reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 367.000 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Violations Hearings And Claims › Section 367.900 - Duties and Limitations on the Department with Respect to Court Ordered Disqualification

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
The Department shall disqualify an individual(s) found guilty
				of an IPV by the court, in accordance with
				106 CMR
				367.800, unless otherwise ordered by the
				court. The Department shall begin the disqualification period with the first
				possible month after the date the disqualification was
				ordered.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 367.000 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Violations Hearings And Claims › Section 367.925 - Notification of Court Imposed Disqualification

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
If the court finds the member guilty of an IPV, a written
				notice of the decision shall be sent to the client before the period of
				disqualification, whenever possible, in accordance with
				106 CMR
				367.825(B) and (C). This
				notice shall inform the member of the decision and shall be in accordance with
				106 CMR
				367.825(B) and (C).
				Disqualification shall begin within 45 days of the court order, unless such
				time frame is contrary to the court order.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 367.000 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Violations Hearings And Claims › Section 367.950 - Overturned IPV Disqualification

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
In cases where an IPV decision is overturned or reversed by a
				court of appropriate jurisdiction, the Department shall reinstate the
				individual in the program if the household is eligible. The Department shall
				restore any benefits that were lost as a result of the
				disqualification.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 701.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: General Policies › Section 701.050 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs Overview

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
The policies described in this chapter are the basis for the
				administration and function of both the Transitional Aid to Families with
				Dependent Children (TAFDC) and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and
				Children (EAEDC) programs; specific eligibility policies for TAFDC and EAEDC
				are found in 106 CMR 703.000:
Nonfinancial Eligibility
and
				704.000:
Financial Eligibility
.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 701.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: General Policies › Section 701.100 - Programs Administered by the Department

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
The programs administered by the Department include:
(A) Transitional Aid to Families with
			 Dependent Children (TAFDC);
(B)
			 State Supplement Program (SSP) to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
			 program;
(C) Emergency Aid to the
			 Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC); and
(D) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
			 (SNAP).
The administrative and eligibility requirements of these
				programs are provided in the appropriate Department regulations. Benefits of
				other programs that may be available to clients, such as SNAP benefits, are
				found in
				106 CMR
				705.000:
Related
				Benefits
.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 701.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: General Policies › Section 701.110 - Limitation on Program Eligibility

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(A)
			 TAFDC and EAEDC-family clients may receive MassHealth and SNAP benefits while
			 on TAFDC or EAEDC. Any individual who is a TAFDC client is not concurrently
			 eligible for EAEDC, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), State Supplement
			 Program (SSP) to the Supplemental Security Income or State Veterans Services
			 Benefits (VSB). Any individual who is an EAEDC client is not concurrently
			 eligible for TAFDC, SSI, SSP or SVSB.
(B) An individual is ineligible for TAFDC if
			 he or she:
(1) is fleeing to avoid
			 prosecution, custody or confinement after conviction, under the laws of the
			 place from which the individual flees, for a crime or an attempt to commit a
			 crime, on or after September 26, 1996, which is a felony under the laws of the
			 place from which the individual flees, or which, in the state of New Jersey, is
			 a high misdemeanor under the laws of such state; or
(2) is violating a condition of probation or
			 parole imposed on or after September 26, 1996 under federal or state
			 law.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 701.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: General Policies › Section 701.200 - The TAFDC and EAEDC Programs

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
The Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children
				(TAFDC) program provides financial assistance and employment-related services
				to families with dependent children. The TAFDC program is subject to
				appropriation and is administered by the Department in accordance with M.G.L.
				c. 118 and other relevant statutes and the rules, regulations and
				policies.
TAFDC regulations implement St. 1995, c. 5. TAFDC seeks to
				integrate clients into the work force and break the cycle of poverty. The major
				program objectives include:
(1)
			 requiring work and individual responsibility;
(2) making public assistance transitional in
			 nature by assisting families in crisis without allowing welfare to become a way
			 of life;
(3) maintaining and
			 strengthening family life; and
(4)
			 encouraging teenage parents to live with their families or in supportive living
			 situations and obtain basic educational achievements.
The Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC)
				Program provides financial assistance to qualified elderly and disabled
				persons, participants in MRC programs, and certain families who meet the
				program requirements. EAEDC is subject to appropriation and is administered by
				the Department in accordance with M.G.L. c. 117A and other relevant statutes
				and the rules, regulations and policies.
The authoritative text of the regulations is published by the
				Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Copies of the regulations are available to the public at the
				Department's area offices.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 701.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: General Policies › Section 701.210 - Availability of Benefits

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
Benefits provided by the Department are available to eligible
				applicants and clients on a statewide basis. The standards for calculating
				financial eligibility and the amount of assistance are established on an
				objective and equitable basis.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 701.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: General Policies › Section 701.220 - Receiving Benefits

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
Clients receive benefits through the Department. It is the
				Department's responsibility to:
(A)
			 Tell applicants and clients of the requirements and benefits of the
			 program;
(B) Tell applicants and
			 clients of their rights and responsibilities;
(C) Respect the rights of applicants and
			 clients;
(D) Determine eligibility
			 and amount of the grant;
(E) Inform
			 applicants who are denied benefits of the availability of other Department
			 programs for which they may be eligible;
(F) Make necessary referrals for related
			 benefits and services; and
(G)
			 Perform administrative activities required.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 701.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: General Policies › Section 701.225 - Prohibited Use of Benefits

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
A client must not use cash assistance funds held on an
				electronic benefit card for the purchase of alcoholic beverages as defined in
				M.G.L. c. 138, § 1; lottery tickets or tobacco products as defined in
				M.G.L. c. 64C, § 1; visual material or performances intended to create or
				simulate sexual conduct or sexual excitement as defined in M.G.L. c. 272,
				§ 31; firearms and ammunition as defined in M.G.L. c. 140, § 121;
				tattoos or body piercings; jewelry; televisions, stereos, video games or
				consoles at rent-to-own stores; vacation services; gambling as defined in
				M.G.L. c. 23K, § 2; and/or for the payment to the commonwealth or any
				political subdivision thereof for fees, fines, bail or bail bonds ordered by a
				court. Any cash assistance client found to have knowingly used cash assistance
				benefits in violation of 106 CMR 701.225 shall be required to reimburse the
				Department for the full amount of such use and may be subject to
				disqualification from the cash assistance programs.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 701.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: General Policies › Section 701.230 - Social Security Numbers (SSN)

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(A)
Requirements
.
(1) A
			 Social Security Number (SSN) must be given for each applicant for TAFDC or
			 EAEDC, unless good cause exists in accordance with 106 CMR
			 701.230(C).
(2) If an SSN cannot be
			 given for each applicant applying for TAFDC or EAEDC, the applicant must
			 provide to the Department written verification from SSA stating that the SSN
			 cannot be provided, but that person:
(a) has
			 applied for an SSN; or
(b) has
			 asked that an already-existing SSN be validated.
(3) TAFDC or EAEDC may not be denied, delayed
			 or decreased while waiting for the issuance or verification of an SSN if the
			 applicant or client has met the requirements specified in 106 CMR 701.230(A)
			 and (B).
(4) Each applicant for
			 TAFDC or EAEDC who does not meet the SSN requirement must be excluded from the
			 assistance unit. An otherwise eligible applicant or client excluded from the
			 assistance unit for not meeting the SSN requirements becomes eligible upon
			 meeting these requirements.
(5) A
			 temporary identification number shall be provided for an applicant or client
			 who is an expectant mother in the 33rd week of
			 pregnancy as a single grantee or a child younger than four months old. This
			 number shall be valid for not more than three months. Failure to provide a
			 valid SSN within three months shall result in the termination of the client's
			 benefits until a valid SSN is provided and verified by the Department. 106 CMR
			 701.230(A)(5) shall not apply to clients who are present in the United States
			 under one of the eligible noncitizen statuses as described in 106 CMR
			 703.430(A):
Eligible TAFDC Noncitizen Status
or 703.440(A):
Eligible Noncitizen EAEDC Status
or a victim of domestic
			 violence who has a pending petition for legal status under the federal Violence
			 Against Women Act.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 701.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: General Policies › Section 701.300 - Rights of Applicants and Clients

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
The policies of the TAFDC and EAEDC Programs must be run in
				accordance with the rights guaranteed to applicants and clients by
				Massachusetts and federal law, regulations, the policies of the Department and
				general principles of privacy and personal dignity. Applicants and clients must
				be treated with consideration and respect and must be able to discuss their
				requests for services with a worker in privacy.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 701.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: General Policies › Section 701.310 - Right to Nondiscrimination and Equal Treatment

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
All activities conducted by the Department must be carried out
				in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (
				42
				U.S.C. §
									2000d,
et
				seq
.), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (
				29 U.S.C.
				§
									794 ), the Americans with Disabilities
				Act of 1990, as amended, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended (
				42 U.S.C. §
									6101,
et seq
.), and the
				Massachusetts Constitution. The Department of Transitional Assistance does not
				discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, disability,
				sexual orientation, genetic information, military status or age in admission or
				access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. The
				Director of Equal Opportunity has been designated to help coordinate the
				Department's effort to comply with anti-discrimination laws. For further
				information about the regulations and the Department's grievance procedures for
				resolution of discrimination complaints, contact the Director of Equal
				Opportunity, Department of Transitional Assistance, 600 Washington Street,
				Boston, MA 02111.
Benefits under the TAFDC and EAEDC Programs must be given to
				all applicants and clients on an equal basis. All applicants and clients must
				be treated in the same manner in determining whether they meet eligibility
				requirements, in calculating the amount of the grant, and in providing related
				benefits and referrals for services.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 701.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: General Policies › Section 701.320 - Right to Confidentiality

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
The confidentiality of information in the case record is
				protected in accordance with 106 CMR.
Information in case records may be disclosed for certain
				purposes which do not violate this right to confidentiality.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 701.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: General Policies › Section 701.330 - Right to Information

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
The applicant or client or his or her designated representative
				has the right to look at his or her own case record and to challenge
				information in it. The Department may correct inaccurate information in the
				case record pursuant to 106 CMR.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 701.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: General Policies › Section 701.340 - Right to a Fair Hearing

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
The applicant or client has the right to a fair hearing in
				accordance with
				106 CMR
				343.000:
Fair Hearing
				Rules
.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 701.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: General Policies › Section 701.350 - Right to Representation

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
The applicant or client has a right to be helped or accompanied
				by a representative of his or her choosing in contacts with the
				Department.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 701.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: General Policies › Section 701.360 - Right to Interpreter Services

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
An applicant or client has the right to interpreter services
				when English is not his or her primary language or when he or she uses American
				Sign Language (ASL). The Department shall:
(A) inform applicants and clients of this
			 right; and
(B) provide interpreter
			 services when needed, unless the applicant or client prefers to bring his or
			 her own interpreter in accordance with Department policies.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 701.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: General Policies › Section 701.370 - Authorized Payee - Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
An authorized payee is a person named by the grantee to act on
				their behalf in transacting cash benefits from EBT. Cash benefits through EBT
				must be available to the grantee or authorized payee. The grantee may change
				the authorized payee at any time. The grantee may have only one authorized
				payee at a time. Designation of the authorized payee shall be on a form
				prescribed by the Department.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 701.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: General Policies › Section 701.390 - Department Obligations under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(A)
Definitions
.
(1)
			 Disability under the ADA is defined as:
(a) a
			 physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life
			 activities of an individual;
(b) a
			 record of having such impairment; or
(c) being regarded as having such impairment.
Disability
does not include
				psychoactive substance abuse disorder resulting from current illegal use of
				drugs.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 701.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: General Policies › Section 701.395 - Learning Disabilities: Screening, Assessment, Sanction Relief and Extensions

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
When an EDP is created or revised, except when the revision is
				related only to providing support services, when eligibility reviews are
				conducted and when transition plans or extension agreements are developed,
				clients 16 years of age or older shall be given the opportunity for a free
				screening for learning disabilities. This opportunity should be made either
				orally or in writing. Individuals who are not ESP participants may also
				participate in a screening. Participation in the screening and assessment
				process is strictly voluntary.
(A) If
			 the screening shows that the individual has a potential learning disability and
			 the individual wishes to, or is required to, participate in an Employment
			 Services Program (ESP) component, the Department will offer the individual an
			 opportunity for an assessment. If this offer is accepted, the individual will
			 be referred to the appropriate provider. An individual who does not wish to
			 participate in an ESP program and wishes an assessment must be referred to the
			 Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC).
(B) While waiting for the completion of the
			 assessment, DTA will help clients participate in their current activity or in
			 starting a new ESP activity.
(C)
(1) If a client is sanctioned (or is notified
			 of the Department's intention to sanction) for failure to comply with an EDP or
			 the work requirement regarding participation in an ESP activity and the client:
(a) claims that his or her learning
			 disability caused the failure;
(b)
			 participates in the screening and a potential learning disability is indicated;
			 and
(c) agrees to participate in
			 and complete a learning disability assessment, the sanction will not occur
			 while waiting for the assessment outcome. The Department will notify the client
			 of this action in writing. If the individual is determined to have a learning
			 disability that requires a reasonable accommodation to participate in ESP, the
			 pending sanction will be removed.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 701.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: General Policies › Section 701.400 - Overview of Responsibilities of Applicants and Clients

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
The applicant or client has specific responsibilities as
				described in
				106 CMR
				701.410 through
				701.440.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 701.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: General Policies › Section 701.410 - Responsibility for Providing Verifications

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
To establish eligibility for TAFDC or EAEDC, the applicant or
				client must meet categorical and financial eligibility requirements. He or she
				must submit required verifications to show that these eligibility factors have
				been satisfied. Rules concerning verifications are found in
				106 CMR 702.300
				through
				702.340.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 701.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: General Policies › Section 701.420 - Responsibility for Notification of Changes

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(A) Except as provided in 106 CMR 701.420(B),
			 the applicant or client must report to the Department within ten calendar days
			 any changes in his or her circumstances that may affect his or her eligibility
			 or the amount of the grant.
(B)
			 Applicants and clients do not have to report changes of less than $100 per
			 month in earned income or income deemed from individuals with earned income. In
			 no circumstances must an applicant or client report changes in earned income
			 from the same source more frequently than once per month.
(C) When income increases temporarily and the
			 client is no longer receiving the increase in the month in which benefits would
			 be lowered, benefits shall be adjusted based on the amount of income reasonably
			 anticipated for that month or, if the reduction has already taken effect, a
			 supplemental payment shall be made.
The Department shall periodically notify the applicant or
				client of this responsibility.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 701.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: General Policies › Section 701.430 - Responsibility for Furnishing Information

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
The applicant or client must provide information in response to
				requests from the Department's workers and Quality Control staff if such
				information is requested for purposes of program
				administration.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 701.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: General Policies › Section 701.440 - Responsibility for Cooperating in the Eligibility Determination Process

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
The client must keep appointments scheduled by the Department
				to review eligibility. Failure to keep a scheduled appointment constitutes
				failure to cooperate in the eligibility review process and makes the client
				ineligible unless he or she contacts the worker before or on the date of the
				appointment to reschedule.
The rescheduled appointment must occur within ten calendar days
				of the original appointment.
Failure to keep any appointments in this process shall
				constitute failure to cooperate in the eligibility review process unless the
				client contacts the worker prior to the appointment and one of the following
				applies:
(A) the appointment conflicted
			 with the client's working hours; or
(B) the conditions of
			 106 CMR 701.380(A)(1) or
			 (2) apply.
Assistance shall be terminated upon proper notification when
				the worker cannot complete the eligibility review because the client has not
				appeared for the scheduled appointment.
If the client completes the eligibility review process within
				30 calendar days of the termination date, the worker shall determine
				eligibility based upon information submitted during the process and within the
				30-calendar-day period following the termination date.
If the client is determined eligible, assistance shall be
				authorized as of the date of the appointment (if the verifications demonstrate
				eligibility as of this date), or the date on which all eligibility factors were
				met, whichever is later.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 701.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: General Policies › Section 701.450 - Electronic Benefit Transfer Cards

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(A)
Requirements
. The individual authorized to access the
			 assistance unit's grant shall have an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card
			 issued by the Department. This individual may be the grantee who receives a
			 grant for an assistance unit, an ineligible grantee or an authorized payee.
			 When an EBT Card is issued to someone other than the grantee, the EBT Card
			 shall contain both the name of the grantee and the name of the individual
			 authorized to access the grant for an assistance unit. If requested by the
			 grantee, an EBT Card may be issued to both him or her and the individual
			 authorized to access the grant for an assistance unit.
(B)
Emergency Electronic Benefit
			 Transfer Cards
. Emergency EBT Cards shall be issued to the
			 grantee, or the authorized payee, when the Department is unable to issue an
			 initial or replacement EBT Card because the Department's card issuance system
			 is not functioning.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 701.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: General Policies › Section 701.510 - TAFDC Time Standards for Department Action

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(A) The time standard for Department action
			 on a TAFDC case is the number of days within which the Department must complete
			 the action for the delivery of the benefit. Benefit delivery time is counted in
			 consecutive calendar days beginning on the day after the benefit is asked for,
			 and includes the day when the benefit is provided, or a voucher issued, or a
			 third party is authorized to provide the benefit. Issuance of temporary
			 MassHealth cards is measured in working days.
(B) A request for a benefit may be made
			 verbally or in writing by a client or by the client's representative. Any
			 request must be recorded in the case record. The date the request is made must
			 be recorded. When the request is for replacement of a lost or stolen check, the
			 date of the request is the date the client signs a Statement of Loss Form
			 (FCB-1).
A request may be made to: the worker assigned to the case, the
				supervisor of the worker assigned to the case, the Assistant Director or the
				Director.
(C) In all cases,
			 the time standard is the maximum time allowed if the client provides the
			 required verification; however, the requested benefit must be provided as soon
			 as possible. The time standards for providing benefits are extended by the
			 number of days, if any, that a client is late in providing verification. Any
			 delay must be recorded in the case record.
(D) If a client asks for a benefit in
			 advance, and the Department action deadline is prior to the date the benefit is
			 needed, then action will be postponed until, but not later than, the date the
			 benefit is needed.
(E) Failure to
			 provide a benefit within the allowable time period does not relieve the
			 Department's obligation to provide the benefit.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 701.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: General Policies › Section 701.520 - TAFDC Time Standards for Verification

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(A) Except in cases of immediate need
			 (
see
106 CMR
			 702.125:
Application
			 Activities
), no benefit may be provided unless all required
			 verifications are received. If verification is needed before providing a
			 benefit, the client must be immediately notified of the specific verification
			 needed, the time period for the verification, and the consequences of late or
			 missing verifications.
(B)
Immediate Notification
means:
(1) Hand delivered written notice on the date
			 of the in-person request for a benefit;
(2) Notice mailed immediately or no later
			 than three calendar days of receiving a mailed benefit request; or
(3) Verbal notice on the date of a telephone
			 request for a benefit, followed by written notice immediately or no later than
			 three calendar days.
No written notice is required if the request is for a Temporary
				MassHealth Card.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 701.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: General Policies › Section 701.530 - TAFDC Table of Time Standards

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
The time standards which apply to the benefits authorized by
				the TAFDC Program are given below.
BENEFITS
MANUAL REFERENCE
CLIENT VERIFICATION TIME FROM DATE OF DEPARTMENT
							 NOTICE
DEPARTMENT
BENEFIT DELIVERY TIME (FOR TIMELY
							 VERIFICATION)
FROM DATE OF REQUEST FOR BENEFITS
(A) Voucher
1. Advance on Lost and Stolen Check
							 Replacement
106 CMR
							 706.530:
Immediate Assistance
Pending Replacement
*
Uncashed Checks
N/A
seven calendar days (to issuance of
							 voucher)
Cashed Checks
N/A
14 calendar days (to issuance of voucher)
(B) Replacement of Lost and Stolen
							 Checks
106 CMR
							 706.510:
Authorization of a Replacement
							 Check
Stolen Uncashed Checks
N/A
12 calendar days (to issuance of voucher)
Stolen Cashed Checks
N/A
26 calendar days (to issuance of voucher)
(C) Issuance of temporary MassHealth
							 Card
106 CMR
							 702.125:
Application
							 Activities
next working day
Next working day (to issuance of check)
(D) Case
							 Maintenance
1. Change in Address
106 CMR
							 702.400:
Case
							 Maintenance
eight calendar days if verification is necessary (see
							 106 CMR
							 701.410)
14 calendar days (to entry on file)
2. Increase in Grant
106 CMR
							 702.400:
Case
							 Maintenance
ten calendar days
19 calendar days (to entry on file)
(E) TAFDC-related Benefits
106 CMR 705.000
26 calendar days
45 calendar days
* The period must be the number of days, if less than seven,
				necessary to avoid any serious and imminent risk to the health and safety of
				the applicant or client which might occur from not acting on the request until
				the full seven days have passed.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 702.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: Eligibility Process › Section 702.000 - Overview of the Eligibility Process

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
The eligibility process consists of the determination and
				review of eligibility. Verification, case maintenance, notification, and
				consideration of the appeal, if any, are activities which support the
				determination and review of eligibility.
The eligibility process is described in the following
				sections:
(A) Applications,
			 106 CMR
			 702.110;
(B) Eligibility Review,
			 106 CMR
			 702.200;
(C) Verification,
			 106 CMR
			 702.300;
(D) Case Maintenance,
			 106 CMR
			 702.400;
(E) Notification,
			 106 CMR
			 702.500;
(F) Appeals,
			 106 CMR
			 702.600;
(G) Development of Other Benefits,
			 106 CMR
			 702.700;
(H) Assignments for Third-party Recoveries,
			 106 CMR
			 702.800; and
(I) Income Reporting,
			 106
			 CMR 702.900.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 702.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: Eligibility Process › Section 702.105 - Case Management Requirements for the TAFDC Program

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
The Department shall provide a written or verbal summary of the
				regulations and requirements for the TAFDC program. This summary shall include,
				but is not limited to, information about:
(1) time limits for assistance;
(2) fraud penalties;
(3) school attendance requirements;
(4) immunization requirements; and
(5) protective payments for rent or
			 utilities.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 702.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: Eligibility Process › Section 702.110 - The Application Process

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
The application process consists of all the activities used to
				determine the eligibility of a TAFDC or EAEDC applicant. These activities start
				with the filing of an application and concluded with a final disposition of the
				application.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 702.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: Eligibility Process › Section 702.115 - Filing of Applications

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(A)
Right to Apply.
Every person has the right, and must
			 be given the opportunity, to apply for assistance without delay. Individuals
			 who ask about assistance must be provided with oral and written information
			 about the benefits, conditions of eligibility, rights and responsibilities
			 associated with the cash assistance programs.
If asked, an application must be taken even though an
				individual appears to be ineligible.
(B)
Definition.
An
			 application is a signed and dated request for assistance. The application is
			 filed when the applicant signs and dates the prescribed forms. The application
			 is completed by the worker during an intake interview.
An application is different from an inquiry, which is simply a
				request for information about the TAFDC program or its eligibility
				requirements. An inquiry may result in an application, referral to another
				agency, or no further action.
(C)
Application for Dependent
			 Children.
The application for a dependent child must be filed by
			 the grantee or the grantee's authorized representative.
(D)
Activities to be Completed
			 within 24 Hours.
If the worker cannot complete all parts of the
			 application within 24 hours of filing, excluding weekends and holidays, he or
			 she, or a Department representative shall, within 24 hours, complete the
			 following activities:
(1) Log the case in to
			 the Department's system which includes recording the applicant's name, address,
			 telephone number, and the date on which the application was filed;
(2) Ask the applicant about, and make
			 provisions to meet, his or her immediate needs in accordance with
			 106 CMR
			 702.125;
(3) Inform the applicant of the steps that he
			 or she must take to complete the application and of general verification
			 requirements and have the applicant sign and date the first part of the
			 application; and
(4) Schedule
			 within seven calendar days any additional interviews that may be necessary to
			 approve or deny the application within 30 calendar days.
(a) If the applicant fails to appear for the
			 scheduled interview, the interview shall be rescheduled for the earliest
			 possible date.
(b) If the applicant
			 fails to appear for a second scheduled interview, the application shall be
			 denied for failure to keep an appointment.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 702.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: Eligibility Process › Section 702.125 - Application Activities

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(A)
Completion of Interviews
. The worker is responsible
			 for the completion of the application interview form, which is then signed by
			 the applicant. The worker is responsible for assuring that the information
			 recorded accurately represents what the applicant states about his or her
			 circumstances.
(B)
Identification of the Applicant
. The worker must
			 establish the identity of the applicant. Proof of identity may be a Social
			 Security number, driver's license, voter registration card, military service
			 papers, marriage license, employment papers or any of the items provided in
			 106 CMR
			 703.220:
TAFDC Dependent Child:
			 Younger than 18 Years Old
or
			 106 CMR
			 703.810:
EAEDC Identification of the
			 Applicant
used in the verification of age.
(C)
Development of Other
			 Benefits
. The worker must review any other benefits such as Social
			 Security or SSI/SSP the applicant or members of the assistance unit may be
			 entitled.
See
106 CMR
			 702.700.
(D)
Explanation of Rights and
			 Responsibilities
. The applicant must be informed at the time of
			 application of his or her rights and responsibilities associated with the
			 program for which he or she is applying.
See
106 CMR
			 701.300:
Rights of Applicants and
			 Clients
, and
			 106 CMR
			 701.400:
Responsibilities of
			 Applicants and Clients
.
(E)
Related Benefits and
			 Services
. The worker must inform the applicant that eligibility
			 for TAFDC or EAEDC benefits will confer eligibility for MassHealth as specified
			 in the regulations of the Division of Medical Assistance; that he or she may
			 choose to apply for SNAP benefits as part of the application and that SNAP
			 eligibility will be determined according to SNAP eligibility criteria; and that
			 if he or she is found ineligible for TAFDC or EAEDC he or she may make a
			 separate application for MassHealth, and/or SNAP benefits. The worker must make
			 any necessary referrals for other benefits or services, such as child care.
See
106 CMR 705:
Related Benefits
.
(F)
Immediate Needs
.
			 At the intake interview, or within 24 hours of the filing of the application if
			 the intake interview cannot be held immediately, the worker must ask the
			 applicant if he or she is in immediate need of food, shelter (including rent,
			 fuel and utilities) or medical care. If so, and the applicant appears to be
			 eligible based on the information available, the worker shall inform the
			 applicant of the option to receive an advance on the cash benefits:
(1) An applicant has the option to receive:
(a) a shelter voucher;
(b) a food voucher, if he or she appears to
			 be ineligible for SNAP benefits;
(c) expedited SNAP benefits through EBT if he
			 or she appears to be eligible for SNAP benefits; and/or
(d) a temporary MassHealth card, if
			 needed.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 702.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: Eligibility Process › Section 702.130 - Responsibility for Eligibility Determination

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
Individuals and families shall make an application at the local
				office serving the community in which they currently reside.
If the applicant then moves to an area covered by another
				office before a determination of eligibility is made, the original office shall
				retain responsibility for completing the application process. The new office
				shall cooperate with the original office and shall assist the applicant when
				necessary. If the applicant is determined eligible, the case shall be
				established and transferred by the original office within ten calendar days of
				the eligibility determination to the new office.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 702.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: Eligibility Process › Section 702.150 - Date Assistance Begins

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
Assistance to eligible applicants begins on:
(A) the date of application if verifications
			 demonstrate that the applicable financial and nonfinancial eligibility factors
			 have been met as of that date. The date of application is the date on which the
			 full application was signed and dated, or the date on which the first part of
			 the application was signed and dated, whichever is earlier.
(B) the date on which the verifications
			 demonstrated that the eligibility requirements in 106 CMR 703.000:
Transitional Cash Assistance Program: Nonfinancial Eligibility
and 704.000:
Transitional Cash Assistance Program: Financial
			 Eligibility
have been met by the applicant, provided this date does
			 not precede the date of application, if the verifications submitted during the
			 application process, as well as those submitted within the time frames of
			 106 CMR
			 702.140(B), do not establish
			 eligibility on the date of application; or
(C) the day following the date assistance
			 ended for the members of the filing unit in another state, the date of
			 application in the Commonwealth or the date all eligibility factors are met,
			 whichever is later, if one or more members of the filing unit was receiving
			 public assistance in another state.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 702.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: Eligibility Process › Section 702.160 - Time Standards for Applications

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(A)
Completed Verifications
. For those applicants who
			 provide all required verifications within 22 calendar days of the date of
			 application, the determination of eligibility shall be completed so that the
			 initial benefits are provided or a notice of denial is mailed within 30
			 calendar days of the date of application.
(B)
Extensions
.
			 Applicants who have not provided verifications by the
			 22nd calendar day from the date of application shall
			 receive an eight calendar day extension to provide the required verifications.
			 At the time the eight day extension is granted, the worker shall send the
			 applicant a list of all outstanding eligibility factors to be verified and the
			 alternative verifications allowed for those eligibility factors. The worker
			 shall advise the applicant that help is available to obtain such verification.
			 An additional 15 calendar day extension may be granted to applicants who make a
			 written request for such an extension and who have a reasonable explanation for
			 not having provided all verifications. The applicant's written request for an
			 extension must be received by the office by the 30th
			 day following the date of application. Reasonable explanations for granting an
			 extension include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) the verification is dependent on a third
			 party and the applicant has taken all necessary steps on his or her part to
			 obtain it;
(2) demonstrated serious
			 illness or incapacity of the applicant or other family member has delayed
			 providing the required verifications.
The worker shall make a determination of eligibility so that
				the initial benefits are provided or a notice of denial is mailed within eight
				calendar days of the receipt of all verifications.
If, by the last day of the initial eight day extension period,
				the applicant fails to either submit all verifications or request an additional
				extension, the worker shall deny the application for lack of verification
				required to make a determination of eligibility.
If an additional extension is requested and granted and by the
				final day of the 15-day-extension period the applicant fails to provide all
				verifications, then the worker shall deny the application for lack of
				verification required to make a determination of eligibility.
If the applicant subsequently submits all required
				verifications within 30 calendar days of the date of the denial notice and if
				the only reason for denial was the lack of verification required to make a
				determination of eligibility, the worker shall make a second eligibility
				determination based on the date of application so that the initial benefits are
				provided or a notice of denial is mailed within eight calendar days of
				receiving all verifications.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 702.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: Eligibility Process › Section 702.170 - Reapplication

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
An applicant who has been denied has the right, and must be
				given the opportunity, to reapply without delay in accordance with
				106 CMR
				702.110 through
				106 CMR
				702.160.
If the worker could not determine eligibility solely because
				required verifications were not provided, and if the applicant subsequently
				submits all required verifications within 30 calendar days of the date of the
				denial notice, the applicant shall not be required to submit another
				application. The worker shall make an eligibility determination based on the
				information submitted during the initial application process and during the 30
				calendar days subsequent to the denial notice. If the verifications demonstrate
				that the applicant was eligible for all or any part of this time period, the
				date assistance begins shall be determined in accordance with
				106 CMR
				702.150.
If a Reapplication is submitted, it shall be associated with
				the original application and the applicant shall not be required to provide any
				verifications that are in the case record and that are not subject to
				change.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 702.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: Eligibility Process › Section 702.180 - Meeting Application Time Standards

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(A) If an applicant provides all required
			 verifications, and initial benefits are provided or notice of denial is mailed
			 within 30 calendar days of the date of application, the Department shall have
			 met its application time standards.
(B) If an applicant was informed orally
			 within 24 hours of the date of application of general verification requirements
			 and in writing within seven calendar days of the date of application of
			 specific verification requirements (
See
106 CMR
			 702.115 and
			 702.125 )
			 the Department shall have met its application time standards if:
(1) The applicant provides all required
			 verifications within 22 calendar days of the date of application and the
			 initial benefits are provided or a notice of denial is mailed within 30
			 calendar days of the date of application; or
(2) The applicant is granted an extension in
			 accordance with
			 106 CMR
			 702.160 and the initial benefits are provided
			 or a notice of denial is mailed within eight calendar days of the receipt of
			 all verifications.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 702.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: Eligibility Process › Section 702.190 - Failure to Register as Sex Offender

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
The Department shall not approve an application for new
				benefits for any person required to register pursuant to M.G.L. c. 6,
				§§ 178C through 178P, and who has failed to register until the
				individual registers as required by M.G.L. c. 6, §§ 178C through
				178P. Prior to the denial of benefits, the Department shall provide the
				applicant with:
(1) notice of the
			 applicant's failure to register; and
(2) a reasonable opportunity to be
			 heard.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE › Title 106 CMR 702.000 - Transitional Cash Assistance Programs: Eligibility Process › Section 702.200 - Eligibility Reviews

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
An eligibility review is a periodic review of a client's
				circumstances in relation to the eligibility requirements of each program. The
				focus of the eligibility review process is on those factors of eligibility that
				are potentially subject to change.