This memo informs TAO staff that beginning February 12, 2007, the Resource Team at the Springfield Liberty and Worcester TAOs will offer FREE assistance to selected TAFDC and EAEDC recipients in their areas in applying on-line for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits.

Effective with BEACON Increment 2.1.20, TAFDC Assessed Persons (APs) who are approved for and begin receiving SSI will be automatically closed. This will prevent double payments (TAFDC and SSI State Supplement) for both adults and children.

TAFDC: child support for child on SSI not countable; TAFDC: disability exemption request counts as first request if first in 5 year clock cycle; EA: no school requirement, eligibility for pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy.

FS Work Program counts only months of FS receipt in MA; TAFDC program does not count SSI dedicated accounts as assets.

TAFDC for SSI recipients on zero SSI grants;  Transitional child care not available where children still receive TAFDC; EA 12 month rule exceptions;  child care during TAFDC recipient's maternity leave from employ,ent.

Information on 2005 SSI Special Benefits, which are benefits paid by the state to SSI recipients for disaster relief, funeral expenses, and moving expenses in some circumstances.

Memo from U Mass on the reasoning behind, and goals of, the new Social Security appeals project in which U Mass representatives will assist EAEDC and TAFDC recipients with SSI appeals.