Ops Memo 2012-59: Processing TAFDC or SNAP Benefits for Clients Affected by the Loss of Unemployment Compensation Benefits

Overview

The Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) Program is a 100% federally funded program that provides benefits to individuals who have exhausted regular unemployment compensation (UC) benefits. Unless Congress changes the law, EUC payments will end as of December 29, 2012, even if the claimant has a balance remaining on a federal extension claim.

The Division of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) has sent letters to all claimants (Attachment A) who are receiving any type of EUC payments, informing them of the approaching cut-off date. As a result, case managers may receive calls from your clients inquiring about benefit adjustment or from new applicants inquiring about eligibility for DTA benefits.

Anticipating a significant increase in SNAP applications, the Department will implement the use of a shortened SNAP application form (Attachment B). This form was developed for use by claimants who are no longer receiving UC benefits.

Purpose Of Memo

The purpose of this Field Operations Memo is to provide TAO staff with:

• information about the DUA Hotline;
• a method to determine whether or not a claimant’s UC benefit has ended;
• information about the shortened SNAP application form;
• instructions for processing applications affected by the loss of UC benefits;
• instructions for processing existing cases affected by the loss of UC benefits;
• information about Attachment D- Tips/Information for Frontline Staff