In the case Joslin v. Mchtire, the Department of Transitional Assistance has been enjoined from proceeding with the EAEDC benefit reduction described in Field Operations Memo 2002-7. This means effective immediately all activities in Field Operations Memo 2002-7 are suspended until further notice. All EAEDC applications and case maintenance should be processed in the usual manner.

DTA announcement that EAEDC benefits would be reduced to 55% of benefit level due to anticipated shortfall in appropriations. Legislature provided additional funding, cuts to benefits not implemented.

Field Operations Memos 2002-5 and 2006-6 stated that the money in the rental arrearage account was expected to last until 4/12/2002. The funds, however, in the rental arrearage account have been expended. this memo advised TAO staff that there are not funds in the EA account to continue the current EA rental arrearage and disaster benefits.

Field operations memo announces suspension of state-funded food stamp benefits for legal immigrants due to lack of appropriation in FY02 budget.

The Federal Veterans’ Administration Match Report identifies assessed persons who may be receiving federal veterans’ benefits and benefits from the Department of Transitional Assistance. This report will be run quarterly. This memo provides information and instructions for reviewing and acting on matched data.

In the case Nguyen v. Wagner, the Department of Transitional Assistance was enjoined h m proceeding with the SSFSP benefit suspension described in Field Operations Memo 2002-9.

Field Operations Memo 2002-12 informed TAO Staff that the Department had to suspend benefits to certain EAEDC recipients beginning May 29,2002. The Legislature has approved and the Governor has signed a supplemental budget which restores hnding for the EAEDC program. This means, effective immediately, Field Operations Memo 2002-12 is rescinded. All EAEDC benefits will continue to be generated on their regular issuance dates.

In an ongoing effort to expand access to food stamp benefits, USDA has clarified that more waivers of the in-office face-to-face interview should be given to applicants and recipients. An in-office face-to-face interview is an interview conducted at a TAO. AU Managers must inform applicants and recipients of their right to request a waiver of the in-office face-to-face interview. Applicants and recipients who have a hardship reason automatically qualify for a waiver of the in-office face-to-face interview below for the definition of hardship). AU Managers are encouraged to waive in-office face-to-face interviews whenever possible. Thus, all NPA FS AUs must be reviewed during the (re)application or recertification process to determine if a waiver of the in-office face-to-face interview is appropriate.

On July 1,2002, in accordance with the settlement agreement of Ngzyen v. Wagner, the Department changed the way benefits are calculated for AUs that receive both federal and state supplemental food stamp benefits (FS/SSFSP AUs). The Department agreed, upon request, to review any SSFSP recipient’s noncitizen status to determine eligibility for federal food stamp benefits. These instructions were issued in Field Operations Memo 2002-9D.

DTA guidance eliminating supplemental TAFDC program as a result of legislative defunding. In this FO memo, DTA agrees that an LPR who is subject to the five year bar but is working and receiving TAFDC for a child is eligible for child care. Also, an ineligible noncitizen can volunteer for ESP and get child care for an approved activity. An LPR mom who is past the five year bar who choses to opt out of the TAFDC assistance unit (for example, due to sponsor deeming), should also be eligible for child care. The language of the child care guarantee certainly covers a parent who is working.

State Letter 1236 issues policy revisions implementing the following cost-of-living changes in the Food Stamp Program.  This Field Ops Memo includes charts of the COLAs.

The Department, in conformance with federal law, is required to tell applicants and recipients of their right to interpretation services and provide interpreters to applicants and recipients whose primary language is not English (also known as limited English Proficient, (LEP)) or who use American Sign Language (ASL).

As a cost-savings measure, the Department is instituting mandatory Direct Deposit for the TAFDC and EAEDC programs. Direct Deposit will now be mandatory for any eligible trangee (including those who would be eligible but are currently sanctioned) who has a bank account unless an exemption is met.

One of the provisions of the Food stamp Fram Bill of 2002 is the restoration of food stamp eligibility to qualified noncitizens who are otherwise eligible and who are receiving or are certified to receive disaiblity benefits regardless of the date of entry into the U.S.

Field Ops Memo instructs AU Managers to stop making referrals to DET Job Search for nonexempt FS E/T participants and voluntary FS Work Program participants.

Announces elimination of State TAFDC program for non-citizens, effective August 5, 2002, due to lack of continued appropriation by State Legislature.

In our continuing effort to simplie Food Stamp Program rules and increase participation, the Department of Transitional Assistance is requiring certain NPA FS AUs with earned or unearned income (or a history of income within the past six months) to be on Universal Semiannual Reporting.

DTA issued revised FS application form with fewer questions, more simplified language. Check DTA website for the most current version of the paper application form.

Field Operations Memo 2002-25 notified TAO staff that certain NPA FS AU's with earned or unearned income (or a history of income within the past six months) will be subject to Universal Semiannual Reporting. This Field Operations Memo provides addtional procedures for establishg Semiannual reporting AUs unitl the nex increment is implemented.

DTA Field Ops Memo notices field of recent match with BENDEX/SDX files with 289 currently active TAFDC APs (Assessed Persons) are receiving SSI. The same match also indicated that a number of EAEDC APs are receiving SSI. These EAEDC APs will be processed (closed) by Central Office. Instructions on how to handle TAFDC matches.

The Social Security and SSI Cost-Of-Living Adjustments (COLA) have been scheduled. Effective January 2003, Social Security benefits and SSI payments will increase by 1.4 percent. The basic Medicare Part B premium will increase from $54.00 to $58.70 per month...

Even though they were initially denied SSI because of their noncitizen status, certain EAEDC recipients (age 65 or older or disabled with a disability expected to last 12 months or more) may now be eligible for and should reapply for SSI benefits because of a change in their noncitizen status or more up-to-date information on their work history.