POWER penalty codes: Illegal alien XA CS noncompliance XC Educational limit XE Fugitive Felon XF IPV/fraud XG Other requirements not met XO Parole violator XV Work related noncompliance XW VP UNIN Private energy assistance GC OT,LS UNIN Prizes/Winnings/Windfalls PR RE UNIN Property income (unearned - working < 20 hrs/wk) RE PI SSEI Property income (earned - working > 20 hrs/wk) PI UNIN QMB deeming DE DE UNIN QMB presumed maximum value PM PM UNIN Railroad retirement RR RR UNIN Railroad unemployment UB UB UNIN Reimbursement, rebate, refund RI, RM RI, RM UNIN Retroactive payments, excluding SSI GR LS UNIN Retirement/Pension Plans/Funds PB PB UNIN Royalty income OT OT UNIN RSDI (use appropriate subtype) SS SS SEEI Sale of blood or plasma OT OT EAIN Seasonal employment IS IS SEEI Self-employment: Child care Crafts BA CR BA CR Farming/ranching FA FA UNIN Property income - working > 20 hrs PI PI EAIN Room and board RB RB UNIN Sales SA SA UNIN Service SE SE UNIN Severance pay (unearned) OT OT UNIN Severance pay (earned) OT OT UNIN Social Security Disability SS-DS SS-DS UNIN Social Security Other SS-OT SS-OT UNIN Social Security Retirement SS-RE SS-RE UNIN Social Security Survivor SS-SU SS-SU UNIN Social Security Widow/Widowers SS-WI SS-WI UNIN Spousal support sent to clients AL AL UNIN SSI SI SI UNIN State retirement SR SR UNIN State supplement due to SSI SH SH UNIN Strike benefits ST ST UNIN Stimulus payment (April 2020 CARES ACT) SP SP UNIN Tribal TANF - Eastern Shoshone AF TS AF TS UNIN Tribal TANF - Northern Arapaho AFTA AFTA UNIN Trust fund income TR TR UNIN Unemployment benefits UB UB UNIN USDA food reimbursement GR OT UNIN Utility allowance by HUD HD HD UNIN Utility allowance not from HUD HU HU EAIN UNIN Vacation/sick pay leave when paid with wages Vacation/sick pay lave when paid later (separate) and not as part of wages RE OT RE OT UNIN Vendor payment VP VP UNIN VA Aid and attendance RM VA-AA UNIN VA benefits (other)/VA dependent benefits VA-OT VA-OT UNIN VA disability - non-service connected less than 100% VA-DA VA-DA UNIN VA disability - non-service connected greater than 100% VA-SD VA-SD UNIN VA disability - service connected less than 100% VA-SA VA-SA UNIN VA disability - service connected greater than 100% VA-DS VA-DS UNIE VA educational assistance (exempt) VB VB UNIN VA educational assistance (nonexempt) VA-OT VA-OT UNIN VA retirement VA-RE VA-RE UNIN VA survivors benefits VA-SU VA-SU UNIN VA widows benefits VA-WI VA-WI EAIN Volunteer at application OT OT EAIN Volunteer after receipt of benefits GC GC EAIN Wages (FT HS student < 18) SL SL EAIN Wages (nonstudent < 18) SN SN EAIN Wages (less than FT student) SP SP EAIN Wages, tips, bonuses RE RE UNIN Weatherization assistance (vendor payment) VP VP EAIN WIOA (not high school student) (formerly WIA and JTPA) JA GR EAIN WIOA (FT HS student < 18) (formerly WIA and JTPA) SJ SJ UNIN Workers Compensation WC WC

Generic codes for EAIN, SEEI, UNIN: GN = nonexempt for SNAP; exempt for POWER GR = exempt for SNAP; nonexempt for POWER

903 Treatment of Self-Employment Income

Generally, a person is self-employed if the following applies to them:

They carry on a trade or business as a sole proprietor or an independent contractor.

They are a member of a partnership that carries on a trade or business.

They are otherwise in business for themselves (including part-time business).Some of the common self employment structures are:

Sole Proprietorship : A self-employment business that is not incorporated and has one owner. The business income and liabilities are the responsibility of a single owner.

Partnership : A self-employment business set up with two or more partners. In addition to personal income tax forms, partnerships are also required to file 1065 and K-1 forms. The business income and liabilities are the responsibility of all the partners with the partnership defining shares of ownership and responsibility. Partnership income is determined in the same way as other self-employment.

Independent Contractor : An individual who pays their own employment taxes and does not have an employee/employer relationship is considered self-employed.

Sharecropper : If the sharecropper pays the costs of doing business and receives a portion of the net income in exchange for labor, the sharecropper is considered self-employed. The sharecropper is not considered self-employed if the sharecropper is not responsible for paying the costs of doing business.

Corporations (including LLCs and S-Corps) : Can be considered self-employment enterprises; however, the income individuals receive is not considered self-employment income. Any wages received by an individual from the corporation are countable earned income (not self-employment) when received. Resources of corporations are not counted as a resource of an individual household. Bank accounts which a corporation owns must be in the corporation's name.

Additional information for Corporations: As income from a Corporation is considered earned income it will be coded on EAIN in EPICS. Also as income from Corporations is earned income, no deductions are given for business expenses.

If a client says they do not pay themselves a regular salary we need to see if they are taking draws out of the business account. If they client is drawing money out of the business account we would then create a best estimate of income from these draws.

Click the following link to verify corporations listed as LLC: https://wyobiz.wyo.gov/Business/FilingSearch.aspx

Verification The self-employed individual's most recent tax forms and schedules are normally good sources of verification for self-employment income and expenses. However, other sources may be used. Please note that the IRS net income from self-employment cannot be used because the IRS computes income differently and allows different expenses such as depreciation on a yearly basis. Only certain information from the tax forms and schedules may be used for verification purposes. It is imperative to obtain the entire tax return and schedules in order determine which expenses are allowable for SNAP and POWER vs the ones the IRS allowed.

Other sources of verification may include, but are not limited to, ledgers, charge account statements, sales slips, canceled checks, invoices, purchase orders and cash receipts. In documenting this verification, the eligibility worker shall record the date, identify the other party or company, describe the expense or income, and record the amount, taxes and discounts, if any.

If the above sources of verification are not available, the DFS108b Self Employment Verification Form shall be used as verification.

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.11; ARW. Chapter 1 | POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 6

A. Allow the following deductions as business expenses from self-employment income:

1. Rent and utilities (see B10); 2. Storage and warehousing charges; 3. Upkeep of premises/machinery repairs; 4. Wages and salaries paid to employees other than the individual herself/himself or other assistance unit members; 5. Feed, stock, raw material, seed, plants and fertilizer; 6. Transportation costs required to perform the service or deliver the goods should be calculated by using the current “state” rate; 7. Taxes and insurance premiums paid on income-producing property; 8. Privilege taxes such as licensing fees and gross receipts and general excise taxes; 9. Rental payments on income-producing equipment; 10. Cost of merchandise and supplies; or 11. Out-of-pocket expenses of meals, toys and materials for child care providers:

a. Consider the USDA food reimbursement exempt for SNAP unless the provider states the payment was for more than the cost of doing business; b. Document how the income was considered.

12. Other expenses connected solely with the function of the business.

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.11

13. The interest portion of payments on business or operating loans. 14. Payments on the principal and interest of the purchase price of income-producing real estate and capital assets such as equipment, machinery and other durable goods.

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.11; ARW, Chapter 1 ; POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 9

15. Use a 25% business expense deduction from the assistance unit’s gross self-employment income, excluding farm losses:

a. When at least one expense, relevant to the self-employment business, has been verified; b. The expense does not have to be equal to 25% of the self-employment gross income.

16. Use actual business expenses as listed in 1 – 14 when a receipt of the expense or a tax return exists and is greater than 25%. Use whichever is most beneficial to the client, 25% or actuals. 17. Do not allow any business expense deductions when the client states they do not have any business expenses.

B. Do not allow the following as business expenses:

1. Expenses and net losses from previous periods; 2. Federal, state and local income taxes; 3. Money set aside for retirement purposes; 4. Other work-related personal expenses such as transportation to and from work; 5. Entertainment expenses; 6. Repayment on the principal of a bank loan; 7. Depreciation; 8. Penalties and fines; 9. Charitable contributions. 10. Rent and utilities (including phone) when the business is run in the home except in room and board situations.

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.11 | POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 6

C. Allow costs when they are billed or otherwise become due but not overdue. D. Annualize self-employment income when:

1. Received over a short period of time, meant to support the assistance unit for one (1) year and is indicative of the future; 2. Received on a monthly basis but represents the annual income and is reflective of the assistance unit’s circumstances; 3. Received from an enterprise in business for less than one (1) year but long enough for sufficient information to be available to average income and the average is indicative of future months.

E. Average self-employment income when:

1. Intended to meet the needs of the assistance unit for only a portion of the year and is indicative of the future; 2. Received from an enterprise not in existence long enough to provide sufficient information for annualizing and is indicative of future circumstances; 3. Substantial increases or decreases exist.

F. Use the total capital gains as income as calculated on the federal tax forms. G. Determine the net profit of the business by:

1. Adding all gross self-employment income; 2. Adding any capital gains; 3. Subtracting allowable costs of producing the income (aka deductions); 4. Dividing the result by the number of months the income is to cover.

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.11

H. Allow farm losses to be offset against other countable income when the costs of producing the farm income exceeds the gross farm income:

1. Require the farmer to receive or anticipate receiving annual gross proceeds of $1,000 or more from the farming enterprise; 2. Follow the steps in G. to compute the monthly net income; 3. Use actual expenses; 4. Offset in the following order when there is a monthly net farm loss:

a. Against the total amount of other monthly net self-employment income; b. Any remaining farm loss against other earned income (after the earned income deduction only) and unearned monthly income if other monthly net self-employment income is not enough to cover the farm loss. c. Certify the assistance unit based on zero net income when a net farm loss exists after applying a. and b.

5. Do not carry forward the monthly excess farm loss to subsequent months.

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.11 | POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 6

I. Use the following Table to determine treatment of self-employment income:

TYPE OF INCOME TREATMENT CODING An “X” under the program column indicates the statement applies, as written, to that program. PO SNAP Child care Nonexempt. X BA X BA Property Income Do not allow the countable value of the real property combined with other nonexempt assets to exceed the asset limit, excluding SNAP, before considering the income. Nonexempt: 1. Treat the amount from the rental of real property or personal property as self-employment if the client is involved in the production of the income of at least an average of 20 hrs/wk. 2. Consider the income as unearned income if the client is receiving the rental check without exerting any effort or less than at least an average of 20 hrs/wk. X PI X RE X PI X RE Room and board Nonexempt Note: Exempt the portion of the payment which is the cost of doing business and equal to: a. The cost of the SNAP thrifty food plan equal to the number of roomers/boarders; or b. The actual documented cost of providing room and meals when it exceeds the SNAP thrifty food plan. X RB X RB Sale of produce/animal by-products Nonexempt. X SA X SA

904 Determining the Best Estimate

Click here to see 904 prior to 01/20/2017.

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.10 | POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 9

Determine eligibility prospectively for the certification period using the best estimate of income anticipated to be received during the benefit month.

Reminders/Helpful Hints:

Income received during the past 30 days will be used as an indicator of income that is and will be available to the household during the certification period. If a past 30-day history is unavailable or not reflective of what is anticipated to be received, a longer period of time may be used, such as 60 days. Only use income verification that provides an accurate indication of anticipated income. If income fluctuates to the extent that a 30-day period alone is not reflective of what can be anticipated during the certification period, use a longer period of past time if it will provide a more accurate indication of anticipated fluctuations in future income. The case narrative needs to document the rationale for arriving at a best estimate.

It is advisable to obtain wage stubs or wage history whenever possible.

During the interview, the type of verification the client wishes to provide should be discussed and that is what should be requested. Example, client doesn't have wage stubs, an Employer's Statement should be requested; dates for the appropriate timeframes should be completed on page two in order for the employer to verify the past wages.

For both earned and unearned income use the date posted when calculating Best Estimate. Use the date on the check or date shown on the interface. Do not add any days for mailing.

A. Best Estimate For Cases With An Income History

1. Review the income documents and information obtained. Ask the appropriate questions during the interview to determine what income is best reflective of future circumstances. 2. Base the best estimate for earned income (i.e. wages) upon the verified income when it is reflective and no changes are expected. To anticipate income for the benefit month(s).

a. Add verified gross income from each pay period; b. Divide the total by the number of pay periods considered; and c. Multiply gross income by:

4.3 for weekly amounts 2.15 for bi-weekly amounts 2 for semi-monthly amounts 1 for monthly amounts.

3. Document in the case record the type of verification and the rationale actually used in the determination of the best estimate. Also, document clearly the rationale of any income verification received and not used in the best estimate.

Example 1:

Application received for re-certification

An individual works 40 hours per week and the regularly scheduled pay dates are on a weekly basis.

The individual receives pay on the 1st and 2nd pay dates of the month earning $320.00 at $8.00 per hour for each pay date.

The individual receives an hourly rate increase to $8.25 per hour and is reflected on the 3rd and 4th paychecks:

Best estimate is calculated using wages from the 3rd and 4th paychecks as they are the only wages reflective of future income. The case narrative includes an explanation on why the 1st & 2nd paychecks were not included. $330 x 4.3 = $1419

Example 2:

Using the same information from Example 1 for an initial application

Best Estimate for Month of Application Check 1 $320 Check 2 $320 Check 3 $330 Check 4 $330 Total $1300 Average (by 4 checks) $325 Convert (by 4.3) $1397.50

Best Estimate for Ongoing Months

$330 x 4.3 = $1419

4. Calculate income for the certification period using income that is best reflective of future circumstances, average and convert.

Example 3:

An individual's regularly scheduled pay dates are on a bi-weekly basis.

The individual reports he/she typically works an average of 75-80 hours per pay period.

The individual received a check on the 1st of the month for 77 hours at $9.00 per hour for a total of $693.

The individual provided wage stubs from the prior month which reflected 76 hours at $9.00 per hour for a total of $684 and 79 hours at $9.00 per hour for a total of $711.

Best estimate:

Check 1 $711 Check 2 $684 Check 3 $693 Total $2088 Average (Divided by 3) $696 Converted (by 2.15) $1496.40

5. If the amount of income that will be received, or when it will be received, is uncertain, that portion of the household’s income that is uncertain shall not be counted; and document clearly in the case record to explain why all checks were not counted; or

6. Anticipate income for the benefit month in which it is available.

7. Use the income of a minor parent if they are the head of the assistant unit and the income of her/his child(ren). For example, child support, social security benefits, etc.

8. Review the best estimate each time a change in circumstances is reported or becomes known and at the time of a periodic review/recertification.

9. Use the following as the basis for estimating gross countable earned income for the benefit month(s):

a. Verify previous income by pay stubs or an employer’s statement and document the case record indicating how the best estimate was calculated when a change in circumstances is not expected. (Both earned and unearned income must be included in the estimate.)

b. An employer’s statement or other verification should be used as the basis for the best estimate when an applicant/recipient does not have a 30 day history or the history is not reflective of the future. (Both earned and unearned income must be included in the estimate.)

c. Estimate tips, commissions, bonuses, overtime, differential pay and holiday pay, when the employment is of such a nature one or more of these are likely.

d. Use the midpoint (i.e. 25 to 30 hours = 27.50 hours) when the hourly schedule is fluctuating unless the schedule is not reflective of future circumstances.

e. Use income and business expenses (see Section 903) that fairly represent the prospective benefit month(s) for a self-employed applicant or recipient whose income is irregular.

f. Annualize or average income from self-employment.

g. Allow SNAP assistance units to elect, in writing, to have the income averaged over the certification period when income can be reasonably anticipated but the monthly amount may fluctuate.

h. Count monthly or semi-monthly income as follows when a problem with the payroll (i.e. mail or computer problems) causes additional checks in one month. Discuss with the client which check(s) should be used and document why other the other check(s) was excluded:

1 If payment is regularly received semi-monthly but a problem causes three checks to be received in one month, count only two checks; 2 If payment is regularly received monthly but a problem causes two checks to be received one month, count only one check.

i. The method(s) used to anticipate gross countable income during the benefit month will vary according to the circumstances in each case.

1 Come to an agreement with the client when deciding the best approach to determine the best estimate. 2 Document clearly and thoroughly in the case record the method used and the rationale for the best estimate.

B. Best Estimate of Income from a Terminated Source

1. Calculate income in the benefit month as follows when the income is from a terminated source. Income is not considered to be from a terminated source until (1) a paycheck is not received for each scheduled pay period in any given month; or (2) verification of employment ending and final wages paid are received.

a. Use the actual income received, do not average the total or convert the income.

Example 4:

An individual’s regularly scheduled pay dates are on a weekly basis.

The individual receives a final paycheck on the 1st pay date of the month (did not receive a paycheck for each scheduled pay period) in the gross amount of $700.00.

The actual amount of income for the benefit month is $700.00.

Example 5:

An individual’s regularly scheduled pay dates are biweekly.

The individual receives a paycheck on the 1st pay date of the month in the gross amount of $700.00 and a paycheck on the last pay date of the month in the gross amount of $235.00.

The individual provides verification from his/her employer that employment is terminated and no further wages will be paid.

Best Estimate: $700 + $235 = $935.00

b. Vacation/sick pay paid with regular wages count as earned income. Vacation/sick pay paid later or separate and not part of wages count as unearned income (see CM 901 and 902 for EPICS coding).

Example 6:

An individual’s regularly scheduled pay dates are biweekly.

The individual receives a paycheck on the 1st pay date of the month in the gross amount of $700.00 and a paycheck on the last pay date of the month in the gross amount of $235.00 for hours worked and $150.00 for accumulated vacation time.

The individual provides verification from his/her employer that employment is terminated and no further wages will be paid.

Best Estimate: $700 + $235+150.00=$1,085.00 (all earned income)

Example 7:

An individual’s regularly scheduled pay dates are biweekly.

The individual receives a paycheck on the 1st pay date of the month in the gross amount of $700.00 and a paycheck on the last pay date of the month in the gross amount of $235.00 for hours worked. Then receives an additional check separate from his regular paychecks for $150.00 for accumulated vacation time.

The individual provides verification from his/her employer that employment is terminated and no further wages will be paid.

Best Estimate: $700 + $235 = $935.00 (earned income) and $150.00 (unearned income).

c. Zero income should be used for remaining months of the certification period unless otherwise reported.

Example 8:

New application received on the 21st of the month.

An individual’s regularly scheduled pay dates are biweekly.

The individual receives a paycheck on the 1st pay date of the application month in the gross amount of $700.00 and a paycheck on the last pay date of the application month in the gross amount of $700.00 and receives their final pay on the 1st pay date of the following month in the gross amount of $235.00

The individual provides verification from his/her employer that employment is terminated and no further wages will be paid.

Best Estimate for month of application: $700 + $700 = $1400

Best Estimate for following month: $235.00

d. Because the end of employment is verified, we would consider the income from a terminated source for all months that we are issuing benefits for. The purpose of the conversion is to smooth out the number of paydays, so once we know the income is terminated we don’t have a need to do this. Converting income from a terminated source would over inflate the income.

C. Best Estimate For Cases Anticipating a Change(s) or With No Income History

1. Obtain an employer’s statement when the income history is not representative of current or future benefit months or is not available, (i.e. beginning a new job, increase/decrease in hours worked or rate of pay).

2. Use the client's and your own reasonable expectations of future circumstances to arrive at a best estimate;

3. Document the type of verification and the computation of the amount of anticipated income in the case record.

SNAP – 7CFR 273.2, .10, .12

D. Changes Reported After the Interview in the Initial Month, But Before the Notice of Eligibility

If a household voluntarily reports a change in income, (i.e. beginning a new job) before the case has been authorized in the initial month, it is required of the worker to determine if the reported change affects eligibility.

1. The household must be given 10 days to provide the income verification;

2. If the 10 day verification time frame expires within the 30 day application time frame and the verification is provided timely, benefits would be paid back to the date of the application;

3. If the 10 day verification time frame will cause the application to go past the 30 day application time frame and the client returns the verification within the 10 day time frame, benefits would be paid back to the application date;

4. If the household does not provide the verification within 10 days from the request for verification and the 30 day processing time frame has expired, the delay in processing would be the fault of the household and the household would lose its entitlement to benefits for the month of application; or

5. If the income verification is received at any time in the second 30 days, the second month’s benefits would be prorated from the date the household provided the verification. A new application is not required as long as the verification is received between the 30th and 60th day of the date of application.

Child Support Income: When determining child support income, it is important to review all information available in order to determine an estimate of the amount that will be received in the future.

Examples for Establishing a Best Estimate:

Example 9:

Scenario - Employer, TrailSide Diner, states Dodie Goodie is beginning employment on 2/1. She will be working 30-40 hours per week (fluctuating) and will be paid $4 per hour. The employees are paid on a bi-weekly basis. Since Dodie is a waitress, the employer states she will be making about $50 per week in tips.

Best Estimate:

Use the midpoint (35 hours in this case) when the hourly schedule is fluctuating.

Multiply 35 hours by the hourly rate of $4 for a weekly total of $140.

Multiply the weekly total of $140 by 4.3 weeks to convert the income to a monthly total of $602.

Multiply the expected tips of $50 per week by 4.3 weeks to convert the income to a monthly total of $215.

Add the monthly wages of $602 and the tips of $215 for a best estimate of $817 per month.

Example 10:

Scenario - Employer, Bette’s Dairy Farm, states Dave Donut is beginning employment on 3/1. He will be paid $800 on the 1st of each month and $800 on the 15th of each month. This is a stable source of semi-monthly income with no fluctuation.

Best Estimate:

Multiply $800 by two for a monthly best estimate of $1600.

Example 11:

Scenario - Employer, Shacks Radio Store, states Hamm Michaels will begin working for them on 5/1. He will earn a stable income of $150 per week and will be paid every other Friday (bi-weekly).

Best Estimate:

Multiply $150 by 4.3 for a monthly total of $645

Example 12:

Scenario - An ongoing client reports she recently received a reduction in hours at her employment. The reduction is effective on the 15th as she is paid semi-monthly. The employer’s statement indicates her hours have changed from 20-25 per week to 15-20 per week. Her hourly rate is $4.25. Due to the reduction, she has applied for unemployment benefits. Her award letter states she will receive $50 per week.

Best Estimate:

Hours: Use the midpoint number of weekly hours of 17.5 and multiply this by 4.3 (2.15 weeks per each pay period) 75.25 hours/month.

Wages: Multiply the monthly total of 75.25 hours by $4.25 per hour for a total of $319.81.

UIB: Multiply the average weekly unemployment benefits by 4.3 for an average monthly total of $215.00.

Example 13:

Scenario - An application is received on July 17th. The applicant provides wage stubs for verification of income and has worked at the same job for some time and does not expect any changes. The wages are as follows:

Pay Date Wage Rate Hours Gross Wages June 1 $10.00 37 $370 June 15 $10.00 38 $380 July 1 $10.00 37 $370 July 15 $10.00 39 $390

Best Estimate:

Pay Date Wages July 1 $370 July 15 $390 Total $760 No Conversion; paid semi-monthly

Example 14: Application date March 17. Client has an ongoing job and is paid bi-weekly. Client states the three wage stubs provided are reflective of what he expects to earn in the future.

Best Estimate:

Pay Date Wages Hours February 13 $869 79 February 27 $836 76 March 13 $880 80 Total $2585 Average (by 3) $861.66 Convert (by 2.15) $1852.56

905 Benefit Levels

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.10 | ARW, Chapter 1, Section 6

A. Use the SNAP Income, Allotments and Deductions Table I to determine the appropriate SNAP maximum benefit level.

SNAP Income Allotments and Deductions October 1, 2018 - September 30, 2019

SNAP Income Allotments and Deductions October 1, 2017 – September 30, 2018

POWER – W.S. 42-2-104 and 103 | W.S. 42-2-106, ARW Chapter 1, Section 9

B. Determine whether the assistance unit is eligible for the shelter disqualified (supplied) benefit or the shelter qualified benefit. Put the appropriate shelter code next to "Shelter Supplied?" on the Dependent/Medical/Household Expenses (DEMH) screen in EPICS to calculate the correct benefit amount.

1. The shelter disqualified benefit level from Table II is appropriate when:

a. The assistance unit has no obligation to pay any portion of the shelter costs and/or the costs are completely furnished as a contribution. Use the shelter code "Y"; b. The assistance unit is living in a government housing subsidy. Use the shelter code "R"; c. The assistance unit is a minor parent and the dependent child(ren) living in the household of a parent(s), in a supervised setting with an adult relative, or court appointed guardian or custodian. Use the shelter code "M"; or d. The assistance unit that excludes an individual due to receiving SSI (CM 507 C and coded SS in SEPA) use shelter code "S". (see glossary for definition Receiving Social Security Benefits)

2. The shelter qualified benefit level from Table II is appropriate when the assistance unit does not meet the criteria for the shelter disqualified benefit level above and is responsible for paying all or a portion of the shelter costs. Use the shelter code "N".

3. Use the shelter qualified benefit level and the in-kind income when shelter is provided as earnings. Use the shelter code "N".

Table II: POWER Income July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020

Table II: POWER INCOME GUIDELINES JULY 1, 2018-JUNE 30, 2019

906 Income Disregards/Deductions

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.10

A. Net earned income is calculated by combining regular earned and nonexempt self-employment income as follows:

1. EPICS automatically deducts 20% of:

a. Nonexempt gross earned income of the assistance unit; and b. Nonexempt self-employment income (see Section 903).

POWER - W.S. 42-2-103, ARW, Chapter 1, Section 9

B. Apply the following earned income disregards when determining the benefit level for the POWER program:

1. Disregard a flat amount of $600 from the gross earned income of a stepparent, each eligible working applicant or recipient in a two (2) parent assistance unit, single parent assistance unit or caretaker relative included in the performance payment;

2. Disregard a flat amount of $1200 from the gross earned income of an eligible married couple applying for or receiving POWER with a child in common regardless of the number of employed individuals; and

3. Disallow any earned income disregards when establishing an overpayment due to a client error or IPV relating to earned income and the overpayment occurred prior to 8/1/97.

907 Allowable Expenses/Deductions for SNAP

SNAP only - 7 CFR 273.9 | ARW, Chapter 1, Section 5

*See Appendix 1 for instructions on determining shelter deductions for disabled residents of group homes who pay room and board.

A. The standard SNAP deduction is based on Table I.

B. Advise the assistance unit the eligibility level will be determined without deducting unverified expenses and without the appropriate utility standard when verifications are not provided within the requested time frame.

C. Increase the benefit level, when appropriate, by the first allotment after the verification of any deduction(s) is provided.

D. Restore any disallowed benefits when the expense could not be verified in time due to delays caused by DFS.

E. Calculate deductions of the assistance unit based on the expenses the assistance unit will be billed for during the certification period:

1. Base the anticipation, except utility, on the following:

a. The most recent month's bill(s) unless the assistance unit is reasonably certain a change will occur; or b. A rental verification form showing the amount of rent, what the heating and/or cooling utility is and who is responsible to pay the expense.

2. Allow deductions only in the month the expense is billed or is otherwise due regardless of when the assistance unit intends to pay the bill.

3. Disallow amounts carried forward from past billing periods even if:

a. Included with the most recent billings; and b. Actually paid by the assistance unit.

4. Allow all assistance units to elect to have fluctuating expenses averaged, excluding utility.

5. Allow assistance units who have expenses billed less often than monthly to average the deduction over the period it is intended to cover.

6. Allow one-time expenses to be averaged over the entire certification period, or as a one-time deduction at the option of the assistance unit.

7. Convert deductions to a monthly amount whenever a full month's expense is anticipated but is billed on a weekly, biweekly or semimonthly basis as follows:

a. Weekly - Multiply by 4.3; b. Bi-weekly - Multiply by 2.15; or c. Semi-monthly - Multiply by 2.

F. Disallow an deduction covered by an exempt reimbursement or vendor payment except LIEAP.

1. An individual whose expense is paid by another party directly to the vendor via a bona-fide loan would be an allowable deduction.

G. See Section 507 for deductions for excluded, disqualified or sanctioned individuals.

H. Document why a deduction was not used when the assistance unit is entitled to a deduction.

a. If the assistance unit reports on the application they have an expense and report during the interview they do not want to claim the deduction, the worker needs to pend the case and allow the 10 day pend period to lapse prior to taking action on the case. b. If the assistance unit does not want to wait for the pend period to lapse, the worker should explain the assistance unit needs to complete and provide a written statement wishing not to claim the deduction. c. If the assistant unit marked on the application they have the expense and do not want to claim the deduction, no further action is necessary. d. If the assistance unit left the expense section of the application blank, the worker should narrate the interview thoroughly and apply subsection (a) and (b) of this section if the assistance unit reports any expense and is entitled to the deduction.

I. Allow monthly shelter costs as follows:

1. EPICS allows an excess shelter deduction for the projected monthly shelter cost that exceeds 50% of the assistance unit's monthly income after all other applicable deductions when there is an elderly or disabled assistance unit member.

2. Limit the maximum excess shelter deduction as provided in Table I for non-elderly/non-disabled assistance units.

3. Include the following when calculating the shelter deduction:

a. Rent or mortgage (including second mortgages), excluding deposits; b. Other continuing charges leading to the ownership of a shelter such as repayments for a trailer or mobile home; c. Interest on loans or mortgage payments; d. Property taxes, state and local assessments, mortgage insurance, and insurance on the structure itself:

(1) Exclude insurance for furniture and personal belongings if these costs can be separated (i.e. renter’s insurance); (2) Prorate the property taxes and homeowner’s insurance over the period it is intended to cover; and (3) Exclude life insurance.

e. Shelter costs for the home if temporarily not occupied by the assistance unit because of employment or training away from home, illness or abandonment caused by a natural disaster or casualty when:

(1) The assistance unit intends to return; (2) The current occupants of the home, if any, are not claiming the shelter’s costs; and (3) The home is not leased or rented during the absence of the assistance unit.

f. Charges for the repair of the home that was substantially damaged or destroyed due to a natural disaster (i.e. fire or flood) unless reimbursed from another source;

g. Condominium and Home Owner Association fees;

h. Service fees (not a late charge fee); and

i. Mortgage insurance.

J. The Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) expense must be entered next to an eligible assistance unit member to not have the SUA pro-rated.

K. When it has been determined that an ineligible assistance unit member is billed and pays a shelter expense, other than the SUA, the deduction must be pro-rated.

1. The deduction must be entered next to the ineligible assistance unit member for the deduction to be pro- rated.

L. When it has been determined that an eligible assistance unit member is billed and pays a shelter expense, the deduction must not be pro-rated.

1. The deduction must be entered next to the eligible assistance unit member for the deduction to not be pro- rated.

M. Households that received a LIEAP payment that exceeds $20 in the current month or immediately preceding 12 months must contain an elderly or disabled member in order to automatically be given the SUA.

As it is known to the agency that Wyoming LIEAP verifies the proof of energy burden for the household applying and that an individual who is responsible for the utility is in the household, LIEAP is a known and trusted source to verify utility expenses for SNAP households. A household that does not contain an elderly or disabled member must incur heating and/or cooling costs above and beyond the receipt of LIEAP in order to be given the SUA. This should be reasonably anticipated to occur in the upcoming certification period in which you are attempting to allow the SUA for. If the household does not include an elderly or disabled individual, and the Client Name on the LIEAP interface shows an individual in the SNAP assistance unit, the SUA is an allowable option without additional verification as long as it is reasonably anticipated that the household will incur heating/cooling costs above and beyond the LIEAP payments in the upcoming certification period.

N. Allow the SUA, Utility Only Allowance (UOA), Telephone Only Allowance (TOA), actual cost for one (1) utility expense, or Homeless Shelter Deduction per the SNAP Utility Deductions Chart below.

** Click here for additional information on pass-through expenses and purchasing and preparing food separately.

SNAP Utility Deductions Chart Each Assistance Unit (AU) is allowed only one (1) of the following utility standard/deductions:

TYPE OF DEDUCTION IF AU PAYS FOR: SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) HEATING AND/OR COOLING COSTS Includes gas, wood, electric, coal, propane, and air conditioning; OR The AU that includes an elderly or disabled member has received a LIEAP payment that exceeds $20 in the current month or immediately preceding 12 months. The AU that does not include an elderly or disabled member that has received a LIEAP payment that exceeds $20 in the current month or immediately preceding 12 months does not automatically qualify for the SUA. Allow the use of the SUA for AU's in public housing with shared meters that are only charged for excess heating/ cooling costs. The SUA may be allowed to AU’s in private rental housing who are billed on the basis of actual use or flat rate separate from the rent. Allow the full SUA for each AU when the expenses are shared. Do not enter any other utility information. Utility Only Allowance (UOA) AT LEAST TWO (2) UTILITIES Includes electricity and fuel for purposes other than heating or cooling; water, sewerage, well and septic tank installation and maintenance; telephone; and garbage collection. Allow the full UOA for each AU when the expenses are shared. Do not enter any other utility information. Telephone Only Allowance (TOA) CONVENTIONAL TELEPHONE OR CELLULAR PHONE **can not use internet expenses for Wi-Fi only phones to allow the telephone expense** Click here for link to policy memo Allow the current telephone allowance (see Table I). Do not enter any other utility information. Actual cost for one (1) utility expense ONLY ONE (1) UTILITY Includes water, sewer and garbage collection (excludes telephone) Allow actual monthly billed amount. Do not include past due amounts. Do not enter any other utility information. Homeless Shelter Deduction Households that are homeless in which all members are homeless individuals that are not receiving free shelter and do not opt to claim an excess shelter deduction. Allow the current homeless shelter deduction (see Table I). Do not enter any other utility information.

Examples of Appropriate Utility Standards

(AU = Assistance Unit) Utility Standard Amount 1. One home, one AU pays heating or cooling. SUA * 2. One home, shared by two AUs paying heat. One AU is paying a portion of the cost to other AU for utilities. SUA * 3. One home, utilities included in rent. AU that includes an elderly or disabled member received a LIEAP payment that exceeded $20 at their previous address within the last 12 months. SUA 4. One home, shared by two AUs paying lights and telephone (even when one AU pays a set amount to the other AU to pay the utilities). UOA * 5. Apartment complex, client billed for actual heating costs. SUA * 6. Apartment complex, heated by gas, client pays electricity and telephone. UOA * 7. Apartment complex, AU that includes an elderly or disabled member receives LIEAP that exceeds $20 in the current month or immediately preceding 12 months at the LIEAP address. SUA * 8. One home, shared by two AUs, both of which includes an elderly or disabled member , each AU receives a LIEAP payment that exceeds $20 in the current month or immediately preceding 12 months due to LIEAP eligibility error. (Same home issued LIEAP assistance by 2 separate individuals). SUA * 9. AUs main heating source is wood and the AU cuts their own wood and pays water and electricity. UOA * 10. AUs main heating source is wood and the assistance unit purchases wood. SUA * 11. AU lives in their car and pays gas to heat or cool the car. (None) * 12. AU pays the cost of a swamp cooler or air conditioner for only 3 months out of the year. SUA (for 12 months) * 13. AU pays electricity for lights, which includes the cost of running a fan to cool the residence. They do not pay heating and cooling costs but do pay telephone bill. UOA * 14. AU with a home temporarily unoccupied due to employment/training. Pays heating on unoccupied home and current home. One SUA for both “homes” * 15. Two (2) AUs living in two residential units. Each AU pays a portion of the gas and electric. SUA * 16. AU residing in an apartment pays heating or cooling to the landlord who divides the bill by the number of units. SUA * 17. AU is billed a flat amount for heating expenses separate from the rent amount. SUA * 18. AU resides in a trailer house. Landlord pays a portion of the heating expense; excess is billed to the AU. SUA * 19. AU pays water and cell phone expenses and has no conventional telephone. UOA * 20. AU pays water expenses only. They have no other utility expenses. __________ Actual cost 21. AU has no utility expense except cellular phone. CP See Table I 22. AU has no utility expense except conventional phone. TL See Table I 23. AU is homeless and not receiving/claiming an excess shelter deduction can claim the homeless shelter deduction. HS See Table I 24. AU is working in-kind for their rent and or utilities. No deduction entered on DEMH No deduction entered on DEMH 25. One home, utilities included in rent. AU that does not include an elderly or disabled member and received a LIEAP payment that exceeded $20 at their previous address within the last 12 months. AU is also responsible for their cell phone expense. CP See Table I 26. Apartment complex, AU that does not include an elderly or disabled member receives LIEAP that exceeds $20 in the current month or immediately preceding 12 months at the LIEAP address. Worker verified via LIEAP interface that the individual receiving the LIEAP payment is in the AU, it is known to the agency that LIEAP verifies that the individual responsible for the expense is in the LIEAP household, and it matches to an individual in the SNAP case. SUA * 27. Apartment complex, AU that does not include an elderly or disabled member receives LIEAP that exceeds $20 in the current month or immediately preceding 12 months at the LIEAP address, however the address for SNAP is different. Worker requests and receives verification of the client being responsible for gas heating at their SNAP address. SUA *

* Benefit Specialist enters $00 and the eligibility computer system automatically uses the correct standard.

Medical Deductions: Click here for the Medical Handbook

O. Allow a medical deduction on current, not past due, medical expenses as follows:

1. Deduct the portion of non-reimbursable medical expenses (not to include the costs of special diets), that are in excess of $35 per month, for an assistance unit member who is:

a. Elderly; or b. Disabled. (See Glossary)

2. Assistance units entitled to a medical deduction shall have the non-reimbursable portion considered at the time the reimbursement is received or verified.

3. Allow a deduction for medical expense based on a best estimate at the time of certification or re-certification as follows:

a. Use a history of expenses paid to determine average monthly medical expenses providing the history is reflective of future expenses; b. Use expenses reasonably expected to occur during the certification period if no history exists or the history is not reflective of the future; c. Allow expenses reasonably expected to occur during the certification period based upon available information about the recipient’s medical condition; or d. Allow one-time medical expenses to be averaged over the remainder of the certification period or a one-time deduction at the option of the assistance unit. e. Assure the applicant/recipient understands the deduction will not change during the certification period unless a change is reported and verification of the change is provided; and f. Document your best estimate rationale in the case record.

Allowable Medical Expenses

4. Allow the following medical costs when non-reimbursable:

a. Medical and dental care including psychotherapy and rehabilitation services provided by a licensed practitioner authorized by state law; b. Hospitalization or out-patient treatment, nursing care and home nursing care to include payments by the assistance unit for an individual who was a household member immediately prior to entering a hospital or nursing home licensed by the state; c. Medication, supplies and equipment when prescribed by a licensed practitioner or other qualified health professional, including:

(1) Prescription drugs and other over-the-counter medication (including insulin); (2) Costs of medical supplies; and (3) Sickroom equipment (including rentals) or other prescribed equipment.

d. Health and hospitalization insurance policy premiums, except health and accident policies, such as those payable in lump sum settlements for death or dismemberment, or income maintenance policies;

e. Medicare premiums related to coverage under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act: TPQY: Medicare Premium

(1) Allow any cost sharing or spend-down expenses incurred by a Medicaid and/or Prescription Drug Assistance recipient. (2) Do not allow the Medicare premium when the client is not responsible for payment of the premium, such as when the state pays the premium through the "Buy-In" agreement. Click here to see TPQY Example

f. The costs of dentures, hearing aids and prosthetics;

g. Costs of securing and maintaining service animals specially trained to assist handicapped individuals (i.e. a seeing guide dog or a hearing guide dog, including the cost of dog food and veterinarian bills) See Question 1 below for further guidance on service animals;

h. The cost of eyeglasses prescribed by a qualified health practitioner;

i. The reasonable cost of transportation and lodging to obtain medical treatment or services (i.e. public transportation: bus, taxi, train, airplane);

j. The mileage reimbursement for medical treatment or services, when using a privately owned vehicle, shall be calculated by using the current “state” rate (i.e. any privately owned vehicle, personal vehicle or rides from friends/family);

k. The postage/shipping charges for mail-order prescription drugs; and

l. The costs of maintaining an attendant, homemaker, home health aide, child care or housekeeper, necessary due to age, infirmity, illness or disability and in addition:

(1) Deduct an amount equal to the one (1) person benefit allotment, if the assistance unit furnishes over 50% of the attendant's meals; and (2) Treat the cost as a medical expense when the assistance unit has attendant care costs that could qualify under both the medical and dependent care deductions.

Standard Medical Deduction (SMD) and Actual Medical Deduction

P. Standard Medical Deduction Demonstration Project.

1. Each eligible elderly and/or disabled individual with medical expenses greater than $175.00 has the option to verify and claim all actual medical expenses or take the standard deduction.

2. The standard medical deduction is not mandatory.

3. To be eligible for the standard medical deduction of $140.00 ($175.00 - $35.00 = $140.00) the following two (2) stipulations must be met:

a. A client must verify, at each initial application, that s/he has incurred more than $35.00 (i.e. $35.01) a month in qualifying medical expenses. b. A client must declare at each re-certification that s/he still has medical expenses in excess of $35.00.

(1) Declaration is a verbal statement, no further verification is required.

4. Enter ME of $175 next to each eligible individual on DEMH as EPICS is programmed to take out the $35. If a client is claiming actual medical expenses in excess of $175.00, the actual amount shall be entered on DEMH.

5. If the household elects to claim actual medical expenses, s/he must verify the expense(s) at each certification.

Dependent Care Expense

Q. Allow the monthly best estimate of out-of-pocket expenses for dependent care for children under the age of 18 and for people with disabilities of any age, as follows:

1. When necessary for an assistance unit member to:

a. Accept or continue employment; b. Searching for employment (should be reasonably verified if questionable); or c. Attend training or pursue education preparatory to employment.

*DFS Child Care Authorizations are not acceptable verification to confirm out-of-pocket expenses.

2. Do not allow a deduction for children enrolled in alternative arrangements (not provided as part of the child care facility) such as summer camp or sport academies.

3. Do not allow any amount allowed as a deduction from educational income.

4. Do not allow a deduction for an amount previously exempted.

Example: If $60 per month was exempted and the cost is $100, $40 could still be used as a deduction.

5. Document in the case narrative the dependent care deduction was offered and the client chose to use or not use the deduction.

6. Enter the correct coding on the DEMH screen next to the child the deduction is for:

a. Use “CF” for a child under two (2) years of age; and/or b. Use “AC” for an individual age two (2) and over.

R. Allow the best estimate of mileage for out-of-pocket costs for transporting a child to and from child care to be reimbursed at the current state rate, as follows:

1. When necessary for an assistance unit member to:

a. Accept or continue employment; b. Searching for employment (should be reasonably verified if questionable); or c. Attend training or pursue education preparatory to employment.

2. Document in the case narrative the mileage deduction was offered and the client chose to use or not use the deduction.

3. Client statement will be taken for the mileage from her/his home to the child care facility and back home. If mileage does not look to be reasonable you may use Mapquest.com or Google Maps to determine the mileage.

4. If a household has more than one (1) child that go to the same child care facility, only one (1) deduction can be given.

5. If a household has two (2) children that attend different child care facilities, a deduction can be given from home to the child care facility farthest from home.

6. If the parent works at the child care facility in which their child attends, the mileage deduction is not allowed.

7. Enter the correct coding of CT on the DEMH screen next to the child the transportation deduction is for.

Child Support Payment Deduction

S. Allow the legally obligated (court ordered) child support actually paid by an assistance unit member on behalf of a child to a non-assistance unit member.

1. Code the amount as “CH” on the DEMH screen;

2. Allow child support which may include:

a. Legally obligated monetary payment; b. Legally obligated payments to a third party such as rent and/or medical expenses; and c. Legally obligated arrearages being paid.

3. Use a history of at least three (3) months and:

a. Average the payments to arrive at the child support deduction; b. Adjust for any anticipated changes which would affect the payment (i.e. a child becoming of age whereby the legal obligation would cease); and c. Act on changes reported by the client during the certification period.

4. Establish a best estimate of anticipated payments when there is not a record of at least three (3) months of legally obligated child support paid.

5. Any amount the client pays more than legally obligated or arrears is not eligible to used as a deduction.

Question 1: What does special training for service animals (i.e. dog, cat) mean? Answer 1: It is best to concentrate on what the animal is trained to do. The issue is not whether the animal’s presence is therapeutic; the issue is whether the animal has received special training to do something. A previous question discussed a case of a client who had trained her dog to bark. It was felt the animal did not appear to have special training and an expense should not be allowed. The National Office agreed, stating, “Fido is just doing what any other pet dog would do. Since caveman times, canines have raised an alarm when strangers approach. It’s the nature of the beast, not special training.” The point being that at a minimum, the client has to demonstrate that the animal is trained to do something special. The client in this case also had a letter from her psychiatrist; the letter stated that she needed the dog. Therefore, if a client can demonstrate the animal is trained to do something special (i.e., not something the dog would normally do) that helps the client’s condition (other than being a companion or pet), the dog could be allowed as a medical expense. The case file must be documented to support any decision to allow or not allow the deduction.

1000 Assets/Income Per Public Law (P. L. is legal cite)

The following payments are exempt in determining assets and income for all programs when distributed under the Public Law cited in this Table. These payments are not exempt when commingled with nonexempt funds (statement does not apply to SNAP). Exempt funds for SNAP retain their exclusion for six (6) months from the date of commingling. Indian lands and property are exempted when purchased with exempt per capita funds.

See policy clarification email on Land Buy Back Program for Tribal Nations (Cobell Settlement).

PAYMENT TYPE TRIBE/ENTITY PUBLIC LAW All payments Income only is exempt. See Section 806 for treatment as an asset. Agent Orange Settlement Fund P.L. 101-201 Aleutian & Pribilof Islands Restitution Act P.L. 100-383 Child Nutrition Act P.L. 89-642, P.L. 100-435 Civil Liberties Act of 1988 P.L. 100-383 Crime Act of 1984 (reimbursed expenses) P.L. 103-322 Disaster Relief Act, including FEMA P.L. 93-299, P.L. 100-707 Domestic Volunteer Services Act of 1973 (Title II) P.L. 93-113 Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Foster Grand Parents Program P.L. 103-346 Senior Companion Program P.L. 99-425 Grand Coulee Dam Settlement Act P.L. 103-82 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Act National & Community Service Trust Act P.L. 79-396, P.L. 94-105 National School Lunch Act (except provider Payments) P.L. 79-396, P.L. 94-105 Summer Food Service Program P.L. 98-500 Commodity Distribution Program P.L. 100-175 Adult Care Program Old Age Assistance Claims Settlement Act (under $2,000) Older Americans Act, Title V (age 55+) American Association of Retired Persons The Senior Community Service Employment Program (aka Experience Works or Green Thumb) P.L. 101-426 National Association for Spanish Speaking Elderly P.L. 105-369 National Council of Aging National Council on Black Aging National Council of Senior Citizens Balanced Budget Act of 1997, HR 2015, Section 3424 U.S. Forest Service P.L. 91-646 Radiation Exposure Compensation Act P.L. 99-576 Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund of 1998 Spina Bifida Payments to a child P.L. 103-286 Susan Walker vs. Bayer Corp. Settlement P.L. 102-550 SNAP only: Uniform Relocation Assistance & Real Property Veteran's Benefits Improvement and Health-Care Authorization Act of 1986 (pay deferred for future educational purposes) Victims of Nazi Persecution Payments Youthbuild Programs Payment to individuals to individuals <19 Educational Payments (See Section 505 for SNAP) Higher Education Act & BIA, Title IV P.L. 99-498 Basic Education Opportunity Grants (GEOG) P.L. 100-50 Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act P.L. 98-524 Federal Direct Student Loan Program (FDSLP) P.L. 101-392 Federal Perkins Loan Program Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants P.L. 100-392 Federal Work Study Program Presidential Access Scholarships Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship State Student Incentives Grants (SSIG) All tribal payments Any Tribe Payments to: P.L. 98-64, P.L. 93-134, P.L. 97-408 Papago, Arizona Assiniboine, Montana Blackfoot, Montana P.L. 97-408 Grosventre, Montana P.L. 96-420 Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980 Houlton Brand of Maliseet Passamaquoddy Indian Tribe P.L. 96-402 Penobscot Nation P.L. 93-531 Relocation Assistance to Namajo & Hopi Tribes P.L. 97-403 Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewas, Arizona All judgment funds/Funds held in trust Any tribe P.L. 93-143, P.L. 97-458, P.L. 103-66 Arapaho/Shoshone Assiniboine Tribe, Ft. Belknap Indian P.L. 98-124 Community/Ft. Peck Reservation, Montana P.L. 98-123 Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians Funds held in trust Alaska Native Claims Funds P.L. 92-203, P.L. 100-241 Burns Indian Colony, Oregon P.L. 92-488 Pueblos of Zia and Jemez, Florida P.L. 84-926 Seminole Indians, Florida P.L. 84-736 Stockbridge Munsee Indian Community Wisconsin P.L. 92-480 Judgment funds Blackfoot P.L. 92-254 Grosventre P.L. 92-254 Indian Claims Commission of the Court of Claims P.L. 93-134, Section 7 Yakima Indian Nation P.L. 95-433 Apache Tribe of the Mescalero Reservation Per capita funds Any Tribe P.L. 92-254 Per capita payments are exempt only up to $2000 per year per person depending on the source of the payment. Sources are listed in this table. P.L. 93-134 *For SNAP per capita payments made were the source of the payments are from gambling revenues are completely countable (do not exempt $2000) as unearned income unless the funds are placed in an inaccessible fund. These payments should be coded as "OT" on the UNIN screen. This is based on guidance from the Office of the General Counsel and CFR 273.9(c)(10) and 273.9(b)(2). P.L. 94-189,P.L. 64-540 *Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone per capita payments do not need to be verified, it has been documented by the State that proceeds from these tribes are received from exempt sources. Payments/Funds held in trust Grand River Band of Ottawa Indians P.L. 94-540 Leech Lake reservation, Minnesota P.L. 99-377 Miccosukee Tribe, Florida (under $2,000) P.L. 101-277 Mille Lac Reservation, Minnesota P.L. 99-377 Puyallup Tribe of Indians Settlement Act, Washington P.L. 101-41 Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, Michigan P.L. 99-346 Seminole Nation, Oklahoma (under $2,000) P.L. 101-277 Seminole Tribe, Florida (under $2,000) P.L. 101-277 Seneca Nation Settlement Act P.L. 101-503 White Earth Reservation Land Settlement Act, Minnesota P.L. 99-264, P.L. 99-377 Receipts distributed from trust lands Assiniboine and Sioux, Montana P.L. 94-114, Section 6 Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin P.L. 99-146 Blackfoot Tribe, Montana Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma P.L. 94-114, Section 6 Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, South Dakota P.L. 99-146 Chippewa Tribe, Minnesota Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, South Dakota Devil's Lake Sioux Tribe, North Dakota Fond du Lac Reservation, Minnesota Ft. Belknap Indian Community, Montana Ft. Peck Sioux Tribes, Montana Grand Portage Reservation, Minnesota Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Michigan LacCourte Oreilles Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, Wisconsin Lac du Flambeau Reservation, Wisconsin Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, North Dakota Navajo Tribe, New Mexico Nett Lake Reservation, Minnesota Ogala Sioux Tribe, South Dakota Red Cliff Reservation, Wisconsin Rosebud Sioux Tribe, South Dakota Shoshone-Bannock Tribe, Idaho Sokaogon Chippewa Community, Wisconsin Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, North Dakota St. Croix Reservation Wisconsin White Earth Reservation , Minnesota

1100 SNAP Income Eligibility Tests/Computations

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.9 and .10

A. Gross and Net Income Tests

1. Exempt the categorically eligible assistance unit from the gross and net income tests (see Section 502).

2. Require an assistance unit with an elderly or disabled member, including those who turn age 60 during the month of certification, to meet the net income test for the applicable assistance unit size.

3. Require assistance units without an elderly or disabled member to meet the gross and net monthly income tests for the applicable assistance unit size.

4. See Section 507 for treatment of income of excluded, disqualified or sanctioned individuals.

5. Do not anticipate the amount of the initial POWER payment if:

a. The amount or the date of receipt cannot be reasonably anticipated; or b. The payment will not be received in the month it is intended to cover.

6. Prorate the income of a sponsor of an alien among the aliens s/he is sponsoring.

a. Deem the prorated amount to the alien’s assistance unit; and b. See Section 606 for treatment of sponsor’s assets.

B. SNAP Gross Income Test

1. Require the gross income test be met by the assistance unit prospectively when the assistance unit is not categorically eligible or does not include an elderly and/or disabled member.

2. Use the anticipated gross earned income or net profit from self-employment (see Section 903).

3. Add nonexempt unearned income.

4. Compare the result to the maximum allowable gross income from Table I: SNAP Income Limits FFY 2019 for the applicable assistance unit size.

5. Deny or terminate benefits when the income exceeds the maximum allowable gross income.

C. SNAP Net Income Test

1. Proceed with the net income test when the maximum gross income test has been met and the assistance unit is not categorically eligible (see Section 502).

2. EPICS will do the following:

a. Multiply the nonexempt earned income by 20% when:

i. The income is reported timely; and ii. There is income remaining after a farm loss offset.

b. Subtract the result from the total gross income.

c. Subtract the standard deduction.

d. Subtract medical costs in excess of $35 when the assistance unit includes a member(s) who is elderly and/or disabled.

e. Subtract allowable dependent care costs and legally obligated child support.

f. Divide the result by two (2), rounding up or down as appropriate.

g. Determine the allowable shelter costs using the appropriate deduction (see Section 907).

h. Subtract from the shelter costs: the result in (C)(2)(f) and compare that amount to the limit on shelter deduction from Table I: SNAP Income Limits FFY 2019 and use whichever amount is less except for assistance units with a member(s) age 60 or older or a disabled person(s) which are allowed the full amount of the difference.

3. Subtract the appropriate amount from h from the result from e to arrive at the net monthly income.

4. Compare the result to the net allowable income from Table I: SNAP Income Limits FFY 2019 for the assistance unit size.

5. Deny or terminate benefits when the income exceeds the maximum allowable net income.

6. Proceed, when eligible, by multiplying the result from C(3) by 30%, rounding up.

7. Subtract the result from C(6) from the Thrifty Food Plan for the assistance unit size found in Table I: SNAP Income Limits FFY 2019.

8. Prorate benefits as appropriate (see Section 1301).

9. An assistance unit of one (1) person or two (2) persons will receive $16 when the result is $16 or less.

D. Computation for Failure to Comply with Needs Based Programs

1. POWER or Tribal TANF:

a. Do not increase the benefit when the income of the assistance unit is decreased because a penalty is imposed under any needs based program, including POWER and Tribal TANF for failure to perform a required action. b. Enter the appropriate “X” code (see Section 1204) on the UNIN screen in EPICS to determine the benefit amount when the penalty is for POWER or Tribal TANF. c. Continue the POWER or Tribal TANF related penalty for the minimum penalty period (see Section 713). d. Require the individual to meet the SNAP work requirements if the assistance unit chooses to receive SNAP only.

1101 POWER Payment Tests/Computations

POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 9

A. Computation for Disqualified Person(s):

1. Determine the anticipated gross earned income including tips or anticipated net profit from self- employment (see Section 903).

2. Deduct $600, or one $1200 for an eligible married couple, for the earned income disregard on anticipated wages of each working individual.

3. Add the anticipated unearned income of the disqualified person.

4. Set the participation code for the disqualified person as "DI" on SEPA.

5. Consider the balance as the best estimate of available income for the computation of the performance payment. And

6. Use the "N-NE" code on WORW for the disqualified individual, excluding the illegal alien who will be coded “Y-EX” on WORW.

B. Computation for Parent(s) of a Minor Parent:

1. Set the participation code for the parent(s) as "DP" on SEPA; and

2. Determine the anticipated gross earned income including tips or anticipated net profit from self- employment (see Section 903);

3. Deduct $600 ($1200 for an eligible married couple) for the earned income disregard on anticipated wages for each parent or stepparent;

4. Add the anticipated amount of the unearned income available to the parent(s) and/or stepparent; and

5. Deduct the appropriate maximum benefit level in Table II for the following persons:

a. The parent(s) and/or stepparent living in the home; and b. Any other person(s) living in the home who is not part of the assistance unit and is a dependent of the parent(s) or stepparent. c. Allow the parent(s)/stepparent the shelter included maximum benefit level when responsible for shelter/utility costs.

6. Deduct amounts anticipated to be paid by the parent(s) or stepparent during the month to individual(s) not living in the home but who could be claimed as a dependent for federal income tax purposes;

7. Deduct amounts anticipated to be paid by the parent(s) or stepparent for child/spousal support to an individual(s) not living in the home;

8. Consider the anticipated income available from the parent(s) and or stepparent to determine the eligibility and POWER payment amount for the assistance unit (minor parent and child(ren)) comparing the income to the appropriate shelter supplied maximum benefit level;

9. Find the assistance unit ineligible when the anticipated available income from the minor's parent(s) and/or stepparent exceeds the needs of the unit when compared to the shelter supplied maximum benefit level;

10. Deny or terminate POWER due to noncooperation when the parent(s) or stepparent refuses to provide income verification and the minor parent lives with the parent(s) and/or stepparent;

11. Disallow any earned income disregards when establishing an overpayment due to a client error or IPV relating to earned income and the overpayment occurred prior to 8/1/97; and

12. Consider the minor parent who is not living with her/his parent(s) eligible when the minor parent signs support forms against the minor's own parent(s) as well as the non-custodial parent of her/his child(ren) and meets all other minor parent requirements (see Section 503).

C. Computation for Stepparent:

1. Consider the income of the stepparent available in determining eligibility and computing the POWER performance payment for stepchildren living in her/his home beginning with the month of marriage;

2. Set the participation code as "ST" on SEPA;

3. Determine the anticipated gross earned income including tip or anticipated net profit from self- employment (see Section 903);

4. Deduct a flat amount of $600 for the earned income disregard on anticipated wages;

5. Add the amount of anticipated unearned income available to the stepparent in the month;

6. Deduct the appropriate maximum benefit level in Table II for a household the size of the stepparent's:

a. Exclude the POWER eligible person(s); and b. Include only people living in the household who can be claimed by the stepparent as dependents for federal income tax purposes.

7. Deduct amounts anticipated to be paid by the stepparent during the month to individuals not living in the household and who can be claimed by the stepparent as a dependent for federal income tax purposes;

8. Deduct amounts anticipated to be paid by the stepparent during the month for alimony and/or child support to individuals not living in the household;

9. Consider the remainder as the best estimate of available unearned income to the POWER eligible person(s); and

10. Do not allow any earned income disregards when establishing an overpayment due to an earned income error caused by the stepparent or a member of the assistance unit or due to IPV and the overpayment occurred prior to 8/1/97.

D. Computation for Sponsors of Immigrants:

1. Require 100% of the income and assets of a sponsor, and the sponsor's spouse, to be deemed to the immigrant(s) until (see Section 606).

a. The immigrant becomes a citizen; b. The 40 qualifying quarters of work without receipt of government benefits exists; or c. The sponsor dies.

2. Enter the participation code “SP” on SEPA.

E. POWER Maximum Benefit Level Test (INED screen):

1. Require the maximum benefit level test be met by the assistance unit prospectively each month;

2. Use the anticipated gross earned income of the assistance unit;

3. Allow the $600 or $1200 earned income disregard;

4. Add the anticipated unearned income:

a. Include child/spousal support anticipated to be received by the applicant/recipient; and b. Include state assigned and collected nonexempt child/spousal support.

5. Add the best estimate of deemed income of the stepparent, parent(s) of the minor parent and/or the disqualified person using the appropriate calculation;

6. Compare the remaining amount against the maximum benefit level for the number of POWER eligible individuals; and

7. Find the case eligible when the anticipated income is less than the maximum benefit level and proceed with the grant computation.

F. Performance Payment Computation (AFPD screen):

1. Compute the performance payment amount for the assistance unit prospectively;

2. Use the anticipated gross earned income of the parent(s) and the eligible child(ren);

3. Allow the $600 or $1200 earned income disregard, as appropriate;

4. Add the anticipated unearned income:

a. Include child/spousal support anticipated to be received by or paid to the applicant or recipient; and b. Exclude state assigned and collected nonexempt child/spousal support.

5. Add the best estimate of deemed income of the stepparent, parent(s) of the minor parent and/or the disqualified person using the appropriate calculation;

6. Subtract all countable anticipated income from the maximum benefit level for the number of POWER eligible individuals;

7. Round the resulting performance payment amount down to the nearest whole dollar amount; and

8. Compare the performance payment amount against the child support anticipated to be collected:

a. Terminate the case in the second prospective benefit month following the first month of prospective ineligibility (see Section 1204 G) when the performance payment is equal to or less than the nonexempt child support anticipated to be collected and it is anticipated that amount will be ongoing; or b. Terminate the case immediately when the client chooses not to receive the one (1) additional month.

1200 Initial SNAP Eligibility Determination

SNAP – 7 CFR 273.10

Take one (1) of the following actions on the assistance unit's eligibility.

A. Approve an assistance unit that meets each of the eligibility factors and completes the application/reapplication (recertification) process within 30 days of the date of application.

1. Determine benefit amount;

2. Establish a certification period (see Section 1201); and

3. Generate the appropriate EPICS notice (see Tables).

B. Deny the initial application if the assistance unit:

1. Fails to meet an eligibility factor;

2. Fails to complete the application process on or by the 30th day from the date of application; or

3. Refuses to cooperate or take actions required to complete the interview process when a member(s) of the assistance unit is able to cooperate; and

a. Missing an interview does not constitute noncooperation;

4. Has three (3) or more members, is not categorically eligible and is entitled to zero benefits.

C. Do not deny the initial application:

1. For missing verification until 10 days from the date of the written request for missing verification.

2. For a missed interview unless the assistance unit does not request a second appointment and the 30th day from the date of application has expired.

3. For a potentially categorically eligible assistance unit until the 30th day from the date of application.

4. For a categorically eligible assistance unit even though the assistance unit may be entitled to zero benefits.

D. Notify the assistance unit in writing of the denial and the reasons for the denial.

E. Generate the appropriate EPICS notice (see Tables) the next working day if the 30th day falls on a weekend or holiday.

1201 Establishing a SNAP Certification Period

SNAP – 7 CFR 273.2; 273.10

A. Establish a definite period of time which an assistance unit is eligible to receive benefits.

B. Do not change the certification period once it is set except:

1. By termination when the assistance unit becomes ineligible, or

2. By increasing the certification period up to the maximum allowed when an expedited assistance unit has provided requested verifications within the 30-day processing period, or

3. To correct an established certification period that did not meet the minimum required months.

C. Do not require a face-to-face interview when circumstances change during the certification period; however, a worker may request one.

D. Base the certification period:

1. On calendar months never to exceed 12 months; and

2. From date of application; or

3. From the date of eligibility if the assistance unit is not eligible from the date of application, including the special considerations for an institutionalized individual (Section 401), migrant farmworker (Section 406) or a striker (Section 504).

Example: Application date January. Household ineligible for January due to excess income but eligible for February. Certification period starts February.

E. Certify the assistance unit for only the month of application when:

1. Entitled to benefits in the initial month but not in subsequent months;

a. Send the closure notice for the second month if only approved for one month of benefits

2. The assistance unit has applied on or before the 15th of the month and verification has been postponed due to expedited services, including migrant and seasonal farmworkers (see Sections 401, 405 and 406).

F. Certify the assistance unit for the month of application and the following full month when:

1. The assistance unit has applied after the 15th of the month and verification has been postponed due to expedited services.

G. For Simplified Reporting, certify an assistance unit for four (4) months that:

1. Contains an ABAWD (see Section 708); or 2. If the certification period aligns with a change that is known by the agency such as a child in the home turning 18; or 3. If the benefit specialist has determined it would be beneficial in managing their caseload.

H. For Simplified Reporting, certify an assistant unit for five (5) months:

1. If the certification period aligns with a change that is known by the agency such as a child in the home turning 18; or 2. If the benefit specialist has determined it would be beneficial in managing their caseload.

I. For Simplified Reporting, certify all other assistance units not described in section G, H, and J for six (6) months.

J. Effective January 1, 2016, the maximum certification period allowed is 12 months for households in which ALL adult members are elderly or disabled and have NO EARNED income, provided other circumstances appear stable.

1202 Issuance of SNAP Benefits

SNAP – 7 CFR 274.2

A. Authorize the first prorated month's and the first full month's benefits at the same time when the date of application is after the 15th of the month.

1. The assistance unit provided all verification within the 30-day time frame; and

2. The assistance unit is eligible for the initial and subsequent month's benefits.

Remember to inform the client during the interview that they will be receiving both months at once.

B. Authorize the case as soon as possible and make benefits available no later than the close of business on the 28th day following the date of application.

C. Refer to Section 1304 for EBT information/procedures.

1203 Initial POWER Eligibility Determination

POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 9

Determine whether the applicant meets all of the eligibility factors.

A. Approve the application when all eligibility factors and performance requirements are met. Stop the process and find the individual/assistance unit ineligible upon finding one (1) eligibility factor unmet.

B. Refer to Section 1204 upon notification any assistance unit member did not meet the Pay-After- Performance requirements after signing the IRCU or refusing to do so during the initial interview.

C. Notify the applicant of the eligibility decision by generating the appropriate notice of action.

D. Assure a case record for an approved application shall contain:

1. A signed DFS 100 Application for Benefits; and 2. Copies or narrative of documents used for verification, such as, but not limited to:

a. Social Security cards, SSN or verification of application for same;

b. Birth certificates;

c. Divorce decrees;

d. Wage stubs;

e. The child support assignment, cooperation notice and copy of the DFS 543; and/or

f. The Narrative explaining what actions were taken and why.

1204 POWER Payment Process

POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 9; W.S. 42-2-103

1. New Applications - No Voluntary Quit

Inform the applicant of the Pay-After-Performance requirements and of the penalties for noncompliance and begin payment as follows unless a voluntary quit is involved:

The applicant shall comply from the date of application until the end of that month for the 1st performance period, to be eligible to receive the 1st payment. Authorize as an immediate (I) issuance on the first day of the month following application when the Pay-After-Performance requirements were met.

The applicant shall comply for the same time frame, the date of application until the end of that month, for the 2nd performance period, to be eligible to receive the 2nd month payment. Authorize as an immediate (I) issuance on the first day of the month following application when the Pay-After- Performance requirements were met.

For the 3rd payment, the applicant shall comply from the 15th of the month of application through the 14th of the following month as the case is now ongoing. Authorize as a regular (R) issuance on the first day of the month following application when the Pay-After-Performance requirements were met. When a person applies after the 15th of the month, they shall comply from the application date until the end of the month for the 1st and 2nd months’ payments and also from the application date until the 14th of the following for the 3rd payment.

Examples:

Application is received July 5.

The applicant shall comply from July 5 through July 31 to receive a July payment; 1st month.

The applicant shall comply from July 5 through July 31 to receive an August payment; 2nd month.

The applicant shall also comply from July 15 through August 14, to receive the September payment, 3rd month.

Issue all payments on the first day of the month following the application when all Pay-After-Performance requirements are met, using the issuance indicators above.

Application is received July 21.

The applicant shall comply July 21 through July 31 to receive a July payment; 1st month.

The applicant shall comply July 21 through July 31 to receive an August payment; 2nd month.

The applicant shall comply July 21 through August 14, to receive the September payment; 3rd month.

Issue all payments on the first day of the month following the application when all Pay-After-Performance requirements are met, using the issuance indicators above.

Authorize the following immediately upon notification when any assistance unit member did not meet the Pay-After-Performance requirements after signing the IRCU Deny the initial application if at any time the client does not comply with either work requirements, child support requirements or eligibility requirements from date of application to the end of the month. Document the case record of the performance periods affected and generate the A 710 noncompliance notice stating what months shall be affected if reapplication is made. Send an A 201 denial notice. Deny if the client has requested withdrawal of the application but document the case record of the performance periods affected and generate the A 710 noncompliance notice stating what months shall be affected if reapplication is made and send the appropriate denial notice as well. Deny the application immediately when the family refuses during the interview to cooperate with the Pay- After-Performance requirements.

2. New Application - Voluntary Quit

Assistance units that include a mandatory individual who has voluntarily quit or reduced employment within 60 calendar days prior to the application must maintain program compliance for 30 calendar days before a performance payment can be authorized. Begin payment with the first of the month following the date of application if a voluntary quit or voluntary reduction in work effort has occurred without good cause within 60 calendar days prior to the date of application. Inform the Case Manager that 30 calendar days of cooperation is required due to the voluntary quit.

3. Adding an Individual(s) to an Ongoing Case

When a change in assistance unit composition is reported or becomes known, the following shall occur: An IRCU shall be completed by the individual entering the home when he/she is required to meet the Pay-After-Performance provisions. This is required whether or not her/his needs are added to the performance payment. Determine whether the individual is mandatory or exempt. Eligibility shall be redetermined and the amount of the performance payment recalculated considering the individual's income and assets. Refer the individual to the work program using the DFS 568 Initial IRP allowing the standard 14 days for scheduling the initial meeting.

The performance payment shall be authorized by the deadline for the 1st of the following month after verification and compliance has been completed.

Authorize the $1 nonpayment status for the corresponding performance period when adding a mandatory individual who fails or refuses to comply with the Pay-After-Performance provisions.

4. Nonpayment for Failure to Comply with Work Requirements

Failure of a mandatory applicant/recipient to keep appointments of comply with any of the work program performance requirements shall result in the family's POWER performance payment not being issued for the corresponding performance payment month.

Deny the application when a member of the assistance unit, during the interview with the Benefit Specialist, refuses to sign the IRCU and the Initial IRP and cooperate with the work program performance requirements.

Use the following process when case circumstances indicate or when notified by the CM of noncooperation by a family member: Generate immediately an EPICS notice of adverse action (see Tables) to the caretaker relative and explain in the notice: The performance payment shall be authorized in the $1 nonpayment status when cooperation has not occurred or ceases and good cause for failure to comply is not approved; and Cooperation shall begin by the 15th of the month and continue through the 14th of the following month for a performance payment to be received at the end of the month. The Case Manager shall immediately advise the Benefit Specialist the client has cooperated and the date of cooperation. Authorize the following immediately upon notification any assistance unit member did not comply after signing the IRCU or the Initial IRP: The $1 nonpayment status for the corresponding noncompliance performance periods and generate the A 710 noncompliance notice stating what months shall be affected; and Enter the “XW” code and appropriate unearned income amount on UNIN ($1 less than the POWER payment would have been for that benefit month); or Terminate the case if the client has requested withdrawal of the application or closure but document the case record of the performance periods affected and generate the appropriate closure notice (see Tables) and send the A 710 noncompliance notice stating what months shall be affected if reapplication is made. Terminate the POWER performance payment when there is a loss of contact for a full performance period and cooperation does not occur or closure is not requested but apply the performance penalty or the corresponding performance periods; Generate all appropriate notices of adverse action (see Tables) applying to the termination and assure the A 710 notice states what months shall be in the nonpayment status due to the noncompliance; Allow the assistance unit to reapply for POWER after termination and cooperate at reapplication but apply the $1 nonpayment status to any month affected by noncompliance during a corresponding performance period.

An over payment does not exist if the CM fails to report noncompliance within the designated time frames.

An over payment does exist if the CM reports noncompliance timely but the Benefit Specialist fails to take the appropriate action timely.

Do not authorize a performance payment when any family member voluntarily quits a job during the corresponding performance period; The employment was for at least 20 hours per week or provided weekly earnings equivalent to the federal minimum wage multiplied by 20 hours; The quit was without good cause per the good cause reasons in Section 401; Require verification and document the reason good cause was or was not allowed in the case record.

5. Nonpayment for Failure to Comply with Child Support Requirements

Failure of the assistance unit to comply with any of the child support performance requirements shall result in the family's POWER performance payment not being issued for the corresponding performance payment month.

Deny the application when a member of the assistance unit, during the interview with the Benefit Specialist, refuses to cooperate with the following child support performance requirements: Refusal to sign the Assignment of Rights to Support on the DFS 100 Application; Refusal to sign the IRCU; and Refusal to meet with CSE to fully and accurately complete the DFS 543 Report of Non- Custodial Parent and provide supporting documents.

Deny or terminate the case when the child support good cause claim is denied by DFS-SO and the application is withdrawn or case closure is requested immediately;

Deny the application when the child support good cause evidence is not received within 20 days of signing the DFS 543 and the application is withdrawn;

Authorize the $1 nonpayment status for ongoing cases when evidence is not received within 20 days of signing of the DFS 543 and cooperation has not begun;

Authorize the $1 nonpayment status for ongoing cases when the good cause claim is denied by DFS-SO and the applicant/recipient refuses to cooperate or withdraw the application; or

Authorize the $1 nonpayment status for ongoing cases when the assistance unit is not cooperating with the child support performance requirements, including retention of child support payments.

Use the following process when case circumstances indicate or when notified by the CSE of noncooperation by a family member: Generate immediately an EPICS notice of adverse action (see Tables) to the caretaker relative and explain in the notice: The performance payment shall be authorized in the $1 nonpayment status when cooperation has not occurred or ceases and good cause for failure to comply is not approved; and Cooperation shall begin by the 15th of the month and continue through the 14th of the following month for a performance payment to be received at the end of the month. CSE shall immediately advise the worker the client has cooperated and the date of cooperation; Authorize the following immediately upon notification any assistance unit member is in noncompliance after signing the IRCU: The $1 nonpayment status for the corresponding noncompliance performance periods and generate the A-710 noncompliance notice stating what months shall be affected; and Enter the “XC” code and appropriate unearned income amount on UNIN ($1 less than the POWER payment would have been for that benefit month); or Terminate the case if the client has requested closure but document the case record of the performance periods affected and generate the appropriate closure notice (see Tables) and the A 710 noncompliance notice stating what months shall be affected if re- application is made. Terminate the POWER performance payment when there is a loss of contact for a full performance period and cooperation does not occur or closure is not requested but apply the performance penalty for the corresponding performance periods; Generate all appropriate notices of adverse action (see Tables) applying to the termination and assure the A 710 noncompliance notice states what months shall be in the nonpayment status due to the noncompliance; and Allow the assistance unit to reapply for POWER after termination and cooperate with child support at reapplication but apply the $1 nonpayment status to any month affected by noncompliance during a corresponding performance period.

An over payment does not exist if the CSE fails to report noncompliance within the designated time frames.

An over payment exists if the CSE reports noncompliance timely but the Benefit Specialist fails to take the appropriate action timely.

6. Nonpayment for Failure to Comply with Eligibility Requirements

Failure of the assistance unit to comply with any of the eligibility factors, including timely reporting, shall result in the family’s POWER performance payment not being issued for the corresponding performance payment month. Generate immediately the appropriate EPICS notice of adverse action (see Tables) to the caretaker relative; Explain performance payments shall be authorized in the $1 nonpayment status if eligibility cannot be determined. Explain eligibility requirements shall be met by the 15th of the month and continue through the 14th of the following month for a performance payment to be received at the end of the month. Authorize the following immediately when eligibility cannot be determined as the assistance unit did not meet the Pay-After-Performance requirements: The $1 nonpayment status for the corresponding noncompliance performance periods and generate the A 710 noncompliance notice stating what months shall be affected; and Enter the “XO” code and the appropriate unearned income amount on UNIN ($1 less than the POWER payment would have been for that benefit month); or Terminate the case if the client has requested closure but document the case record of the performance periods affected and generate the appropriate closure notice (see Tables) and the A 710 noncompliance notice stating what months shall be affected if reapplication is made. Terminate the POWER performance payment when there is a loss of contact for a full performance period and cooperation does not occur or closure is not requested but apply the performance penalty for the corresponding performance periods. Generate all appropriate notices (see Tables) applying to the termination and assure the A 710 noncompliance notice states what months shall be in the nonpayment status due to the noncompliance. Allow the assistance unit to reapply for POWER after termination and cooperate with the eligibility factor at reapplication but apply the $1 nonpayment status to any month affected by noncompliance during a corresponding performance period.

Deny the application when a member of the assistance unit, during the interview with the Benefit Specialist, refuses to provide information needed to determine eligibility for POWER.

An overpayment exists if the Benefit Specialist fails to take the appropriate action timely.

7. Payment Due to Compliance and Increased Child Support

Find the case eligible for the amount of the prior month's payment, or adjust the payment when there is an additional change in circumstances, for the first month of ineligibility due to an increase in prospective child support when:

The total income is equal to or exceeds the income limit and the five (5) year benefit limit shall not be exceeded;

The assistance unit has continuously received a POWER performance payment for two (2) or more full payment months; and

Compliance has occurred in the corresponding performance period.

8. Payment Due to Compliance and Increased Earnings

Allow the recipient to choose between B and C below, explain the time to be counted toward the five (5) year benefit limit, and the advantage of saving option C for a future situation since it is a one (1) time only option:

Find the case eligible for the amount of the prior month's payment, or adjust the payment when there is an additional change in circumstances, for the first month of ineligibility due to an increase in earned income, and the five (5) year benefit limit shall not be exceeded, when: The total income is equal to or exceeds the income limit; The assistance unit has continuously received a POWER performance payment for two (2) or more full payment months; and Compliance has occurred in the corresponding performance period.

Determine if the assistance unit is eligible for the earned income incentive payment but not beyond the five (5) year benefit limit: The assistance unit shall be eligible for the one (1) time only earned income incentive payment when: The assistance unit has continuously received a POWER payment for two (2) or more full payment months; The family member has entered new employment or has an increase in earnings; The assistance unit has not previously received the earned income incentive payment, has not previously been penalized because of noncompliance with the POWER performance requirements or disqualified because of other program restrictions or violations; and The employment is not temporary. The earned income incentive payment shall be available for up to six (6) consecutive months when compliance continues; Count the six (6) consecutive months whether or not the earned income incentive payment continues unless the income is reduced or ceases due to no fault of the family member and the assistance unit becomes eligible for POWER; Allow any remaining earned income incentive payment months if the earned income is reduced or ceases due to no fault of the family member if the individual again becomes ineligible due to earned income; Base the amount of the earned income incentive payment on 50% of the family’s maximum benefit level for the assistance unit size as long as the family member remains employed and ineligible for POWER; Adjust the payment when one (1) or more of the following changes occur: A member leaves or enters the assistance unit; and/or The assistance unit moves from shelter included to shelter supplied or vice versa. Terminate the payment if the only eligible child leaves the assistance unit. Terminate the incentive payment if noncompliance occurs during the six (6) month incentive period: Authorize the $1 nonpayment status for the corresponding noncompliance performance period and generate the A 710 noncompliance notice stating what months shall be affected; Require compliance to occur prior to authorization of the corresponding performance payment; and The six (6) month incentive period has been utilized and is not available again. Ineligibility for the earned income incentive payment due to not meeting the above criteria is not subject to an administrative hearing or judicial review.

9. EPICS Coding:

Take the following actions when the assistance unit is eligible for the prior month's performance payment amount: Generate EPICS notice A 406 or A 428 when it is due to earned income or A 407 or A 427 when it is due to child support to allow the assistance unit the choice of closure or the (1) additional month; Enter the amount of the prior month's income on UNIN and/or EAIN using "GR" as the type code so the income shall be used for the POWER performance payment. Code the actual prospective income as "GN" so it shall not be used for POWER but shall be used for SNAP; Generate the appropriate EPICS notice of adverse action (see Tables) to inform the assistance unit of the action taken and the termination which shall occur for the second month; Document the case record stating why the generic codes were used; and Find the case ineligible for the second month of ineligibility when the anticipated income, including child support, is equal to or exceeds the income limit.

Take the following actions when the assistance unit is eligible for the earned income incentive payment: Generate EPICS notice A 406 or A 428 to allow the assistance unit the choice of closure or the six (6) month earned income incentive payment. Enter half of the previous month's payment, plus the appropriate disregard amount, on EAIN using "II" as the income type code so the income shall be used for the POWER performance payment. Code the actual prospective income as "GN" so it shall not be used for POWER but shall be used for SNAP; and Generate the appropriate EPICS notice of adverse action (see Tables) to inform the assistance unit of the action taken and when termination shall occur; and Document the case record stating why the generic codes were used.

1205 Lump Sums

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.8 and 273.9 ; POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 9

A. Determine if a lump sum payment is expected or has been received and apply the following procedure as appropriate.

B. Consider a non-recurring lump sum payment to be a one (1) time payment from sources such as, but not limited to, the following:

1. Proceeds from the sale of land, a building, a home,

2. Insurance settlements;

3. Refunds of security deposits on rental property or utilities;

4. Retroactive lump-sum Social Security, SSI, POWER, railroad retirement, VA, and VA disability pension payment annual adjustment;

5. Leased vehicle end of contract gain or benefit;

6. Earned income bonuses, paid all at one (1) time, after the employment terminates and not a part of final wages;

7. HUD escrow accounts paid when the family achieves economic independence;

8. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) payments; and

9. Arrearage/delinquent child support payment when not being received on a regular/on-going basis.

C. Treat a lump sum gross payment in the month received as:

1. Exempt unearned income;

2. A nonexempt asset;

3. Apply the 10-10-10 rule (applies to SNAP only - see Section 1502); and

4. Consider the balance as an asset in the following month(s).

D. Consider lump sum payments which are educational, self-employment or contract income to be earned income and averaged over the period of intended use.

1301 Eligible for Portion of Month

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.10, 273.13 ; POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 9

A. Prorate SNAP and/or POWER benefits from the date of application until the end of the month:

1. For initial benefits when eligibility exists in the month of application; and

2. Benefits have not been received for the individual(s) in the same month.

B. Allow duplication of SNAP benefits and prorate from the date of application when a participating member(s) enters a shelter for battered women and children.

C. Allow eligibility for the first full month after the date of application for SNAP and POWER when adding a person as s/he is not entitled to prorated benefits from the date of application.

1. For SNAP only, if it is reported that an individual has moved in or out of an assistance unit, and benefits have not been authorized, the change can be made immediately.

1302 Issuance Dates

SNAP - 7 CFR 274.2 ; POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 9

A. SNAP benefits shall be issued on an EBT card:

1. On the 1st through the 4th of each month based on the first letter of the recipient’s last name.

a. Last name begins with:

(1) A-D – issuance date is the 1st;

(2) E-K – issuance date is the 2nd;

(3) L-R – issuance date is the 3rd; and

(4) S-Z – issuance date is the 4th.

2. Within 24 hours following authorization when an “I” is used as the issuance indicator for immediate issuance.

B. POWER benefits shall be issued on the Way2Go card:

For immediate issuance (I), the authorized benefit will be processed the same day and available on the Way2Go card within 3-5 days.

For regular (R) monthly issuance, the authorized benefit will be processed the evening of deadline and available on the first day of the following month.

Authorized benefits will be recorded with a confirmation number within AFIH.

Inform the client that the initial cards will be mailed within 7-10 days from authorization.

1303 Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Procedures

SNAP - 7 CFR 274.1,.2; POWER

Perform the following when an applicant is a first-time EBT card user: Explain the usage of the EBT card; or Advise the applicant that when their card arrives they can set up an account on the card holder portal and access training information under the 'Help Center Tab'; and Advise the applicant a brochure shall be mailed along with an EBT card explaining the usage and protection of the card. Assure benefits do not begin until the month following the benefit month when the assistance unit has received assistance in another state.

New SNAP clients that have never been issued a Wyoming EBT card may be auto issued a card to insure they receive the card within the required timeframes. New cases will be auto issued an EBT card on day zero (o) for expedited cases and on day 23 for regular cases if the case has not been authorized. EPICS must have an address, SSN or DOB for a card to auto issue. If an expedited application comes in without this information, please do NOT apply the "Y" expedited flag to the case until you are able to complete this information. Once the information is received and entered into EPICS, you can apply the "y" expedited on the APMA screen and the card will issue on the evening the case was updated. Explain to new clients the following; Receiving a card does not mean that there are benefits on that card; Families will receive an approval or denial notice when their case has been finalized; and If they have any questions, they can call the number on the back of their card to check the balance. To identify cases that have been auto issued an EBT card there is a DEMO SENT field on the CAP1 screen. In the event a card was sent, a 'Y' indicator will appear in that field and if not the field will remain blank.

Perform the following when the head of the assistance unit has an incorrect SSN on EPICS, an updated address or s/he has a name change: Verify the correct SSN; or Verify the updated address or name change; and Correct the information on EPICS. If the client is in need of a replacement card, update the information on www.ebtedge.com and replace the card. The EBT card is driven by the SSN or client identification number (0600 number) of the head of the assistance unit.

Refer the client to the card vendor customer service (1-877-290-9401 or www.ebtedge.com ) when: S/he requests a PIN change, including forgotten PIN; Card problems exist, excluding a benefit issuance problem; and/or Notified of a lost, stolen or damaged EBT card. Client may also contact their local field office in the event they have a lost, stolen, or damaged EBT card.

Refer the individual to the Eligibility Integrity (Fraud and Recovery) Unit when they request benefits be applied toward an overpayment. Assure the overpayment has been established on EPICS; and Obtain a DFS 707 Installment Contract when a contract has not been signed. Do not deny, delay or terminate SNAP benefits for failure to sign a DFS 707 Installment Contract form.

POWER:

Perform the following when an applicant is a first-time Way2Go card for their POWER payment. Explain the usage of the electronic payment card; or Refer the applicant to the following link for information: www.GoProgram.com; and Advise the applicant a brochure shall be mailed along with a Way2Go card explaining the usage and protection of the card. Assure benefits do not begin until after pay after performance has been met. Advise the applicant that they will receive an approval or denial notice when their case has been finalized; and The Way2Go card should be received within 7-10 business days after the benefit has been authorized. To identify cases that have been issued a Way2Go card; once the benefit has been transmitted to the Way2Go vendor, a confirmation number in AFIH will indicate the card has been authorized.

All changes including address, phone, email or a name change must be updated by the worker within www.GoPortal.com for immediate update or within EPICS for next issuance update, but cannot be completed by the client on the Way2Go client portal or by Way2Go customer service representatives: Clients can contact www.GoProgram.com or call 1-844-893-3122 to request a replacement card. The Way2Go card is issued based on the client identification number (0600 number) of the head of the assistance unit or whomever is indicated as the PI with a Y in the SPRD screen.

Refer the client to the card vendor customer service www.GoProgram.com or call 1-844-893-3122 when: S/he requests a PIN change, including forgotten PIN; Card problems exists excluding a benefit issuance problem; and/or To report a lost, stolen or damaged EPC card. Clients may also contact their local field office for assistance.

Refer the individual to the Eligibility Integrity Unit when they request benefits be applied toward an overpayment.

1305 Head of Assistance Unit/Authorized Representative

SNAP – 7 CFR 273.2

A. Allow an assistance unit to designate the head of the assistance unit at the time of application and to change the designation only at the time of re-certification or when the assistance unit composition changes.

B. Allow any responsible member of the assistance unit to designate an adult non-assistance unit member as an authorized representative by:

1. Designating an authorized representative on the application; or 2. Providing any written and signed statement designating an authorized representative.

C. Allow the assistance unit to use the authorized representative to:

1. Make application; 2. Meet the requirements of an interview; 3. Be certified on the ID Card; 4. Utilize the benefits; and 5. Complete the DFS 103 Change Report form on behalf of the assistance unit:

a. Advise the assistance unit to review the information provided by an authorized representative; and b. Inform the assistance unit it is responsible for any over-issuance which results from incorrect information provided by the authorized representative.

D. Prohibit the following persons from serving as an authorized representative unless the DFS-FO manager approves the designation in writing and no other authorized representative is available:

1. DFS employees who are involved in Assistance programs; 2. Retailers authorized to accept SNAP benefits; 3. Homeless meal providers; and 4. An individual disqualified for IPV during the period of disqualification.

E. Allow the following to serve as a designated representative for the assistance unit:

1. State certified drug or alcohol treatment center officials may receive and spend the SNAP benefits for food prepared by and/or served to the residents of the center; and 2. State certified group living center officials may receive and spend the SNAP benefits for food prepared by and/or served to each eligible resident; or 3. State certified group living center officials may allow each resident to spend all or any portion of the benefits on her/his own behalf.

F. Place no restrictions on the number of assistance units an authorized representative may represent.

G. Exercise caution to assure:

1. The assistance unit has freely requested the authorized representative; 2. The assistance unit’s circumstances are correctly represented;

a. Refer the name of an authorized representative who has knowingly misrepresented the circumstances of an assistance unit to DFS-SO for possible disqualification for up to one (1) year; b. Give the assistance unit and the authorized representative 30 days notice of the disqualification to include:

(1) The proposed action; (2) The reason for the disqualification; (3) The assistance unit’s right to request an administrative hearing; and (4) The name and telephone number of a person to contact for additional information.

c. Do not apply the disqualification criteria to officials of drug and alcohol treatment centers and group living centers (see Appendix 1) acting as authorized representatives for their residents; d. DFS may prosecute, under applicable State fraud statutes, an authorized representative from drug and alcohol treatment centers and group living centers (see Appendix 1) who intentionally misrepresents the circumstances of the assistance unit.

3. The assistance unit is receiving the correct amount of benefits; and 4. The authorized representative is properly using the benefits.

1306 POWER Payee Change

POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 9

A. Use the following procedure(s) when there is a change in caretaker relative for a POWER case:

1. Terminate the case for the current caretaker relative; and 2. Open a new case with the new caretaker relative.

B. Allow the POWER payment to be paid to the caretaker relative for the entire month when a child leaves her/his home provided the child was in the home on the date payment was received and payment was not made for the same child in the same month to:

1. Another relative; or 2. Local, state or IV-E foster care for maintenance.

C. Allow the POWER payment to be paid to the caretaker relative from the first day of the performance payment month, when:

1. A child enters the home prior to the first day of the month; 2. It is intended the child shall live there permanently; and 3. Payment was not made for the same child in the same month to:

a. Another relative; or b. Local, state or IV-E foster care for maintenance.

D. Allow one (1) POWER performance payment to a person acting for a caretaker relative in an emergency situation to provide time to make and carry out plans for the child's continuing care and support.

1307 Protective Payments for POWER

POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 9; W.S. 42-2-103

A. Process a protective payment, when appropriate, to one (1) of the following:

1. A protective payee; 2. A vendor; or 3. A foster care provider

B. A protective payment shall be issued to the parent, adult relative or court appointed guardian or custodian when the benefit is paid on behalf of a minor parent (unless emancipated) and his or her dependent child(ren).

C. Process a protective payment and leave the needs of the caretaker relative in the performance payment when the caretaker relative shows a current inability to manage funds which threatens the health and safety of the child(ren).

1. Mismanagement has occurred when the recipient has two (2) or more months of nonpayment of rent. 2. Consider all relevant circumstances to determine if mismanagement exists including but not limited to:

a. There are unpaid bills for a reason other than the occurrence of an unusual event, which required the expenditure of the funds available; b. There are unpaid bills for a reason other than the necessary bills which exceed the performance payment and other income of the assistance unit; c. There are unpaid bills for a reason other than the result of the recipient's consumer right when there is a legitimate dispute over whether the terms of an agreement were met; or d. The person is unable to manage funds due to a mental or physical condition verified by written medical or psychological reports.

3. When mismanagement is believed to be a child neglect situation, refer the caretaker relative to CPS, who shall determine if appropriate services are needed. 4. Allow the recipient to rebuttal only by requesting an administrative hearing.

D. Allow the recipient to select the protective payee or participate in the selection to the extent possible.

1. Select a person or relative to be the protective payee who is interested in or concerned with the welfare of the child(ren); 2. Exclude the following from being a protective payee:

a. The DFS-FO manager; b. Any DFS-FO staff member who determines the financial eligibility; c. Personnel involved in quality control, recovery, or special investigative staff; d. Child support and work program contract staff; and/or e. Landlords, grocers and other vendors of goods and services who deal directly with the recipient.

3. When approved by DFS management, allow a DFS social worker or staff member who handles fiscal processes to be selected as a protective payee only when no other individual is available; 4. Explain the requirement for confidentiality to the protective payee; 5. Notify the recipient of the appointment and the name of the protective payee; and 6. Send the appropriate notice to the client with a screen printed copy to the protective payee.

E. Remove the protective payee when:

1. The minor parent reaches 18 years of age or becomes emancipated; 2. The caretaker relative has demonstrated the ability to manage funds in the best interest of the child(ren); or 3. A guardian or legal representative has been appointed because the need of a protective payee shall continue beyond two (2) years due to the lack of improvement in the client's management skills.

F. Review the protective payment status and require no less than a quarterly report from the protective payee (W.S. 42-2-107).

1. Review the need for the protective payment; 2. Review the manner in which the protective payee has fulfilled the following responsibilities:

a. Submission of a report, no less than quarterly, detailing how the performance payment was expended and managed; and b. Use of the performance payment was as follows:

(1) First for shelter, utilities and food expenses and then for clothing and miscellaneous expenses; (2) For the needs determined by the protective payee when the caretaker relative has income in addition to the POWER payment; and (3) For small amounts given to the caretaker relative for necessities when the major needs of the assistance unit are met and the money was used for the eligible recipients.

1308 Minimum Benefit Limit

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.10 ; POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 9

A. Issue no SNAP benefits in the initial month when the allotment would be less than $24.

B. Issue the following minimum monthly SNAP benefit except in the initial month:

1. $24 to categorically eligible assistance units of one (1) or two (2) members; 2. $2 to categorically eligible assistance units of three (3) or more members if the net allotment is at least $1; 3. $24 to one (1) and two (2) person assistance units; and 4. $2, $4 or $6 to assistance units of three (3) or more members even when eligible to receive $1, $3 and $5.

C. A POWER benefit shall be issued when the authorized payment is greater than $1 (sanction status) and the benefit month associated with the payment will be considered a countable month and will count toward the five (5) year limit.

See Section 502 Categorically Eligible Persons

1309 Zero Benefit Amounts

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.2, 273.10 ; POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 9

If the calculation of benefits for an initial month yields an allotment of less than $10 for the household of any size, no benefits shall be issued to the household for the initial month.

For an eligible household with three (3) or more members with an initial month yielding an allotment of less than $10, and $2, $4, or $6 in the following months, the application shall be denied on the grounds that its net income exceeds the level at which benefits are issued. (Make sure to check the FSAD screen of the initial month to verify if the household is eligible for ongoing months.) Send the notice F213 Denial-Other Reasons stating "Your net income exceeds the level at which benefits are issued." Use closure code 'EI' for earned income or 'EU' for unearned income.

Examples:

1. Household of three (3) is eligible for $4 initial month and then $6 for ongoing months. Deny the case and send the F213 notice.

2. Household of three (3) is eligible for $19 initial month and then $4 for ongoing months. We will approved the case and the household will receive the $4 allotment in the ongoing months.

The term 'minimum benefit' only applies to categorically eligible assistance units of one (1) or two (2) persons.

3. Household of three (3) is eligible for $0 initial month due to proration of benefits and then $37 for ongoing months. We will approve the case and the household will receive the $37 allotment in the ongoing months.

POWER:

1. Consider an individual to be a POWER recipient when a zero payment is a result of;

Noncompliance/nonpayment; or

The recovery of an overpayment.

Note the above will also count toward the five (5) year limit)

1310 Assistance Paid by Another State

SNAP - 7 CFR 272.4 and 273.11 ; POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 9

A. Find the person(s), not the assistance unit, ineligible for the benefit month when their needs have been covered by SNAP in another state.

B. Find the applicant/recipient, case/person ineligible for the benefit month when the needs have been covered by cash assistance in another state.

1311 SNAP and POWER Underpayments/Supplements

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.17 ; POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 9

A. Authorize an underpayment for benefits due to an assistance unit but not issued or replaced because of:

1. An error made by DFS such as:

a. Delayed application; b. Erroneously denied application; c. Erroneously denied timely reapplication; d. Erroneously terminated or reduced benefits; e. SNAP benefits calculated without deductible expenses; or f. Failed to take action on a timely reported change which increased benefits.

2. An administrative disqualification for IPV was later reversed; or 3. Any judicial action when the decision upholds benefits were wrongfully withheld.

B. Restore benefits for a period of not more than 12 months from the first of the following dates:

1. The date a request for an underpayment is received; 2. The date the administrative hearing or judicial action was initiated when no request for an underpayment is received; or 3. The date DFS discovers the underpayment.

C. Restore benefits even though the assistance unit is currently ineligible but when it was eligible for the months of the underpayment.

D. Do not issue an underpayment for any month eligibility cannot be determined or for any month the assistance unit is determined ineligible.

E. The amount to be restored for eligible months shall be determined as follows:

1. EPICS will:

a. Determine the benefit amount the assistance unit should have received; b. Subtract the benefit amount which was received; and c. Deduct any overpayments against the assistance unit.

2. The eligibility worker shall restore the balance to the assistance unit.

F. Issue the underpayment in addition to the benefits the assistance unit is currently receiving:

1. Issue the underpayment equal to the total amount of benefits lost; and 2. Honor reasonable requests by the assistance unit to restore SNAP benefits in monthly installments.

G. Notify the assistance unit of:

1. Its entitlement; 2. The amount of benefits to be restored; 3. Any offsetting against overpayment claims that was done; and 4. The right to an administrative hearing when restoration is denied or the amount is disputed.

SNAP – 7 CFR 273.17

H. Do not offset the overpayment with an underpayment if an underpayment occurs while processing an overpayment (using the actual income) caused by a client error.

I. Do not issue a supplement if an underpayment occurs while processing an overpayment due to a client error.

J. Restore benefits to the assistance unit when the underpayment occurred due to an agency error:

1. With the majority of the members of the assistance unit as it existed when the loss occurred; or 2. Containing the head of the assistance unit at the time the loss occurred if the assistance unit which contains the majority of members cannot be located or determined.

K. Notify the assistance unit of the method of restoration.

1313 Replacing SNAP Benefits

SNAP – 7 CFR 274.3, .6

A. Replace the actual value (not to exceed one (1) month's allotment) when food is destroyed in a misfortune affecting a certified assistance unit.

1. Verify the misfortune through either a collateral contact, a community agency or a home visit; 2. Require the assistance unit to comply with the following in order to qualify for replacement:

a. Report the destruction, orally or in writing, to the DFS-FO within ten days of the incident or within the period of intended use, whichever is earlier; and b. Sign a DFS 304 SNAP Replacement Questionnaire.

3. Retain a copy of the DFS 304 in the case record; 4. Authorize an underpayment for the amount of the destroyed benefits; 5. Inform the client the benefits shall be available within 24 hours; and 6. Refer the recipient to the card vendor customer service for card replacement if the EBT card was destroyed in a misfortune.

B. Issue no SNAP replacement benefits when Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) has issued a disaster declaration and the assistance unit is eligible for emergency SNAP benefits.

1315 Termination

Determine if termination of the entire case is appropriate.

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.10 - .12

A. Terminate a SNAP case for the first day of the next benefit month when:

1. The assets, income, status or other eligibility factors has changed and makes the assistance unit/individual ineligible; 2. The assistance unit/individual/authorized representative has not completed the interview process; 3. The assistance unit/individual/authorized representative has not cooperated in establishing continued eligibility; 4. Closure is requested; or 5. A loss of contact occurs. (See Example 1 below) 6. Allow ten days adverse action when appropriate.

B. Generate an appropriate adverse action (termination) notice (see Table IV) with a mailing date at least ten days prior to the effective date of the action:

1. The tenth day cannot expire on a weekend day or holiday. 2. Notices are mailed the day following the authorization date. 3. If the notice authorization date is on a Friday, the mailing date is on the following Monday, excluding a holiday.

POWER - W.S. 42-2-109

C. Terminate a case which is ineligible for the performance payment month:

1. Immediately when the assets, income or other eligibility factors has changed and makes the assistance unit ineligible and compliance has occurred in the corresponding performance period; 2. Immediately when the client requests closure and compliance has occurred in the corresponding performance period; or 3. For the benefit month following the $1 nonpayment month when there has been no contact with the assistance unit indicating interest in the continuation of the POWER performance payment for an entire performance period.

D. Generate the appropriate closure notice (see Table IV), as well as the A 710 when a future month is affected by noncompliance in a corresponding performance period, allowing adequate notice.

E. Generate the EPICS A 820 supplemental notice of continued child support services.

F. The X 013 notice, which explains child support services, shall continue to collect and distribute child/spousal support payments after termination shall be automatically generated by EPICS.

G. Notify the work program CM and CSE by email using the DFS 563 of the closure, the reason(s) and the date.

1316 Reinstatement

SNAP – 7 CFR 273.2 and .15 ; POWER – W.S. 42-2-110

Determine if reinstatement of the case is appropriate.

A. Reinstate an assistance unit to payment status only when:

1. The case has been terminated and shall be reopened within the same benefit month; and 2. The procedures in Section 1506 have been met and the case has not been terminated for more than one (1) full benefit month, excluding POWER.

B. Require the following to be met/completed prior to reinstatement:

1. All eligibility factors and performance requirements, as appropriate; 2. A face-to-face interview, if determined by the Benefit Specialist to be needed; 3. An application if determined by the Benefit Specialist that it is needed to determine eligibility; 4. A new IRCU for POWER if the prior form is outdated or obsolete; and 5. To regain eligibility for POWER:

a. Registration for work at DWS if the previous contact was more than 60 days ago; b. Meeting with CSE if a problem is indicated or the noncompliance issue was with CSE; and c. Meeting with the work program action center to develop a new IRP and comply with their requirements.

1317 Reinstatement Due to Administrative Hearing Request

SNAP – 7 CFR 273.15

A. Reinstate benefits, upon request for continuation, at the current benefit amount when the recipient requests an administrative hearing:

1. Within 10 days of the date of the notice of adverse action.

B. Notify the assistance unit of the requirement to repay excess benefits if the decision is against the assistance unit.

C. Continue benefits for the amount of benefits paid prior to the notice of adverse action until:

1. The hearing decision is received; 2. The assistance unit requests benefits be discontinued; 3. The assistance unit becomes ineligible due to not meeting another eligibility factor or program requirement and fails to request an administrative hearing within ten days on the subsequent adverse action; or 4. The assistance unit becomes ineligible due to a mass change pending the hearing decision.

D. Do not reinstate when a notice of adverse action was provided and the recipient did not respond on a timely basis.

E. Do not continue SNAP benefits beyond the end of the certification period in effect at the time of the request.

F. Terminate the case immediately if the findings are against the recipient; and

G. Notify the client of the obligation to repay any benefits incorrectly paid.

POWER – W.S. 42-2-110

Prohibit reinstatement of the POWER performance payment pending the outcome of an administrative hearing.

H. Generate a notice of action for each adverse action affecting the assistance unit while the administrative hearing decision is pending.

I. Process:

1. An underpayment when the hearing decision is in favor of the assistance unit and the performance requirements have been met; 2. The case for the first payroll or immediate issuance when the hearing decision is in favor of the assistance unit and the performance requirements have been met; or 3. An overpayment when the hearing decision is in favor of DFS, and the eligibility factors and/or performance requirements were not met.

1318 Reapplication After Termination

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.2 ; POWER – ARW, Chapter 1, Section 8

A. Require the following when an assistance unit is reapplying for benefits:

1. A DFS 100 Application for Benefits; 2. An interview; and 3. Verification of any changes.

B. For POWER:

1. Inform the applicant/recipient of the POWER Pay-After-Performance requirements which shall be met before a monthly performance payment can be authorized:

a. Registration with DWS for mandatory individuals; b. Cooperation with the POWER work program for mandatory individuals; c. Cooperation with the CSE, if applicable; and d. Meeting all other eligibility factors.

2. Inform the applicant/recipient of the penalties for noncompliance with the Pay-After-Performance requirements.

3. Inform the applicant/recipient which assistance unit members are required to come into the office to sign the IRCU and/or the initial IRP as a condition of eligibility within the following time frames:

a. By Wednesday of the same week if application is made on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday; or b. By Wednesday of the following week if application is made on Thursday or Friday of the prior week.

Example: Certification period ends October 31st, application received November 2nd. November 2nd application is considered a new application after termination.

1400 Notification

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.10, 312-.14: POWER -W.S. 42-2-106, W.S. 42-2-110, ARW Chapter 1, Section 10

Mail a notice of action, including adverse action, for all programs to notify the assistance unit of action on an application.

1401 Content of Notice

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.10, .12-.14 ; POWER - W.S. 42-2-106, W.S. 42-2-110, ARW Chapter , Section 10

A. All notices shall contain the following:

1. The action or intended action to be taken; 2. The amount of the benefit to be issued, as appropriate; 3. The date the action will occur; 4. The reason and specific regulation(s) supporting the action; 5. A description of the actions, if any, the assistance unit must take to avoid the adverse action or reactivate an application for SNAP; 6. A statement of the person’s right to request an informal conference at DFS-FO and/or an administrative hearing; 7. The explanation of the recipient’s obligation and responsibility to report to the DFS-FO simplified reporting changes; and 8. The beginning date (in month/day/year format) and ending date (in month/year format) of a certification period. 9. Notification of approval of an application shall include the following:

a. Variations in benefit levels within the certification period, if any; and b. An explanation of the difference in initial month benefits and subsequent benefits, when appropriate.

B. Notify the non-public assistance SNAP household with a pending SSI application the assistance unit may be categorically eligible.

C. Include the following information in notification of a pending application because of the fault of DFS, excluding POWER:

1. Notify the assistance unit with an application pending at the end of the first 30 days:

a. The application is pending; and b. The assistance unit may be eligible for benefits back to the date of application.

2. Notify the assistance unit with an application pending at the end of 60 days and the case does not contain adequate information to make an eligibility determination:

a. The case is being denied; b. The assistance unit may reapply; and c. The SNAP assistance unit may be eligible for benefits back to the date of the original application.

1402 Required Time Frames of Notice

SNAP – 7 CFR 273.12, .13

A. Mail the assistance unit a notification of approval, denial or pending of the application within 30 days of the date of application.

1. Do not deny prior to the 30th day for a missed interview; 2. Send the notice the next working day if the 30th day is a weekend or holiday; and 3. Do not require a new application if the assistance unit takes the required action within 30 days from the date of the notification.

B. Generate an appropriate adverse action (termination) notice (see Tables) with a mailing date at least 10 days prior to the effective date of the action:

1. The tenth day cannot expire on a weekend day or holiday. 2. Notices are mailed the day following the authorization date.

Note: If the notice authorization date is on a Friday, the mailing date is on the following Monday, excluding a holiday.

C. Mail the assistance unit a pending notice to request missing verification(s)/information.

D. Mail the assistance unit an 10-day notice of adverse action prior to terminating or reducing the benefit level within the certification period, unless an adequate notice is appropriate as detailed in F.

E. Mail the assistance unit an 10-day notice of adverse action prior to disqualifying a member for a reason other than IPV and include:

1. The name of the member who will be disqualified; 2. The reason for the disqualification; 3. The eligibility and benefit level of the remaining assistance unit members; and 4. The actions the assistance unit must take to end the disqualification.

F. Mail the assistance unit an adequate notice instead of a timely notice of adverse action when one of the following conditions exists:

1. The assistance unit reports, either in writing (can be via email) or verbally to a caseworker, the information which results in the reduction or termination of benefits; and 2. The eligibility or benefit level can be determined based solely on the assistance unit’s written information. 3. An assistance unit member(s) is being disqualified for IPV.

a. The name of the disqualified person; and b. The benefit level of the remaining assistance unit members.

G. Mail the assistance unit a notification of approval or denial by the end of the current certification period when the assistance unit has reapplied by the 15th of the last month of the current certification period.

Click here for denying SNAP application on the 30th Day for further instructions.

POWER – ARW, Chapter 1, Section 9

H. Issue an adequate notice of adverse action which is to be received no later than the date of action or the date payment would have been received;

I. The notice, which explains child support services, shall continue to collect and distribute child/spousal support payments after termination and will be automatically generated by the computer system.

1403 - Exemptions from Notice

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.13 ; POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 9

Do not mail a notice of action in the following circumstances:

A. The state initiates a mass change.

B. It is determined, based on reliable information all members of the assistance unit have died or left the state.

C. There is an increase in the benefit level to the assistance unit (optional).

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.13

D. The assistance unit has been receiving an increased SNAP allotment to restore lost benefits, the restoration is complete and the assistance unit was previously notified in writing of when the increased allotment would terminate.

E. The SNAP allotment varies from month to month within the certification period to take into account changes which were anticipated at the time of certification, and the household was so notified at the time of certification.

F. The assistance unit jointly applied for POWER and SNAP benefits and was notified SNAP benefits would be reduced upon the approval of the POWER payment.

G. An assistance unit member is disqualified for an IPV or the benefits of the remaining assistance unit member(s) is reduced or terminated to reflect the disqualification of that member.

H. The state is terminating the eligibility as a resident of a drug or alcohol abuse treatment center or a group living arrangement if the facility loses either the certification from the appropriate agency or has its status as an authorized representative suspended due to FNS disqualifying the facility as a retailer.

I. The assistance unit voluntarily requests termination in writing.

J. DFS initiates recoupment of a claim against the assistance unit which has previously received a notice of adverse action with respect to such claim.

1404 Notice to Request Information

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.2, .12 and .13 ; POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 9

Use the following procedures to request information needed to make an eligibility determination.

A. Applicant

1. Generate a pend notice in EPICS to request information needed to process the application and inform the applicant the case will be denied due to noncooperation if the information is not provided by the specified date per program unless the applicant contacts you.

2. The DFS 101 Before You Apply form may be used in conjunction with the EPICS pend notice to notify the applicant of information needed to process the application if an interview is conducted in person (the EPICS pend notice is still required even if the DFS 101 is given to the applicant).

B. Recipient

1. Generate a Request for Contact/Verifications pending notice to request information needed about an eligibility factor(s); and 2. Inform the recipient the case will be terminated due to noncooperation if the information is not provided by a specified date per program.

1405 Notice Following Administrative Hearing Request

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.13, .15

A. Inform the assistance unit it retains its right to request continued benefits at the previous benefit level if the administrative hearing is requested within 10 days of the notice of adverse action and the certification period has not expired.

B. Generate the SNAP reinstatement notice after a timely request to inform the assistance unit benefits will continue.

C. Generate the appropriate denial notice when benefits cannot be continued.

POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 9

D. Generate a notice of action to inform the applicant or recipient the request has been received and performance payments will not continue pending the outcome of the administrative hearing.

E. Include in the notice of action a statement if the administrative hearing decision is in favor of the caretaker relative, an underpayment will be issued for each month the eligibility factors and performance requirements are met.

F. Include in the notice of action a statement if the administrative hearing decision is in favor of DFS, an overpayment will be established for each month the eligibility factors and performance requirements were not met.

1500 Reporting Requirements/Action on Changes

POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 11

A. Conduct a redetermination of eligibility for the benefit month when a change is reported or becomes known to the DFS-FO.

B. Verify each change suspected, reported or known by DFS and take the appropriate adverse action when verification cannot be obtained.

SNAP – 7CFR 273.2, .10, .12

C. For SNAP cases certified under Simplified Reporting, act only on reported and verified changes known to DFS. These are cases that have applied and are eligible beginning June 1, 2012 and beyond or have recertified with benefits beginning June 1, 2012.

1. All simplified reporting clients shall be notified of their reporting requirements orally and in writing.

D. Changes required to be reported under Simplified Reporting (see 1501(D)(1)(a (i) (ii)&(iii)) and which occur after the interview in the initial month and at recertification, shall be reported no later than 10 days from the end of the calendar month in which the change occurred.

1. The household must be given ten days to provide the verification. 2. If the ten day verification time frame expires within the 30 day application time frame and the verification is provided timely, benefits would be paid back to the date of application; 3. If the 10 day verification time frame causes the application to go past the 30 day application time frame and the client returns the verification within the 10 day time frame, benefits shall be paid back to the application date; 4. If the household does not provide the verification within 10 days from the request for verification and the 30 day processing time frame has expired, the delay in processing would be the fault of the household and the household shall lose its entitlement to benefits for the month of application; 5. If the income verification is received at any time in the second 30 days, the second month’s benefits shall be prorated from the date the household provided the verification.

E. When we received clear/verified information for a household change of address we must seek the resulting change in shelter costs (if not already provided.)

1. When and address change is verified with the client, send F304 Additional information/verification request for households' new shelter expenses.

a. If verification of new shelter expenses is received, make appropriate changes on the case for each program within the time frames specified based on when the information is received.

b. If verification of new shelter expenses is not received, remove expenses allowing 10 days for adverse action.

2. Returned mail is not considered a clear change. When return mail is received:

a. Attempt to call the client and verify their correct mailing address.

b. If unable to contact client, hold the information to act on at the client's next recertification.

1501 Changes to be Reported

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.12; ARW, Chapter. 1, Section 7 ; POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 11

A. Each assistance unit shall report changes by phone, in person, by e-mail, in writing, or on the DFS 103 Change Report form.

POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 11

B. Changes to be reported include:

1. Changes in assets; 2. Changes in marital status, school enrollment and allowable expenses; 3. Changes in assistance unit size, living arrangements and address; 4. Changes in earned income such as source of income, beginning/ending employment, rate of pay and increase/decrease in number of work hours; 5. Changes in unearned income; and 6. Other changes in circumstances.

C. Document the change and action taken in the case record.

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.10, 12; ARW, Chapter 1, Section 7

D. Once the interview has been conducted, changes to be reported under Simplified Reporting:

1. Cases certified under Simplified Reporting:

a. The following changes shall be reported no later than 10 days from the end of the calendar month in which the change occurred.

i. Household’s gross income (earned plus unearned income) goes over 130% of the Federal Poverty Level for their SNAP household size; ii. If a household has substantial lottery or gambling winnings equal to or greater than the SNAP resource limit for elderly and disabled households; iii. If a household contains an ABAWD, any change in work hours that bring an individual below 20 hours per week, averaged, monthly.

b. All required eligibility information is reported at the recertification interview by completing a recertification application. c. After the recertification interview, the household is only required to report those changes as noted in D(1)(a). d. All changes reported or known to DFS shall be verified before acted on.

2. Document the change and action taken in the case record.

Example 1: At application: Household submits an application on October 5th. An interview is conducted on Oct. 9. The HH is advised of its reporting requirements as a part of the interview process. A member of this household started a job on October 14th, not earning more than 130% of the FPL. The notice of eligibility was mailed on October 19th.

Question: Is the household required to report this new job?

Answer : No. Once a HH is advised that it is a simplified reporter, it is only required to report those items in D(1)(a) through the rest of the application processing period and the certification period. In the example above, with a SR household, the new job would not be required to report as it happened after the interview and does not need reported until recertification as it did not cause the HH to go over 130% of the FPL.

Example 2 : At recertification: Household is certified under Simplified Reporting, certification period is May through October. On October 5th the client provides an application for recertification and is interviewed on October 6th. A member of this household started a job on October 8th, not earning more than 130% of the FPL. The notice of eligibility was mailed on October 10th.

Question: Is the household required to report this new job?

Answer: No. Once a HH is advised that it is a simplified reporter, those should be adhered to through the rest of the application period and the certification period. This would also apply at recertification, because the HH remains a simplified reporter. In the example above, with a SR household, the new job would not be required to report as it happened after the interview and does not need reported until recertification as it did not cause the HH to go over 130% of the FPL.

1502 Time Frames for Reporting Changes

SNAP – 7 CFR 273.12; ARW, Chapter 1, Section 7

A. The assistance unit shall report changes as follows:

1. Cases certified under Simplified Reporting: the assistance unit is required to report changes that put the household’s income (earned plus unearned) over 130% of the Federal Poverty Level for the household size, if a household contains an ABAWD and that member(s) hours decrease to less than 20 hours per week averaged monthly, or if a household member receives a substantial lottery or gambling winning. The household must report these changes within 10 days from the end of the calendar month in which the change occurred. Send the DFS 103SR Change Report Simplified Reporting (if applicable).

2. DFS has 10 days to act on the change. 3. DFS shall provide a 10 day notice of adverse action if the change results in a decrease or termination (see Section 1402). 4. A notice of adverse action shall be mailed to the assistance unit and received by the assistance unit prior to the first day of the month when the SNAP benefits were intended.

POWER – ARW, Chapter 1, Section 11

B. Instruct the caretaker relative to report any change in circumstances within ten (10) calendar days when the change in circumstances becomes known by the assistance unit.

1503 Mailing of Change Report from EPICS

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.12 ; POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 11

A. Inform the applicant/recipient a DFS 103 Change Report form will be mailed upon authorization of the first month of benefits and at recertification.

B. Inform the recipient a change report form will be mailed whenever a change in circumstances is reported and will reflect the new information used to compute the benefits.

C. Inform the recipient a change report form will be generated upon her/his request and will show current information being used to compute the benefits.

D. Inform the applicant or recipient blank change report forms are available at the local DFS-FO.

1504 Timely and Complete Change Report

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.12; ARW, Chapter 1, Section 7 ; POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 11

Perform a re-determination of eligibility whenever a change is reported verified and assure it remains an accurate reflection of the likely situation for the benefit month. When an address change is reported by the household we must seek the resulting change in shelter costs. When an address change is verified with the client but did not provide new shelter expenses, send F304 Additional Information/verification request for household's new shelter expenses. If verification of new shelter expenses is received, make appropriate changes on the case for each program within the timeframes specified based on when the information is received. If verification of new shelter expenses is no received, remove expenses allowing 10 days for adverse action.

B. Document the date of the re-determination in the case record in all instances recording the information and method used to arrive at the best estimate.

C. Generate a notice (see EPICS Notices) when the change results in an adverse action.

D. Generate a DFS 103 when the case remains eligible to notify the recipient of the information being used to determine eligibility.

E. Take the appropriate action on the case for each program within the time frames specified:

SNAP – 7 CFR 273.10; ARW, Chapter 1, Section 7

F. A notice of adverse action (see EPICS Notices) shall be mailed at least 10 days prior to the first day of the next benefit month when a change becomes known or is reported which affects the assistance unit’s eligibility or benefit level for the next benefit month;

a. The 10th day cannot expire on a weekend day or holiday. b. Notices are mailed the day following the authorization date. c. If the notice authorization date is on a Friday, the mailing date is on the following Monday, excluding a holiday.

G. Add a new assistance unit member and his/her verified income to the first regular allotment after the reported change (and income is verified, if applicable) or at the next certification, whichever occurs first. Note: The new member should not be added until that person's earned income has been verified.

H. Issue a supplement when a change is reported and the change results in an increased allotment for the following benefit month provided:

a. The change is reported by the last day of the month; and b. The change is verified within 10 days after the reported change.

POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 11

I. For the first benefit to be issued after the reported change.

J. Take the following actions to assure the reported change does not affect a performance requirement:

1. Review child support status to determine if the assignment and/or cooperation requirements need to be updated with CSE; 2. Review work requirements exemption status and refer mandatory individuals to the work program case manager and DWS; and/or 3. Determine whether the assistance unit/individual(s) remains eligible for a performance payment due to meeting the performance requirements for the corresponding performance period.

K. Do the following when a change in assistance unit composition is reported or becomes known:

1. Require completion of the IRCU as a condition of eligibility for the assistance unit when the individual is required to meet the Pay-After-Performance provisions whether or not her/his needs are added to the POWER payment; 2. Re-determine eligibility and the amount of the performance payment considering the income and assets of the additional individual whether or not her/his needs are added to the POWER performance payment; 3. Authorize the POWER performance payment per Section 1204; and/or 4. Authorize the $1 nonpayment status when adding a mandatory individual who fails or refuses to comply with the Pay-After-Performance provisions.

1505 Timely But Incomplete Report/Unclear Information

POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 11

A. Send a pend notice (see EPICS Notices) upon discovery of an incomplete and/or unverified reported change.

B. Notify the assistance unit the case will be placed in nonpayment status for noncompliance for the corresponding performance payment month, when the change occurs and the information/verification is not received;

1. Explain what is missing or is required to be verified; and/or 2. Assist the household, upon request, in obtaining information/verification when the individual is or would have difficulty in obtaining same.

C. Accept the information/verification when received, and:

1. The change is complete when the requested information/verification is received within the 10 day notice period or for POWER, within 10 days of the change or the appropriate POWER performance period, whichever comes first; 2. Re-determine eligibility; 3. Document the case record when the best estimate is recalculated indicating the information used and how the calculation was done; and 4. Mail a notice of adverse action (see EPICS Notices) to the assistance unit of any adverse action caused by the reported change.

SNAP – 7 CFR 273.12; ARW, Chapter 1, Section 7

D. Clarify unclear information reported by the assistance unit or collateral contact by that is:

1. Fewer than 60 days old relative to the current month of participation; and 2. If accurate, was required to be reported based on Simplified Reporting requirements; or 3. Presents conflicting information that was provided by the household at the time of certification.

a. If the information is not fewer than 60 days old relative to the current month of participation and is not required to be reported per Simplified Reporting, or does not present significantly conflicting information that was used to determine eligibility during certification, do not act on the information or require the assistant unit to provide additional information until the next certification action.

E. Clarify unclear information required to be reported under Simplified Reporting, by the assistance unit or collateral contact by:

1. Mailing a 10-day notice of request for contact/verification (F304, F305, F317) explaining what is needed and in what manner it can be provided (i.e. phone, fax, e-mail, in person or by mail); and 2. Mailing a second (2nd) notice of adverse action to terminate the case if the information is not clarified within the 10-day notice period.

a. Only terminate the case if the information requested is required to be reported under Simplified Reporting and was not received.

F. If unclear information is reported but is not required to be reported under Simplified Reporting:

Do not send a request for contact/verification (F304, 305, F317), You can send the F705 Reported Change Unclear.

Explain to the household what verification is needed to make the reported change to the their SNAP case.

If all needed verification is received, the change can be made to the SNAP case.

If verification is not received, do not act on the information or require the assistant unit to provide additional information until the next re-certification.

Return mail is considered to be an unclear change.

1506 Untimely Reporting of Changes

SNAP – 7 CFR 273.12; ARW, Chapter 1, Section 7

A. Follow this procedure when the requested information/verification is received after the 10 day notice period and prior to the end of the current month:

1. Accept the information/verification when received; 2. Determine eligibility prospectively; 3. Process any change, payment or termination as specified in Section 1504; and 4. Mail a notice of adverse action (see EPICS Notices) when the change results in an adverse action.

B. Follow this procedure when the requested verification/information is required to be reported under Simplified Reporting and is not received within the 10 day notice period and after the first of the benefit month:

1. Consider the assistance unit ineligible and terminate the case for the benefit month when verification/information of a change in circumstances is not furnished by the end of the 10 day notice period; 2. Require completion of a DFS 100, when an assistance unit is ineligible as of the first of the benefit month; 3. Reinstate payment for the full benefit month when information/verification is submitted before the first day of the benefit month or within the 10 day reporting period.

C. If information/verification is not received for changes not required to be reported under Simplified Reporting, do not act on the case for failure to provide information. Wait to act on the information/verification until the next recertification.

POWER – ARW, Chapter 1, Section 11

D. Follow this procedure when a change becomes known and has not been reported and no verification(s) provided:

1. A change in circumstances shall be reported within ten (10) calendar days upon the change becoming known to the client. 2. Mail an A 710 notice of noncompliance upon discovery of the unreported change.

a. Notify the caretaker relative of what is needed and that the case will be in nonpayment status for noncompliance for the corresponding performance period. b. Process a non payment for the corresponding performance period when noncompliance exists.

3. Establish an overpayment when payment was made for a benefit month in which the assistance unit was paid incorrectly or was ineligible.

1507 Good Cause for Untimely Reporting

SNAP - No requirement ; POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 11

Determine if good cause exists by requiring the assistance unit to provide verification of the reason for untimely reporting of a change in circumstances.

A. Consider a report of a change untimely when not reported within ten (10) calendar days upon knowing of the change unless the assistance unit can provide proof of good cause;

B. Consider only the following to be good cause circumstances:

1. The assistance unit was out of town due to illness or death of an immediate family member. 2. A member of the assistance unit was in the hospital during the timely reporting period. 3. The postmark on the envelope proves the information/verification or change report was late due to postal problems. 4. Circumstances of weather or disaster prevented the delivery or return of the information/verification or change report form. 5. Other circumstances beyond the control of the assistance unit and for which no alternative was available. 6. The job seeker did not do a mandated report of a change to the CM which affected compliance with the IRP, but did report the change to the Benefit Specialist within the required performance period.

C. Document the reason in the case record for approval/denial of good cause.

D. Good cause will not be allowed when the information, change report and/or verification(s) was not reported until after the first (1st) of the benefit month that would have been affected.

1601 POWER Periodic Reviews

POWER - ARW, Chapter 1, Section 11

A. Conduct a periodic review of the eligibility factors whenever a change is known or suspected, or at the time specified by the notice of initial POWER Payment Approval. Certification periods shall not exceed six (6) months, with the month of application being the first month:

1. When SNAP and POWER are both received, review of eligibility factors shall occur for POWER anytime a SNAP recertification is conducted.

2. Verify compliance with Child Support regarding status of previously granted good cause with local CSE.

3. DFS-SO will provide compliance information 30 days prior to when the good cause claim is due for review;

4. Allow the recipient the opportunity to withdraw the good cause claim:

a. Refer the recipient to CSE to complete a new DFS543/545/546 Child Support application form when the recipient wishes to cooperate;

b. Change the code on the CSEA screen to indicate the recipient wishes to cooperate; and

c. Notify the POWER DFS-SO of the change.

5. Document the good cause status in the case record.

6.When a child age 18 years old and expected to graduate by age 19;

a. Request verification the child is attending high school as specified in Section 602 and will graduate by age 19; b. Remove the child's needs from the performance payment when verification is not provided or the eligibility factor is not met; and c. Authorize the nonpayment status for the corresponding performance period; or d. Terminate the POWER performance payment when this is the only child in the assistance unit and generate a notice of adverse action (see EPICS Notices). e. Document the case record.

7. Inter-field office transfers (see Section 1604); and 8. Five (5) year benefit limits (see Section 1701).

B. Require completion of the DFS 100 Application form.

C. Schedule the interview for a timely recertification.

D. Request verification when it becomes known the circumstances have changed.

E. Establish a new best estimate when the assistance unit receives income.

F. A periodic review can be required at anytime continued eligibility is questionable or a stable history has not been established.

G. EPICS will automatically generate the POWER Periodic Review Notice, X101, 30 days prior to the end of the certification month. The recipient has until the 20th of the certification month to complete the review requirements. This means that if a client provides a recertification application prior to the auto closure notice being sent out of EPICS, the recertification application is considered timely.

H. Authorize benefits by deadline when the recipient has completed the interview during the recertification month, provided requested information/verifications and all other pay-after-performance requirements have been met.

I. If the recipient completes an untimely review, they will be required to serve a $1 sanction for the payment month following the recertification month.

J. Good Cause may be issued at the worker's discretion, based on the case history, if the application is received after the 20th of the month but before the end of the recertification month.

K. If the recipient fails to complete a periodic review, EPICS will automatically close the case at the end of the month and generate the POWER Termination - No Periodic Review Closure Notice, X102.

1602 - SNAP Re-certification

SNAP only - 7 CFR 273.14

A. Do not continue benefits to an assistance unit beyond the end of the certification period.

B. Require the assistance unit to:

1. Reapply by the end of the certification period by completing the DFS 100; 2. Report changes which have occurred within the certification period; 3. Schedule a face-to-face interview or waive the face-to-face interview as allowed for initial interviews per Section 402; 4. Schedule the interview for a timely recertification to allow 10 days from the date of the notice so verification can be provided and uninterrupted benefits received; and 5. Provide the required verification(s) before benefits are authorized;

a. Unchanged information need not be verified unless the information is incomplete, inaccurate, inconsistent or outdated.

C. The notice of expiration is provided at the time of the certification for an assistance unit certified for one (1) or two (2) months.

D. For an assistance unit certified over two (2) months:

1. DFS-SO shall mail a SNAP Re-certification Reminder Notice (EPICS Notice) approximately three (3) days before the last month of certification; and 2. The application for re-certification is timely when received by the 15th day of the last month of the certification period.

E. Approve or deny the timely recertification.

1. Provide notification of the determination in writing by the end of the certification period; 2. Do not deny the assistance unit for failure to appear for an interview scheduled prior to receipt of a timely application. 3. Do not deny before the end of the certification period or before the tenth day when a client fails to provide required verification.

F. Assume the POWER assistance unit is categorically eligible in the absence of a timely periodic review.

G. Inform the assistance unit of the following rights:

1. To receive the notice of expiration according to the time frames stated in C. and D.; 2. Have a complete or incomplete application accepted; 3. File the application in person, fax, e-mail or through the mail; 4. Have an authorized representative or other responsible household member file the application; 5. To an administrative hearing; 6. The opportunity for uninterrupted benefits if eligible when a timely reapplication is filed and the interview and verifications are provided as required and within the time frames; and 7. To receive benefits within five (5) working days when an eligible assistance unit is not determined eligible in time to provide benefits by its normal issuance cycle due to the time frame for submitting missing verification.

H. Do not allow benefits to continue on the regular issuance cycle for an eligible assistance unit who:

1. Fails to file a timely application for recertification; 2. Fails to complete a timely interview, as required, after providing a timely or untimely reapplication; and/or 3. Fails to provide missing verification within the verification notice deadline after filing a timely or untimely application but allow participation within five (5) working days after the missing verification is furnished.

I. Process the case and provide a full month's allotment for the first month of the new certification period if a timely application cannot be processed within 30 days because of a fault of DFS.

J. Treat an application for re-certification not submitted by the end of the certification period as an initial application.

Timely Recertification Explanation & Examples

Regulation States: The State agency must schedule the interview to allow household at a minimum 10 days after the interview to provide verifications before their certification period expires. This means, all interview must be schedule at least 11 days prior to the expiration of the household's certification period.

Example 1 : Household is due to recertify in August and submits an application August 11th. An interview must be scheduled by August 21st in order to allow the household 10 days to provide verification by August 31st.

Regulation States : A household that submits its application for recertification by the 15th day of the last month of the expiring certification period is considered to have applied timely. If the household has met the recertification requirements (provided all verifications) before the end of the certification period, the State agency must provide the households with a notice of eligibility or denial by the last day of the household's certification period. In addition, the household must be provided the opportunity to participate by the end of the household's normal issuance cycle in the month after the household's current certification period expires.

Example 2: Household is due to recertify in January and submits an application January 2. The household receives their benefits on the 3rd of each month. The State agency must (1) complete the recertification process and send a notice of eligibility by January 31 and (2) If the household is eligible, the State agency must make benefits available by February 3.

1603 Quality Control Reviews

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.2, 275.3 and .12

A. Terminate an assistance unit who refuses to cooperate with a review of eligibility and benefit level by a quality control reviewer.

B. Allow the assistance unit to reapply but do not allow eligibility until the assistance unit cooperates with the quality control review; or

C. Allow the assistance unit to reapply 115 or more days after the annual QC review period ends September 30.

1604 Inter-Field Office Transfers

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.2, .3 and .12 ; POWER - W.S. 42-2-108, Chapter 1, Section 11

Inter-Field Office Duties SNAP PO Receiving Office: Notify prior county of residence X X Accept transfer of open case/case file X X By 15th Require: Conduct a periodic review, DFS 100, Application for Benefits – conduct a periodic review. X By 15th Verify changes/update case information X X Assure continuing compliance with performance requirements; X By 15th Determine/Re-determine eligibility X X Update EPICS Information X X Authorize benefits as appropriate (see below for PO) X X Send appropriate notices (see Table V) X X Request outstanding benefits be redirected X X

Sending Office: De-authorize benefits X Assure performance compliance prior to transfer X Advise CSE and DWS of pending transfer X Transfer case on EPICS - maintain case for benefit month if deadlines will not allow time for completion of transfer requirements X X By 15th Mail case file X X Return benefits to DFS-SO for re-mailing X

POWER - W.S. 42-2-108, Chapter 1, Section 11

Follow these authorization procedures when transferring a POWER case from one (1) DFS-FO to another.

A. The transferring Benefit Specialist has primary responsibility for a transfer between field offices because s/he will have knowledge concerning the transfer of the POWER case.

B. Transferring child support and work program action center staff will contact the receiving contract office to advise an open POWER case will be transferred.;

C. Process the performance payment when the client has contacted the receiving DFS-FO by the 15th and verified and met all eligibility factors, including the performance requirements.

D. Authorize the $1 nonpayment status when the client has not contacted the receiving DFS-FO by the 15th to update the changes and met the performance requirements.

E. Terminate the case when there is a loss of contact for a full performance period and generate the appropriate closure notice (see Table V).

1701 POWER Five (5) Year Benefit Limit

POWER – W.S. 42-2-103; ARW, Chapter 1, Section 6

A. Determine whether each applicant/recipient is eligible or ineligible for a POWER performance payment based on the five (5) year benefit limit provisions.

B. Time while receiving assistance funded with federal funds or state funds received in another state, as well as cash assistance received in another state or U.S. territory, shall be added together in determining the total time assistance has been received.

C. Count the following towards the five (5) year benefit limit:

1. Time on assistance in another state; 2. The months the individual is disqualified for any reason; 3. The months of assistance received while temporarily incapacitated; 4. Partial month payments received are considered a full month; and 5. A month with non-payment due to non-compliance with performance requirements.

D. Allow an adult who previously received assistance as a dependent child, excluding minor parents, to receive assistance up to the five (5) year benefit limit under their own assistance unit.

E. Do not apply the five (5) year benefit limit to:

1. A non-parent caretaker relative, not included in the grant, when s/he receives assistance for a child(ren) as s/he is not financially responsible for the child(ren); 2. A one (1) parent assistance unit when the parent receives SSI;

F. An assistance unit who has three (3) or more years of cash assistance as of January 1, 1997 may receive an additional two (2) years of cash assistance after January 31, 1997 with the following exceptions:

H. Remove the needs of a non-parent caretaker relative, unless a hardship exemption exists, when s/he has been included in the performance payments and payments have been received for five (5) years.

1. Allow continued POWER payments to the child(ren) as the non-parent caretaker relative is not financially responsible for the child(ren); or 2. Do not allow continued POWER payments for the child(ren) if that child(ren) received five (5) years or more of assistance as part of her/his parent's grant.

I. The DFS-SO may waive five (5) year benefit limit for a period not to exceed one (1) year for an applicant/recipient who claims abandonment by the head of the household.

1. The applicant/recipient shall report the abandonment to law enforcement. 2. If during the one (1) year hardship period any acknowledgment exists of the non-custodial parent assuming the care and control of the child, the assistance unit is no longer eligible for POWER. 3. If the applicant or recipient refuses to notify and cooperate with law enforcement, the assistance unit is not eligible for POWER.

J. The DFS-SO may waive the five (5) year benefit limit for a period not to exceed two (2) years for an applicant/recipient who:

1. Is fleeing because a family member has been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty or domestic violence. 2. Has provided verification to substantiate threats, stalking or actual mental/physical abuse to the caretaker and/or the child(ren). 3. Works with the POWER Work Program Case Manager; 4. Follows through with a plan to correct circumstances which have contributed to the situation as failure to comply shall:

i. Result in the second year being counted toward the five (5) year benefit limit; or ii. Result in immediate termination when the time limit has been previously exhausted.

K. The DFS-SO may waive the five (5) year benefit limit for a period not to exceed two (2) years for an applicant/recipient who:

1. Claims a total physical or mental disability and is incapable of obtaining and retaining employment, participating in a job skills training program, or maintaining independence in the community; or

2. Is needed in the home full time to care for a totally physically or mentally disabled immediate family member who resides with the caretaker and no other reasonable alternative is available.

a. Has provided verification of the incapacity by a certified primary care provider.

b. Works with the POWER Work Program Case Manager:

c. Follows through with a plan to correct circumstances which have contributed to the situation as failure to comply shall:

i. Result in the second year being counted toward the (5) year benefit limit; or

ii. Result in immediate termination when the time limit has been previously exhausted.

L. Inform the applicant/recipient, failure to report receipt of cash assistance since 7/1/87 shall result in an over payment for benefits incorrectly paid and disqualification due to IPV.

1702 POWER Five (5) Year Hardship Extensions

POWER - W.S. 42-2-103; ARW, Chapter 1, Section 6

A. Assistance units approaching the five (5) year benefit limit, excluding Tribal cases, will be reviewed by DFS-SO at 53 months to determine if a hardship extension should be granted.

B. Notify DFS-SO when an assistance unit is within six (6) months of the five (5) year benefit limit and has received benefits from another state as these will not appear on the computerized list.

C. Make a recommendation to DFS-SO concerning whether a hardship extension should or should not be granted.

D. DFS-SO shall notify the Benefit Specialist of the decision and s/he shall take the appropriate action.

E. Compliance with the work program action center, eligibility and child support continues to be required.

F. Terminate the extension when noncompliance occurs as the extension privilege has been lost.

G. The assistance unit shall reapply for the extension and notify DFS-SO of the re-application so a re-review can be performed and a new determination made.

1800 Quality Assurance (QA) Procedures

A. Purpose

1. Quality Assurance is a necessary function in evaluating the management and operation of the SNAP. 2. Both active and negative eligibility decisions (case approvals and denials or closures) shall be sampled to determine the appropriateness of the decision.

a. This may include changes that affect a decision.

3. QA activities shall provide a continuous source of reliable performance information.

a. This information is needed to assess and validate the integrity of the program and ensure high standards of performance are met in determining program eligibility and the amount of benefits authorized.

4. Reviews of negative cases are conducted to determine whether DFS’s decision to deny, suspend or terminate the household was correct, as of the review date.

a. The review of negative cases helps ensure vulnerable citizens have access to benefits.

B. Procedures

1. Each month supervisors are required to review a total of 20 active and negative SNAP cases. 2. For the active and negative cases reviewed, supervisors shall distribute the reviews across all benefit specialist staff under his/her supervision.

a. The supervisor determines the number of cases reviewed per worker.

i. If at some point the region manager, supervisor, or state office staff has concerns, a different process for determining reviews shall be required.

b. All workers shall have at least one (1) case in each category reviewed.

3. If a supervisor is going to be out of the office for an extended period of time:

a. The absence of a supervisor does not void the requirement for QA. b. It is the responsibility of the supervisor to either complete the monthly reviews prior to a scheduled absence or make arrangements for another staff member(s) to conduct case reviews. c. Prior to conducting a peer review, the staff shall receive training from the SNAP policy staff in the Family Assistance Division.

i. This training can be conducted over the telephone. ii. The purpose is to answer questions about the review form and policy to make sure peer reviewers are knowledgeable in the program.

4. The reviewer shall complete the DFS 306 SNAP Quality Assurance Review form for each review conducted and identify any corrective action taken.

a. The review form shall be filed in the case file with the narrative. b. A DFS 307 QA Review Summary form shall be kept by month by office of all cases reviewed.

5. The State office shall conduct a random sample review of cases reviewed by supervisors according to this policy.

C. Completing and Documenting the Review. The supervisor or designee shall:

1. Complete the DFS 306 SNAP and POWER Quality Assurance Review form; 2. List all reviewed cases on the DFS 307 form. 3. Email the completed DFS 307 SNAP Quality Assurance Review form to the appropriate Region Manager by the fifth (5th) day of the following month.

1901 Burial

Medical Assistance - W.S. 42-2-103; ARW, Chapter 8, Burial Rules

A. Application process:

1. Families of the deceased work with funeral homes in their counties. The Funeral home then works with the agency for reimbursement determination. There is no formal application process. 2. An administrative hearing will be granted if benefits are denied and a request is made. Direct the request to the DFS-SO within 10 days from the date of the denial of benefits.

B. Eligibility Factors:

1. Require the deceased individual to meet the following to receive burial assistance:

a. A Wyoming resident; and b. Recipient of SSI, Medicaid or POWER.

2. Recipients under the Medicare Savings Programs (QMB), Specified Low Income Beneficiaries (SLMB), and Kid Care Chip programs are not eligible for burial assistance.

3. For veteran's transportation assistance to the veterans cemetery ONLY, the individual must have been a veteran AND is being buried in a veteran's cemetery.

C. Medicaid Qualifying Trust:

1. Do not consider as available funds an amount up to or equal to $1,500 of a Medicaid Qualifying Trust:

a. That is irrevocable; b. The trustee and trustor retain no discretion with respect to distributions to the applicant; c. The income from the trust shall be transferred to the applicant at least annually; and d. The trust corpus shall not exceed $5,000; and e. The trust corpus is specifically and irrevocably designated, assigned or pledged for payment of the applicant's burial expenses.

2. Inform the representative any of the trust corpus remaining after payment of burial expenses shall be transferred to the WDH to be used in the medical assistance program.

a. Contact the DFS-SO if there is money remaining after burial expenses are paid; and b. DFS-SO shall coordinate with the WDH to process the reimbursement.

D. Payment process:

1. The mortician is required to:

a. Submit a yearly itemized general price list, which shall include all costs for a burial or cremation; b. Submit an original itemized bill signed by the authorized representative of the deceased; and c. Itemize cemetery costs separately from other burial or cremation costs.

2. DFS-SO shall

a. Compare all costs to the general price list that is current and on file with DFS; and b. Assure costs submitted are within the general price list.

3. Do not make payment on cemetery costs relating to the opening and closing of the grave, burial plot, vault, columbarium, crypt, mausoleum, headstone and perpetual care.

4. Inform the authorized representative the bill shall be received within one (1) year from the date of service.

5. Deny the bill under the following circumstances:

a. Cemetery charges are not itemized separately from other burial or cremation costs; or b. The bill is submitted over one (1) year from the date of service.

6. Act on the bill within 45 days of receipt.

E. Benefit processing:

1. Benefit Specialist authorizes up to $ 1,500 for burial assistance; 2. Benefit Specialist authorizes up to $ 500 for transportation of a veteran to a veteran's cemetery; 3. DFS-FO fiscal enters on WOLFS and submits the bill to the DFS-SO for payment.

1902 Give One (1) Day Eye Care Program

Purpose – The "Give One Day" Eye Care program was implemented by DFS in October, 1986. This program is a cooperative effort between the Wyoming Optometric Association (WOA) and DFS to provide eye care services to low income individuals in need .

Eligibility - Is determined by DFS and will require eligible applicants to: Be employed; and Authorized for SNAP; or Identified by the DFS-FO , DFS-SO , WDH (Diabetes Program) or Wyoming Optometric Association as truly in need . Last eye exam was more than 2 years ago.

Services - Your assigned Wyoming Optometric Association (WOA) eye doctor has agreed to: Provide the eye examination and prescribed eyewear for one patient per month over the course of a year at no charge (maximum patients per calendar year: 12); Providers will coordinate ordering prescribed eyewear with their preferred suppliers and laboratories; Participating optometrists may notify the Wyoming Optometric Association in writing should they discontinue participation in the “Give One Day” program.

Specific services - The services are designed as follows: The appointed client will receive this service once in a lifetime and will be provided by the designated optometrist assigned by DFS-FO ; The optometrists services will not include fitting contact lenses, photography, or prescription sunglasses; however, your provider will prescribe your eyewear based on your individual needs; Optical will have preselected frames to choose from and will not accommodate requests for brand specific frames.

Established procedures: Assure each participating optometrist receives only one (1) referral each month; Determine client priority when several individuals are found eligible at the same time; Cycle qualified patients evenly among participating optometrists in each community; and Coordinate all publicity of the program through the WOA office. (Any individual or local publicity must be approved in advance by the WOA.)

Processing benefits: Select an individual for services. Schedule the appointment at the convenience of the optometrist. Inform the client of the following: The authorization is voided if the appointment is not met. Your local optometrist office may ask you to confirm your appointment 24 hours before your arrival. The optometrist may ask for proof of identity; and The final decision to provide services will be made by the optometrist. Complete the DFS 416 to notify the client of the date and time of the appointment and provide information about service limitations and requirements.

Administrative hearing – Do not apply the administrative hearing process to this program as the decision of the DFS-FO is final.

1903 Lifeline/Telephone Assistance Program

Telephone Assistance

A. Purpose - The Lifeline/Telephone Assistance Program assists Wyoming residents with a monthly discount on their telephone bill.

1. The Lifeline/Telephone Assistance program provides a discount on basic residential or wireless telephone service and waives the monthly Interstate Customer Access Service charge.

B. Eligibility - The client shall meet one (1) of the following requirements:

1. Receipt of benefits from one (1) of the following programs:

a. Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) - Section 8' b. Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP); c. Medicaid; d. Personal Opportunities With Employment Responsibilities (POWER)/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); e. School Lunch Program; f. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); or g. Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

2. Income Based.

C. Procedures:

1. DFS-FO responsibility:

a. Identify potential eligible clients at the time of interview and inform them of the program; and b. Refer potentially eligible clients to: https://www.lifelinesupport.org for more information.

2. Client responsibility – Inform the client s/he must complete the application online.

2000 Informal Conferences/Administrative Hearings

SNAP – 7 CFR 271.7 and 273.15 ; POWER – W.S. 16-3-101-.115, W.S. 42-2-110; DFS – ARW, Chapter 1 – Refer to Contested Case Rules

2001 Time Frames for Conferences/Hearings

SNAP – 7 CFR 271.7 and 273.15 ; POWER – W.S. 16-3-101-.115, W.S. 42-2-110; DFS – ARW, Chapter 1 – Refer to Contested Case Rules

A. Accept a request for a POWER administrative hearing within 30 days from the date of the notice of adverse action.

B. Accept a request for a SNAP administrative hearing within 90 days from the date of the notice of adverse action.

C. Forward a copy of the request to the DFS-SO within two (2) days of the request as an administrative hearing must be scheduled within 20 days of the request.

An informal conference can be held by the field office, must be done within 7 days of the request in addition to the request being sent to the state office within 2 days of the request.

If the request is due to an expedited denial, the informal conference needs to be done within 2 days of the request.

If the client withdraws the request after the initial 2 days, including during or after the informal conference, the request for withdrawal needs to be in writing and submitted to the state office for an official withdrawal outcome to be logged.

D. The hearing must be conducted, the decision reached and signed by the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) hearing official and the requesting party/representative notified of the decision in writing:

1. Within 60 calendar days from the date of the request for SNAP; 2. Within 90 calendar days from the date of the request for all other programs;

a. The request needs to be in writing either by client or oral request in writing with date and time, who made the request and what the request was for, via e-mail or other written form.

3. Add one (1) day for each day the hearing is postponed at the request of the requesting party/representative.

2002 Denial of Hearing

SNAP – 7 CFR 271.7 and 273.15 ; POWER – W.S. 16-3-101-.115, W.S. 42-2-110; DFS – ARW, Chapter 1 – Refer to Contested Case Rules

A. An administrative hearing can be denied by DFS-SO when:

1. The reason for the adverse action is due to a mass change (this does not apply for SNAP); 2. No adverse action has been taken by DFS (this does not apply for SNAP); 3. The request for the hearing was not received within the appropriate time frame; (see Section 1901) 4. The assistance unit fails, without good cause, to appear at the scheduled hearing; or 5. The assistance unit or its representative withdraws the request in writing.

B. Inform the requesting party/representative a denial of a request is the final decision of DFS and may be appealed to the district court.

2003 Continuation of Benefits

SNAP – 7 CFR 271.7 and 273.15 ; POWER – W.S. 16-3-101-.115, W.S. 42-2-110; DFS – ARW, Chapter 1 – Refer to Contested Case Rules

A. Do not continue POWER benefits pending the administrative hearing decision unless the assistance unit later becomes eligible for reasons other than the administrative hearing issue(s).

B. Continue SNAP benefits, if requested, at the current level if the administrative hearing was requested within 10 days of the notice of adverse action and the certification has not expired. (See Section 1317)

1. Review the case when a subsequent change affecting eligibility or allotment occurs while the hearing is pending and the assistance unit fails to request a hearing after the notice of adverse action; 2. Recalculate benefits when a mass change affecting the assistance unit's eligibility or allotment occurs while the hearing is pending; or 3. Implement the change when the assistance unit, or its representative, orally withdraws the request for a hearing and did not advise DFS of the desire to reinstate the hearing within the specified time frame. 4. Advise the client that continuing benefits could result in an over-payment depending on the outcome of the hearing.

2004 Informal Conference

SNAP – 7 CFR 271.7 and 273.15 ; POWER – W.S. 16-3-101-.115, W.S. 42-2-110; DFS – ARW, Chapter 1 – Refer to Contested Case Rules

A. Schedule and conduct an informal conference within two (2) days of receiving a request for an administrative hearing concerning expedited SNAP benefits.

B. Schedule and conduct an informal conference within seven (7) days of receiving a request for an administrative hearing for all other programs and issues (please see H below for over-payment issues).

C. Allow the party, or the party’s representative, whose interests have been adversely affected to waive the informal conference.

D. Require the informal conference to be attended, at a minimum, by the Benefit Specialist and supervisor to represent the DFS-FO.

E. Review the facts and legal authority which the DFS-FO relied upon in making the determination to take an adverse action.

F. Provide notification immediately to the requesting party/ representative and to the State Office when results of an informal conference are successful.

G. Require the withdrawal by the client to be in writing.

H. If the request for an administrative hearing involv es an overpayment of benefits, immediately forward the request to the Eligibility Integrity Investigator assigned to the overpayment (found in the body of the notice of overpayment, or in the case file documents). Also include the Eligibility Integrity Unit (EIU) Manager. The EIU will handle the entirety of the hearing from the beginning, so it is important to submit this to their unit immediately.

1. The Eligibility Integrity Investigator shall conduct the informal hearing with the requesting party as it relates to the over-payment. 2. The Eligibility Integrity Investigator shall proceed and take the lead through the administrative hearing process should the requesting party fail to withdraw their request for a hearing as it relates to the over-payment. 3. The Eligibility Integrity Investigator shall call/list the appropriate Benefit Specialist and/or Benefit Specialist Supervisor as a witness in the Disclosure Statement which shall be submitted to the Office of Administrative Hearings prior to the scheduled hearing as it relates to the over-payment.

2005 Preparing for Administrative Hearing

SNAP – 7 CFR 271.7 and 273.15 ; POWER – W.S. 16-3-101-.115, W.S. 42-2-110; DFS – ARW, Chapter 1 – Refer to Contested Case Rules

A. Gather copies of the regulations supporting the adverse action, (i.e., CFR, Rules, state statute, public law).

B. Gather all documents of verification supporting the adverse action.

C. Gather copies of relevant notices sent to the requesting party/ representative.

D. Arrange for witness testimony.

E. Prepare a Disclosure Statement and include:

1. The Docket number, if available; 2. The name of the petitioner/contestant; 3. A list of witnesses to be called including, name, title, and location; 4. A list of exhibits to be offered by alpha character number; 5. A statement explaining what occurred, why the adverse action was taken and how the action was taken, and; 6. Certificate of service.

F. Send original Disclosure Statement and all exhibits to the DFS-SO, please reach out to your Regional Manager for guidance on who to send them to at the State Office.

G. Send copies of Disclosure Statement and all exhibits to the following by the due date listed in the Scheduling Letter / Order Setting Hearing sent by the Office of Administrative Hearing:

1. The Office of Administrative Hearing (OAH); 2. The petitioner/contestant; 3. The DFS State Office (State Office) ; and 4. All witnesses involved.

H. Plan opening and closing statements.

2006 Hearing Decision

SNAP – 7 CFR 271.7 and 273.15 ; POWER – W.S. 16-3-101-.115, W.S. 42-2-110; DFS – ARW, Chapter 1 – Refer to Contested Case Rules

A. The recommended decision is sent to the requesting party/representative, DFS-SO and the DFS-FO within 20 days but no later than 30 days when additional information is requested.

B. The parties have the opportunity to file exceptions to the decision and a brief within ten days of receiving the decision.

C. The decision is reviewed by the appropriate agency designee for reversible error and the final order is entered.

D. The final order is then mailed to all parties (certified mail to requesting party/representative).

E. An appeal can be made by the requesting party/representative to the District Court within 30 days of receipt and then to the Supreme Court if dissatisfied with that decision.

Fraud & Recovery

2100 Purpose of Eligibility Integrity Unit

POWER – Rules, Chapter 1, Section 9. ; SNAP - 7 CFR 271.2, 273.16 and 273.18; SNAP Rules, Chapter 1, Section 2.

The Eligibility Integrity Unit, within DFS-SO, is responsible for investigating allegations of public assistance fraud, establishing program overpayments and the collection of program overpayments as it relates to recipients. The Unit is also responsible for the referral of individuals for possible disqualification and/or possible prosecution.

2101 Reports of Potential Fraud from the Public

A. When a report of potential fraud is received, refer the caller directly to the Eligibility Integrity Unit. If you are unsure of who to contact, reach out to the Eligibility Integrity Unit Manager.

2102 Referring a Household for Investigation

Complete the DFSFEE - Referral for FEE, found in the templates (Z) drive in WORD; and

Ensure all case documents are uploaded to EDI and are available for review; and

Email completed form along with partial narrative and any other supporting documentation to dfs-fee@wyo.gov.

Contact a fraud investigator in the Eligibility Integrity Unit to discuss your potential referral, if unsure of who to contact, reach out to the Eligibility Integrity Unit Manager; and

If a referral is warranted, complete the DFS719 -Referral for Investigation, found in the templates (Z) drive in WORD; and

Email completed form to dfs-719@wyo.gov; and

Ensure all case documents are uploaded to EDI and are available for review.

2103 Reporting Suspected Employee Fraud

When employee fraud is suspected, report it directly to the manager of the Eligibility Integrity Unit. Do not discuss any details with co-workers or supervisors.

2104 Referral to the Eligibility Integrity Unit for Potential Overpayment

Overpayments occur when benefits are paid incorrectly due to either the fault of the assistance unit or DFS.

A. Upon discovery, complete the DFS 709 - Referral to Eligibility Integrity Unit for Overpayment form and email it to your supervisor for review and submission to dfs-709@wyo.gov.

1. If the overpayment is an agency caused ABAWD overpayment, please send the referral to the SNAP E&T Program Manager

2.If the overpayment is a client caused ABAWD overpayment, please send the referral to dfs-709@wyo.gov.

B. Ensure all case documents are uploaded to EDI and are available for review.

C. Refer recipients with questions regarding an established overpayment claim to the Eligibility Integrity Investigator.

2105 Collection Efforts/Methods

A. Upon notification by the Eligibility Integrity Intake Specialist that an overpayment has been established, the Benefit Specialist shall pass through the FSAD screen and/or the AFPD screes so EPICS can recognize the claim and begin automatic recoupment of the benefits if the household is currently authorized for benefits.

1. Compliance with a payment agreement is a performance requirement for a POWER performance payment except in cases of an agency error.

B. If the debtor(s) contacts the DFS-FO to discuss an overpayment claim, refer the debtor to the Eligibility Integrity Investigator immediately.

C. Forward any payments received at the DFS-FO with the DFS721 Overpayment/Recovery Transmittal form to Eligibility Integrity Unit, 2300 Capitol Avenue, 3rd Floor, Cheyenne, WY 82002.

2106 Referral for Disqualifications, Disqualification Hearing Process and Disqualification Hearing Decision

A. Referral for Disqualification: An individual may be referred for disqualification even If no benefits were issued or an overpayment did not occur if there is evidence of intent to commit a program violation. Consider all responsible adult individuals in the assistance unit potentially involved in the intent to commit a SNAP or POWER program violation for disqualification. Use the DFS 709 Referral to Eligibility Integrity Unit for Overpayment to refer the individuals to the Eligibility Integrity Unit for possible disqualification if there are facts to support the intent to omit a program violation. All documentation which supports the allegations shall be uploaded to EDI.

B. The Disqualification Process

1. The Eligibility Integrity Unit will review the documentary evidence and if warranted, the Eligibility Integrity Investigator shall submit a formal referral for a disqualification hearing.

2. A pending disqualification hearing or court action does not affect current eligibility for SNAP or POWER.

3. The Eligibility Integrity Investigator, Benefit Specialist and Benefit Specialist Supervisor shall receive a copy of the Advance Notice of Disqualification Hearing form.

a. Do not contact the individual (Defendant) or discuss the hearing with the individual (Defendant). b. If the individual (Defendant) contacts the DFS-FO to discuss the hearing, the waiver or any other element of the hearing process, the individual shall be referred to the Eligibility Integrity Investigator.

4. Preparation of the Disclosure Statement is the responsibility of the Eligibility Integrity Investigator.

a. The Benefit Specialist and Benefit Specialist Supervisor will receive a copy of the Disclosure Statement before the hearing. b. The Benefit Specialist and Benefit Specialist Supervisor shall review the Disclosure Statement and all exhibits. c. The Benefit Specialist and/or Benefit Specialist Supervisor shall communicate with the Eligibility Integrity Investigator to discuss the facts of the case, the Disclosure Statement and exhibits.

5. Representation of the Agency (Plaintiff) shall be by the Eligibility Integrity Investigator. The Benefit Specialist and/or Benefit Specialist Supervisor may be designated as witnesses and may be called upon to provide testimony during the disqualification hearing. Participation and attendance is mandatory.

6. If the Benefit Specialist, Benefit Specialist Supervisor or any other person at the DFS-FO is notified that the Defendant has an attorney, contact the Eligibility Integrity Investigator immediately.

C. The Disqualification Hearing Decision

1. Do not take adverse action on the case prior to receiving the hearing officer’s decision.

2. Commission of an IPV by the Defendant disqualifies him/her only, but does not disqualify the entire assistance unit.

3. Once the Benefit Specialist receives the Hearing Officer’s Decision:

a. Change the necessary EPICS screens. ‘DF’ the Defendant that has been disqualified b. Reauthorize the case; and c. Send F701 Decrease in Benefits – Other Reason. The reason for the decrease is the client has been disqualified from SNAP. Enter the disqualification start date and the disqualification end date.

2107 Referral for Possible Prosecution

A. The Benefit Specialist and Benefit Specialist Supervisor shall take the following actions for all overpayments and claims coded as “DE” error cause/code when a potential referral for prosecution is warranted:

1. Do not discuss the possibility of criminal investigation or prosecution with the client.

2. Do not discuss any elements of the investigation with the client.

3. The Benefit Specialist and Benefit Specialist Supervisor may be called as witnesses. Discussions regarding the facts of the case shall be limited to the Eligibility Integrity Investigator.

4. If the Benefit Specialist, Benefit Specialist Supervisor or any other DFS employee is contacted by any person, including attorneys or investigators for the defense, s/he shall contact the Eligibility Integrity Investigator before speaking to anyone regarding the case.

5. If any DFS employee receives or is served with a Subpoena, Warrant or any other legal document, s/he shall contact the Eligibility Integrity Investigator immediately. The Wyoming Attorney General’s Office will advise the DFS-FO before responding to any legal documents.

6. If the DFS-FO discovers any documents regarding the subject case, they shall notify the Eligibility Integrity Investigator immediately.

7. The Eligibility Integrity Investigator shall notify the Benefit Specialist and Benefit Specialist Supervisor of any hearing or trial dates when their testimony or participation is necessary.

Appendix 1 - Drug and Alcohol (DAA) Treatment and Rehabilitation Programs and Group Living Arrangements (GLA)

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.1, .2, .11, .13, 274.5, 278.1

Allow residents of certified group living arrangements to apply for SNAP benefits using the following criteria.

A. Application:

1. Drug and alcohol:

a. Prior to certifying any residents for SNAP benefits, the State agency shall verify that the DAA center is authorized by FNA as a retailer or comes under part B of title XIX of the Public Health Service Act, 42 U.S.C. 300x et seq. and are non-profit facility (see link below). b. Applications shall be made through an authorized representative who is employed by the DAA center and designated by the center for that purpose. c. Residents shall be certified as one-person households unless their children are living with them, in which case their children must be included in the household with the parent.

2. Disabled (per definition in the Glossary):

a. Prior to certifying any residents of a group living arrangement, the state shall verify that the facility serving disabled individuals to be certified as a nonprofit facility (see link below); b. Applications shall be made:

(1) Through use of an authorized representative employed and designated by the group living arrangement; or (2) On their own behalf or through an authorized representative of their choice in accordance with Sections 401 and 506.

c. Shelter Expenses for disabled persons living in group living arrangements (aka group homes):

(1) The group home room expense that can be separately identified from other charges for meals or medical is the allowable shelter expense. (2) If the group home room and meal expense cannot be separately identified, the amount of the payment which exceeds the maximum SNAP allotment for the number of persons in the household (Thrifty Food Plan -TFP) is the shelter expense. (3) If the resident has earnings from a sheltered workshop applied to the payment of the room, 20 percent (0.2) of the portion of earnings applied to room and board is deducted to determine the shelter expense. (4) If a group home resident makes a single payment to the Group Home, expenses for room, meals and medical should be separately identified to the extent possible. If the expenses cannot be separately identified, the shelter expense is determined by deducting the following from the single payment made to the group home:

a. Any identifiable medical expenses (this amount allowed as a medical deduction); b. Any amount returned to the resident for personal use; c. 20% (.2) of the portion of earnings that are applied to the room expenses; and, d. The maximum SNAP allotment for the number of persons in the household. e. Households residing in a group home are not entitled to the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA). However, if telephone charges are separately identifiable from other charges, the resident may claim the expense as a shelter cost.

Example: Verification shows room and board includes food; the group home was contacted and verified that these charges cannot be separated out. Room and board is $400, the maximum SNAP allotment for a one person household (this is a one person HH) is $204. $400-204 = $196. The shelter expense is $196 (RU $196 on DEMH).

3. Residents at for profit group homes (does not meet the definition of Group Living Arrangement-GLA)

a. Determine if the resident of the facility is responsible for purchasing and preparing their own meals with no food being provided by the facility.

1. If meals are provided by the facility as part of their services, the client is considered to be a resident of an institution and would not be eligible for SNAP. 2. If meals are NOT provided by the facility, we can consider the other residents in the facility to be roommates and need to identify household composition.

4. Battered women and children: Allow residents to apply on their own behalf as an assistance unit, in accordance with Sections 401 and 506, and separate from the previous abusing assistance unit.

a. Exceptions:

1. Battered women and children:

a. Shall be certified without regard to the income, resources and expenses of their former household (the person who has abused them); b. Resources held jointly with their former household (the person who has abused them) shall be considered inaccessible; c. Issue an additional allotment only once in a month as a separate assistance unit; and d. Take prompt action to ensure the former assistance unit's eligibility or allotment reflects the changes in the assistance unit composition, including issuing a notice of adverse action in accordance with Section 1400 and Tables.

b. Responsibilities of the resident program (DAA): Require the resident program to comply with the following provisions:

1. Authorized representative:

a. The authorized representative shall be a designated employee of the resident program;

2. Food preparation:

a. The resident program may purchase and prepare food on a group basis; or b. The resident may buy and prepare food for their own consumption.

3. Current participants:

a. The resident programs shall provide the DFS-FO with a monthly list of current residents who are SNAP participants; and b. A responsible employee to sign and attest to its validity.

4. Changes:

a. The resident program, who is acting as the authorized representative for the assistance unit, shall report changes in each resident's circumstances which may affect eligibility or benefit level; or b. Residents who apply on their own behalf shall report changes in circumstances which may affect eligibility or benefit level.

5. Resident(s) leaving DAA or GLA: The resident program shall comply with the following procedures when a SNAP participant leaves the resident program:

a. Provide the resident with the full benefit allotment when it was issued and none redeemed; b. Provide the resident with one half (1/2) of the SNAP allotment when s/he is leaving the resident program prior to the 16th and some benefits have been spent; c. Provide the resident with any remaining unspent benefits when s/he is leaving the resident program after the 16th. d. Provide the resident with the resident's EBT card. e. Cease to act as an authorized representative.

6. Misrepresentation/Fraud: In cases where there is an authorized representative, the resident program has responsibility for any misrepresentation of facts.

Link to DAA document for FNA Approved Retailers/Certified & Nonprofit: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DD2Jzf6oyZDQ96hFlPuloWx12wmYoLgg/edit?gid=1124068323#gid=1124068323

Appendix 2 Eligible Foods

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.1, .2, .11, .13, 274.5, 278.1

The following foods or food products may be purchased with SNAP benefits:

1. Any food or food product intended for human consumption except alcoholic beverages, tobacco, hot foods and hot food products prepared for immediate consumption;

2. Seeds and plants to grow food for the personal consumption by eligible assistance units;

3. Meals prepared and delivered by an authorized meal delivery service to assistance units eligible to use benefits for delivered meals or meals served by an authorized communal dining facility for the elderly, SSI households or both;

4. Meals prepared and served by a group living arrangement facility;

5. Meals prepared and served by a shelter for battered women and children to eligible residents if authorized by Food and Nutrition Services;

6. In the case of homeless individuals, meals prepared and served by an authorized public or private nonprofit establishment such as a soup kitchen or temporary shelter. This establishment must be approved by DFS-SO and authorized by the Food and Nutrition Services before accepting SNAP benefits for meals; or

7. Meals prepared and served by a state certified drug addict or alcoholic treatment center to eligible assistance units.

Appendix 3 Beneficiary Data Exchange System (BENDEX)

The Beneficiary Data Exchange System (BENDEX) is provided to states monthly by the Social Security Administration. It contains information regarding social security recipients who also receive public assistance, including SNAP, or SSI. Use the BDX interface screen to identify persons active on EPICS. As a general rule a complete Benlist listing of all individuals covered under the State Programs and those on the SDX is printed only once a year around the middle of January. This printout contains information on the yearly RSDI benefit amount which will be received by the client beginning about January.

Payment Status (LAF) Ledger Account File - This contains the payment status code.

A Beneficiary's record has been withdrawn for adjustment. The A will be followed by a number or letter to indicate the exact reason for withdrawal.

B Claim filed - claimant died prior to entitlement.

CA Current payment, advance filing. Benefits have been adjudicated.

CP Beneficiary in current payment status.

D Benefits are deferred for future payments. The D will be followed by a number or letter to indicate the exact reason for deferment.

N Disallowed claim. Failure to meet a requirement other than disability.

NE (ND on the printout). Denied claim. Failure to meet disability requirement.

P Delayed claim (adjudication pending). Delayed pending verification of eligibility factor.

PB Benefits due but not paid.

PT Claim terminated from a pending or delayed status.

S Benefits are currently in suspense. The S will be followed by a number or letter to indicate the exact reason for suspension.

T Benefits have been terminated on the Social Security claim number. The T will be followed by a number or letter to indicate the exact reason for the termination.

U The beneficiary is not entitled to cash benefits but is entitled only to hospital and/or Supplemental Medical Insurance (HI and/or SMI).

W Withdrawal before entitlement.

X Other adjustment or termination status. The X will be followed by a number or letter to indicate the reason for the adjustment or termination.

Monthly Benefit (MBP) - This is the net benefit after deduction of the Part B Medicare premium, if the client is enrolled in Part B, due on the 3rd of the next month after the BDX record is produced.

Date of Entitle (DOEI) - This is the original date of entitlement to SSA benefits. This does not necessarily mean that the client has received benefits continuously since the date of original entitlement; there may have been a break in eligibility.

SSI Indicate (SSI INDC) - Client is or has been an SSI recipient. The letters SSI will be followed by a code to indicate the SSI status and a date which indicates the month and year the status became effective.

Codes:

A, C, G, M - eligible for conditional or partial SSI or Title XIX. B, T, U, V, X, Y Z - termination codes. D and I - denial or ineligible code. E - current entitlement to SSI benefits. P - pending code.

Appendix 4 State Data Exchange System (SDX)

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.2, .l6, .23

The Social Security Administration provides information regarding SSI applicants and recipients to the states through the State Data Exchange System (SDX). This generates a report called the Supplemental Security Income, Treasury Exchange File. The client’s benefit and the date on the printout is the actual month of eligibility and payment.

Payment Code (PAYCD)

C01 Current pay E01 Eligible but no payment due; not automatically Medicaid eligible E02 Application and initial eligibility month but no SSI payment is made; automatically Medicaid eligible N01 Non-Pay STATUS - over income - used for 1619(b) clients N02 Non-Pay - Inmate of public institution N04 Non-Pay - Non excludable assets exceed Title XVI limits N07 Non-pay - Cessation of the recipient’s disability N13 Non-pay - Not a citizen or an eligible alien N18 Non-pay - Failure to cooperate S04 Suspended - System is awaiting disability determination S06 Suspended - Recipient address unknown S08 Suspended - Representative payee development pending S21 Suspended - The recipient is presumptively disabled or blind and has received three (3) months of payments T01 Terminated - Death of the recipient T30 Do not terminate Medicaid without checking with SSA

Zebley Indicator (ZEB) - This reflects the status of the Zebley claim.

Z Potential Zebley case D Denied for any Zebley payments F Final Zebley payment has been made

Recipient Type (RECIP TYP CD)

AI Aged individual AS Aged spouse BI Blind individual BC Blind child DC Disabled child DI Disabled individual DS Disabled spouse EP Essential person XS Ineligible spouse

(ONSET) - This field reflects the onset date of disability/blindness. Medicaid Eligibility Code (MED ELIG CD) - This reflects the recipient’s Medicaid Eligibility status.

A Referred to State - refused to assign rights B Deeming waived - child under a State home care plan C Medicaid coverage should be continued regardless of payment status D Disabled adult child G Goldberg/Kelly payment continuations Q Medicaid Qualifying Trusts may exist R Referred to State for determination - Federal determination not possible S State determination - Not SSA responsibility W Widow(er) Y Eligible for Medicaid

Displayed in EPICS on the ININ screen only: Alien Ind field (ALIEN IND)

A Proven born in U.S. - U.S. Citizen B Alleged born in U.S. - U.S. Citizen C U. S. Citizen born outside of the U.S. - this includes naturalized citizen D Alleged U.S. citizen - pre January 1, 1972 E No citizenship or alien status development undertaken - case denied for reason(s) other than citizenship alien status F Refugee status - Section 207 or 203 (A)(7) of the INA G Parole status - Section 212 (d) of the INA I Indo Chinese refugee J Deferred action status alien K Alien lawfully admitted to the U. S. for permanent residence L Asylum status - Section 208 of the INA, Resident of the Northern Mariana Islands M Resident of the Northern Mariana Islands N Identity and citizenship of the individual verified by the Numident interface (codes were previously A or B) P Pre-January 1, 1972 alien (presumed lawfully admitted for permanent residence) Q Alleged born in the U.S. - allegation corroborated by a U.S. birth shown on the on-line numident R Lawful temporary resident S Lawful permanent resident T Alien granted voluntary departure U Unknown W Alien granted stay of deportation X Cuban/Haitian entrant Y Legalized agricultural worker Z Alien on whose behalf an immediate relative petition has been approved

Alien Status Code (ALELIG)

1 Alien admitted to U. S. as a refugee under section 207 of the Immigration & Nationality Act (INA) - can receive SSI for seven years beginning with the date of entry into the U. S. 2 Alien show deportation has been withheld under section 243 (h) or 241 (b) (3) of the INA - can receive SSI for seven years beginning with the date the deportation was withheld 3 Alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence who has been credited with 40 work credits. These credits can be earned from the aliens own work or from work done by a parent or spouse of the alien. For initial claims filed after 8/22/96, these aliens cannot receive SSI for the first seven years they are in the U.S. 4 Alien on active duty in the military or an honorably discharged veteran 5 Spouse of active duty military/veteran 6 Child of active duty military/veteran

Asset Code - This indicates whether or not the recipient has a asset:

A Home - principal place of residence B Owns a vehicle C Life Insurance - face value over $1,500 D Income producing property is under or over the limit K Individual is required to dispose of the vehicle L Individual is required to dispose of the life insurance M Individual is required to dispose of the income producing property N Individual is required to dispose of the other assets S Equity in a non-excludable property is expected to increase in value T Home and equity in non-excludable property Z NONE " " Not determined

Unearned Income (NET UI) - This is the current month's income, after all exclusions are applied, used in determining eligibility and payment. The SDX displays the amount of income in this field but not the type. The ININ screen displays the amount and type of income.

A Social Security B Black Lung C VA (not based on need) D RRB E VA (based on need) H Income in-kind (support and maintenance) J Value of one-third reduction K Blind countable income L Military pension M Federal Civil Service pension N Support payments received from non-custodial parent P Employment related pension (state or local government retirement, private pension) Q Worker's Compensation R Rents, interest, dividends, royalties S Other T Alaska longevity bonus

Appendix 5 IRS Match Information

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.2, 273.8; W.S. 42-2-102, -112 ; POWER - P.L. 104-193, as amended; W.S. 42-2-102, -112

The state agency will use the following procedures when a IRS Federal Tax Information (FTI) is loaded into RAVE for TANF. SNAP does not use FTI to verify information.

A. Use the alert to:

1. Gain information about unearned income and assets for POWER assistance units (this is the only program that match other files); and 2. Request verification to determine if discrepancies exist:

a. Do not reveal the source of the information; and b. Do not reveal additional information received from the alert when requesting the verification (i.e. the bank account number, as this is considered tax data and is confidential).

B. The IRS information provided shall be held strictly confidential by assuring:

1. The information is available to Benefit Specialists on a need to know basis; 2. The data is not indiscriminately disseminated within the agency; 3. The information forwarded to technical and/or clerical employees is necessary and limited to no more information than is needed to perform the duty; 4. The information is not disclosed to any party outside the agency; 5. The information can be disclosed, but not the source, only when there is no other means of verifying the unearned income information to:

a. The taxpayer to whom the information relates; b. The duly appointed authorized representative or power of attorney of the taxpayer; or c. A federal employee of the Food and Nutrition Services if taxpayer received benefits.

6. Do not save the FTI information to a PC hard drive or LAN shared drive.

7. FTI information shall never be printed, faxed, emailed, or scanned.

C. The IRS information provided shall be maintained in a two (2) barrier security structure (locking file or storage cabinet and a locking room) at all times:

1. Do not place the information in a case file; 2. Note in the case file FTI information has been placed in a designated and secured location; 3. Maintain a log of who has keys for file cabinets and offices (interior and exterior doors); and 4. Assure duplicate keys are available and logged.

D. All office repair work, construction and other maintenance work, excluding janitorial, shall be completed during regular working hours when a DFS employee is present.

E. RAVE will match the EPICS eligibility information with computer files:

1. For FTI - To identify interest, dividends and royalties from the tax returns through IRS; 2. To generate an alert for each assistance unit where the information differs between the two (2) data bases, and indicates the receipt of unearned income; and ownership of an asset(s). 3. Matches run monthly and contain data for a calendar year.

F. Request verification of the unearned income/asset(s) using the DFS 115a and DFS 115b Asset Verification forms:

1. Along with the release of information, fax, e-mail or mail the form(s) with a postage paid envelope; 2. Shred the DFS 115a if it is returned with the DFS 115b (see I);

G. The IRS information provided shall be destroyed upon completion of use.

1. Each Region Manager or the Program Manager are responsible for the destruction; 2. An agency employee shall witness the destruction in a manner sufficient to safeguard the data from unauthorized disclosure; 3. Destroy material furnished to the agency and agency generated material such as, but not limited to:

a. Extra copies; b. Photo impressions; c. Computer printouts; d. Screen prints; e. Carbon paper; f. Notes/stenographic notes; g. Work papers; h. Undeliverable verification letter (allowed to retain envelope but not letter); i. DFS 115a, cover letter, returned in error; and j. Any other verifications returned due to a FTI hit.

4. Use the methods of destruction listed in Appendix 7 for FTI destruction.

H. Maintain a destruction log for FTI documents, including:

1. Type of document (waste documents or cover letters); 2. Date shredded; and 3. Person shredded by.

I. IRS information shall be provided for eligibility purposes only and:

1. The penalty for unauthorized access is a $5,000 fine, five (5) years imprisonment, or both; 2. The penalty for unauthorized inspection (browsing) is up to $1,000 fine , one (1) year imprisonment, or both; 3. Disclosure penalties and restrictions apply even when employment with DFS ends and shall be reported to: Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration P.O. Box 589, Ben Franklin Station Washington, D.C. 20044-0589

Appendix 6 PAIS Alerts

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.11; W.S. 42-2-112 ; POWER - W.S. 42-2-112

Use the following procedures when a Payee Analysis Intercept System (PAIS) alert appears on EPICS.

A. Use the PAIS alerts to:

1. Gain information about income and assets for SNAP and POWER assistance units (these are the only programs that match other files); 2. Request verification to determine if discrepancies exist; and 3. Clear the alert or process an overpayment(s).

B. The PAIS shall:

1. Match the EPICS eligibility information with computer files for:

a. BDE - Social Security earnings from the tax returns through the BENDEX (Beers) runs monthly and contains data for a calendar year; b. BDP - Pensions from the tax returns through the BENDEX (Beers) runs monthly and contains data for a calendar year; c. BDS - Self-Employment from the tax returns through the BENDEX (Beers), runs monthly and contains data for a calendar year; d. BDX - Social Security benefits under Title II which is RSDI from the BENDEX runs monthly and contains data for a month; f. SDX - SSI, Title XVI, from the SDX runs monthly and contains data for a month; g. SRT - State retirement runs monthly and contains data for a month; h. FTI - Interest and dividends from tax returns through the IRS runs monthly and contains data for a calendar year; i. UIB - Unemployment insurance from DWS can be found at https://wyui.wyo.gov/benefits/home.do ; and/or j. WCD - Worker’s Compensation income runs monthly and contains data for a month.

2. Generate an alert for each assistance unit where the information differs between the two (2) data bases.

C. The PAAL screen on EPICS provides:

1. The case name, number, office, unit and Benefit Specialist; 2. The source or error found code; 3. The SSN of the person who received the income; 4. The program(s) having a discrepancy; 5. The benefit month or quarter in error; and 6. The date by which the alert shall be handled and cleared.

D. Use the information generated on the PAAL screen to:

1. Compare the income and the name of the employer or financial institution to the verification in the case record; 2. Request verification of income and/or assets using the DFS 715 Income Verification form or DFS 716a/b Interest and/or Asset Verification form:

a. The employer or financial institution is different from those in the case record;

i. For POWER any differences from the case record; ii. For SNAP the estimated value of the asset or amount of income may cause the asset or income limit to be exceeded.

3. Consider verified unless there is information to the contrary on the BDX, SDX, SRT, UIB or WCD; 4. If necessary, re-determine eligibility and/or recalculate the benefits based on the verification received; 5. If necessary, refer case to Fraud & Recovery Unit. 6. Clear the alert using one (1) of the following no further action codes to the left of the alert on the PAAL screen when no overpayment exists:

a. 01 - Caretaker relative not count; b. 02 - Exempt income not count; c. 03 - EPICS data incorrect; d. 04 - Income available and used; e. 05 - Prospective budgeting; f. 06 - Error in source - SSN; g. 07 - Terminated prior to overpayment; h. 08 - Overpayment previously set up; i. 09 - Other; j. 10 - Asset exhausted; or k. 11 - Asset not available.

E. Retain information concerning any overpayment for three (3) years after the date of full restitution or termination of the overpayment case.

Appendix 7 Records Retention and Destruction Requirements

All programs - W.S. 9-2-401, 9-2-405 - 413 ; SNAP - 7 CFR Sections 272.1, 275.4 , 277.17

A. Conduct a review of public assistance records annually to determine which records qualify for purge or destruction.

B. Perform the following to purge a public assistance case file:

1. Retain all hard copies of family information (i.e., birth certificates, divorce decrees, etc.) under the Initial/Permanent/Verifications divider (102I). 2. Retain all narratives for no less than six (6) years of narratives under the Narratives Divider (102G). 3. Retain all applications for no less than six (6) years under the application/Recertification/Reviews divider (102H). 4. Review the case for any previous overpayments and file all applicable information/verification that supports the overpayment under the Recovery/QC Findings/Admin Hearings divider (102J); and 5. Retain cases with Administrative Hearings for seven (7) years following the hearing disposition and continuous inactivity, then destroy. 6. Destroy all other information more than three (3) years old if the information is not needed to support an overpayment or any other possible issue within the case. 8. Destruction shall be done by shredding.

C. Perform the following when destroying a public assistance case file:

1. Assure the case file has not received any type of benefits from DFS for six (6) years or more; 2. Shred file.

D. The following guidelines must be observed when destroying paper FTI:

FTI Destruction Methods Burning The material must be burned in an incinerator that produces enough heat to burn the entire bundle, or the bundle must be separated to ensure that all pages are incinerated. Shredding To make reconstruction more difficult: Destroy paper using crosscut shredders that produce particles that are 1 mm x 5 mm (0.04 in. x 0.2 in.) in size (or smaller) or pulverize/disintegrate paper materials using disintegrator devices equipped with a 3/32 in. (2.4 mm) security screen. If shredding deviates from the above specification, FTI must be safeguarded until it reaches the stage where it is rendered unreadable through additional means, such as burning or pulping.

E. FTI furnished or stored in electronic format must be destroyed in the following manner:

1. Electronic media (e.g., hard drives, tapes, CDs, and flash media) must be destroyed according to the guidance in NIST Control MP-6, Media Sanitization. Electronic media containing FTI must not be made available for reuse by other offices or released for destruction without first being subjected to electromagnetic erasing. If reuse is not intended, the tape must be destroyed by burning or shredding in accordance with applicable standards (see Section 2.F.3.1, Media Sanitation).

2. Destroy microforms (microfilm, microfiche, or other reduced image photo negatives) by burning.

3. Whenever physical media leaves the physical or systemic control of the agency for maintenance, exchange or other servicing, any FTI on it must be destroyed by sanitizing according to guidance in NIST Control MP-6, Media Sanitization and Section 2.F.3.1, Media Sanitization. FTI must be purged from the media prior to allowing release. 78 When using either method for destruction, every third piece of physical electronic media must be checked to ensure appropriate destruction of FTI.

F. Hand tearing, recycling, or burying information in a landfill are unacceptable methods of disposal.

Appendix 8 Revenue Information System (RIS)

Social Security Act, Section 1137; P.L. 104-193, Section 409

A. Sign onto the Mainframe until at the TPX menu.

B. Position the cursor next to RIS and press enter.

C. Select 1, Revenue Information System (RIS) Production, and press enter.

D. Enter your password on the screen that states, this is the production database.

E. The password is case sensitive (i.e. when a capital letter(s) is used, it must be used throughout RIS).

F. On the Wyoming Department of Transportation screen, you will be allowed to establish your password for the first time or to change your password.

G. Press enter twice after changing the password as the WYDOT Printer Assignment Screen is not applicable to DFS.

H. Select Registration Display from the State Agency Display Menu.

I. Tab to the field you wish to use to inquire:

1. Plate number:

a. Enter the county code using two digits such as 01; b. Enter P for passenger car, T for truck, H for trailer or M for motorcycle; c. Enter the license plate number; d. Do not enter any dashes or spaces between numbers or letters (i.e. 01P5BK); e. Press enter and the vehicle information will be displayed; f. Copy the screen and/or document the case record; and g. Press enter and repeat the process if more than one (1) inquiry is needed.

2. Name field:

a. Enter the last name of the individual for whom you wish to obtain information; b. Enter an asterisk (*) without spacing; c. Enter the first name of the individual without spacing; d. Press enter and all vehicles registered to the individual will be displayed on the Interim Registration Select screen; e. Enter a Y in the Return to List? field before leaving the screen if you wish to return or you can press enter twice from the Interim Registration Detail Display screen if you neglected to enter the Y and wish to return; f. Continue to press enter until the individual or plate number you want is found; g. Enter the number of the person or plate number you wish to inquire about in the Select field; h. Press enter and the vehicle information will be displayed; i. Copy the screen or document the case record; and j. Return to the Interim Registration Select screen to obtain information on more vehicles for the same individual or to inquire on another individual.

J. Press the F1 or F4 key to exit RIS.

K. Press enter from the RIS signoff screen.

L. Enter X to exit RIS.

M. You will return to the TPX menu where you can access the session you wish to use.

N. Contact the DFS Security Liaison in the Family Assistance Division if a problem occurs or it is necessary to reset your password.

Appendix 9 WORK Number Verification

SNAP - 7 CFR 273.2 ; POWER - W.S. 42-2-105

The WORK number is a service to verify employment and income as reported by an employer. The user shall register for this service through the DFS Security Liaison, who is the Web Manager for The WORK Number, before logging in to this service.

A. The following information shall be available when preparing to use the WORK Number:

1. The office fax number; 2. The employer code; and 3. The client’s SSN.

B. Go to www.theworknumber.com/SocialServices/ to access the WORK Number through the Internet and log on.

C. On the New Verification Order screen, fill in the required fields, and any other fields desired by the user.

1. Client’s SSN (required); 2. Employer Name or Code (required)—Click on the link called find employer. Click on this box to enter the name of the employer or to find an employer. 3. The Tracking Number field allows the user to enter any combination of letters and numbers (up to 15) that would help the user to be more efficient in their internal processes. This information is not required and does not impact the verification data in any way. It will be displayed on the verification faxed, along with all the other data received. 4. Send to this Fax # (required)—Click on the drop-down arrow in the box that says Please Choose to find the user’s office fax number. Click on that fax number. 5. Fax Attention To (optional)—The user’s name can be typed in this box. 6. Permissible Purpose” (required)—Click on the link that says change purpose, select the correct permissible purpose, and click Continue.

D. The verification will be faxed within nine (9) business days.

E. The following information will be provided in response to the request for employment verification:

1. The date the verification request was made; 2. The date information was current as of; 3. Employer and employee; 4. SSN and employee address; 5. Employment status; 6. Most recent start date; 7. Total time with employer; 8. Current position and rate of pay; 9. Average hours worked per pay period; 10. Current year-to-date wages; 11. Last year’s wages and two (2) years past wages; 12. Pay period date with a list of up to the last 12 pay periods; 13. Pay dates with a list of up to the last 12 pay dates; 14. Hours worked with a list of up to the last 12 entries; 15. Gross earnings (includes gross base wages, bonuses, commissions, overtime, reported tips and any other form of reported compensation) with a list of up to the last 12 entries; 16. An indicator (Y or N) concerning medical coverage and the name of the insurer; 17. An indicator (Y or N) concerning dental coverage and the name of the insurer; and 18. A reference number for the verification and the name of the person to whom the information was faxed.

F. Do the following when the employment status reason is terminated or no longer works here to determine if a penalty should be applied due to a voluntary quit:

1. Ask the client the reason the employment ended and, if it seems reasonable (i.e. common knowledge company has cut back on staff), take the client’s word; 2. Contact the employer directly or request the client to contact the employer to verify the reason for termination; 3. Review the UIB file and check if the termination reason is listed (see Appendix 9); and 4. Do not penalize the client if verification of the reason for termination cannot be obtained.

G. Obtain assistance through customer service at 1-800-660-3399 when needed or when the verification request is not received within nine (9) business days.

Appendix 10 Quarters of Coverage History System (QCHS)

P.L. 104-193, Sections 431, 435

A. Register the case on EPICS.

B. Research the work history through QCHS to qualify aliens who have lived and worked in the U.S. for 10 years or any combination of 10 years for a family.

C. Access QCHS through the INME screen by selecting TPQY Inquiry Background.

D. Enter the individual’s SSN.

E. Enter a Q in the Request field and a message will appear stating 40 QQ Request Complete.

F. Expect the 40 QQ information to be available on the TPQY Information/Request screen within three (3) days.

G. The record received will not display the current year’s earnings, or possibly the previous year’s earnings, depending upon when the request is made.

H. Allow either the minimum quarters or maximum quarters to count toward the 40 quarters, but not both.

I. The following codes indicate a quarter of coverage:

1. A - Agricultural; 2. C - Wage; 3. D and M - Military; 4. G - Gift; 5. J - Japanese Internment; 6. R - Railroad; 7. S - Self-Employment; 8. X - Wage QC which can occur for 1951 or 1952; and 9. * - A covered quarter of coverage.

J. Do not count the F or N codes under the Quarter Coverage Patterns toward the 40 qualifying quarters.

K. If # or Z codes appear, request another query after 45 days to accomplish 40 qualifying quarters for these codes to be updated and overlaid with either N, C or *.

L. Research quarters for other family members when the individual does not qualify on her/his own:

1. Enter the applicant’s current spouse’s SSN but consider only quarters earned during the marriage; 2. Enter the applicant’s parents SSN but consider only those quarters the parents earned before the applicant became 18.

M. Use the table in the link to determine the number of creditable quarters of coverage http://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/QC.html .

N. Do not count a quarter that has not ended.

O. Do not count any quarters after 12/31/96 if the alien, parent or spouse received public assistance during the quarter.

Appendix 11: Death and Prisoner Matches

SNAP 7 CFR 272.13, .14

A. Use the following procedure when you receive a death match alert from the Social Security Administration:

1. Send F318 Pend - SSA Death Match.

B. Use the following procedure when you receive a prisoner match alert from the Social Security Administration:

1. Send F319 Pend - SSA Prisoner Match.