Govt. Agency /Court Links& Materials

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Links to court or government agency websites. Also, materials issued by the agency or court itself (except for regulations and decisions) as well as rules and procedures governing the court or agency and its operations.

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OLGT 2017-98 - Field Requested BEACON Changes

DTA
The Department continually strives to enhance the tools developed to allow staff to do their work more efficiently. To that end, EHS IT visited the New Bedford TAO to elicit suggestions from staff for improving BEACON functionality and usability.    Many of the changes suggested and scheduled for…

OLGT 2017-95 - Contribution Income and Vendor Payments

DTA
Entering income appropriately is critical to ensuring an accurate benefit calculation for all programs. To accomplish this, staff must be aware of the means in which the income is received so that it can be appropriately entered into BEACON. When someone external to the SNAP household gives the…

OLGT 2017-97 - The 2018 Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), Massachusetts Earned Income Credit (EIC) and Child Care Assistance Mailing

DTA
In January, the Department will issue the annual Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), Massachusetts Earned Income Credit (EIC), and child care assistance informational mailing.  The mailing is scheduled to begin January 3, 2018.    The mailing will be sent to all active TAFDC…

OLGT 2017-99 - Unreadable Documents

DTA
The Department continually strives to enhance the tools developed to allow staff to do their work more efficiently. To that end, EHS IT visited the New Bedford TAO to elicit suggestions from staff for improving BEACON functionality and usability.    Many of the changes suggested and scheduled for…

OLGT 2017-96 - Absence Page Changes

DTA
Cooperation between DTA and the Department of Revenue Child Support Enforcement (DOR/CSE) is a requirement for TAFDC eligibility for households where a parent is absent.  The Absence page in the Assessed Person Nonfinancials workflow in BEACON is the tool for DTA-DOR/CSE information-sharing. …

MassHealth Restructuring Web Page

MassHealth
Bookmark this page for materials on changes in the MassHealth delivery and payment system. It currently includes copies  of the Model contracts with new Accountable Care Organizations that will be providing services starting March 1, 2018 and includes a powerpoint presentation on new behavioral…

DHCD Housing Guidance in Spanish

DHCD
One-page Spanish language document that summarizes the key points in previous housing guidance that DHCD issued regarding Hurricane Self-evacuees.  

MassHealth Managed Care Notices Mailed Nov 13-Dec 22 2017

MassHealth & MLRI
Starting on Nov 13, and continuing through Dec 22, 2017 MassHealth is notifying 1.2 million members enrolled in managed care of new options starting March 1, 2018 including new Accountable Care Organizations. This is the Delivery System Reform Innovation approved in the November 2016 amendment to…

DHCD Tenant Selection Review Decision Index No. 42

DHCD
Decisions are from May 24th, 2017 and November 13th, 2017.

Portability Guidance

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
On October 11, 2017 HUD released interim guidance for PHAs receiving requests from participants porting from Presidentially declared Major Disaster Declaration areas. This guidance provides more details for receiving PHAs on how to process ports when the initial PHA is not able to complete all…

Massachusetts Hurricane Recovery Resources for Evacuees

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Commonwealth has coordinated efforts across the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Executive Office of Education, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, the Executive Office of Housing and Economic…

RAFT Response to Hurricane Evacuees

Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT)
RAFT continues to be a homelessness prevention response for families who are residents of Massachusetts and who are experiencing a housing crisis. DHCD anticipates that some families who fled from Hurricane Maria and who currently live in Massachusetts will apply and be found eligible for RAFT to…

SSA Legislative Research Resources

Social Security Administration
Agency testimony from 1995 (104th Congress) to present (115th Congress): https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/congressionaltestimony.html A summary of the current legislative developments: https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/115th.html Regulatory actions (up to…

Collateral Contact Form (Voluntary Authorization to Release Information/ VARI)

DTA
This form (VARI-OI) allows DTA worker to assist client with obtaining verifications from third parties such as employers, landlords, schools, etc.  Complete and send this form to DTA for verifications you do not have that are required for your SNAP benefits.  DTA also has a separate from…

Division of Public Housing Organizational Documents

DHCD
DHCD Public Housing Staff Contact List DHCD Public Housing Organizational Structure DHCD Team Assignment by Community 

FEMA: Transitional Sheltering Assistance Available to Residents of Puerto Rico Displaced by Hurricanes Irma and Maria

FEMA
FEMA and the government of Puerto Rico announced today that Transitional Sheltering Assistance is available to Puerto Ricans who are unable to return to their homes because they are displaced as a result of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. This is one of several short-term housing options being offered to…

OLGT 2017-90: SNAP Application for Seniors

DTA
The Department has revised, enhanced and renamed the Simplified SNAP Application for Elderly Applicants. Implementation date for this document is 11/1/17. In addition to a new title, SNAP Application for Seniors, the reading level was reduced, the font was increased for easier review, additional…

OLGT 2017-92: TAFDC and EAEDC: Vendor Payment Address Changes for Clients with Eversource Utilities

DTA
Some TAFDC and EAEDC clients utilize vendor payments to meet their monthly utility payments by having money deducted from their grant and paid directly to the vendor.  It is important that case managers select the correct vendor in SSPS to ensure payments are made to the appropriate…

OLGT 2017-91: SNAP – Student Eligibility Clarifications

DTA
Clients between the ages of 18 and 49 who attend an institution of higher education at least half time and do not meet an exemption are considered students and must meet certain criteria to be eligible for SNAP.  This Transmittal informs staff of updated Online Guide content related…

OLGT 2017-82B: Applications as a Result of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria

DTA
On August 25, 2017 Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas. Approximately a week later Hurricane Irma hit several Caribbean islands before making landfall in Florida. On September 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico.    While the full extent of damages and loss has not yet been…

OLGT 2017-88: SNAP – School Employees and Mandatory Income Averaging

DTA
Due to the manner in which school employees receive income, special certification procedures may be required. Teachers and other school employees, who receive their annual income in a period of time shorter than one year, must have their income averaged over a twelve (12) month period if…

Housing Assistance and Guidance For Households Displaced By Recent Hurricanes in TX, FL, PR, USVI

Authorship unknown
See the attached file for guidance from BHA, HUD, DHCD, FEMA and the IRS.

School Enrollment Information for Children Who Have Lost Their Housing

DESE
FAQs from DESE on information for children who have lost housing.

Notice to individuals who left Puerto Rico due to the recent hurricanes and may be temporarily or permanently residing in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance
PUERTO RICO — To file a claim for unemployment assistance, please visit the Puerto Rico website at http://www.trabajo.pr.gov and file your claim online. Per guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, this is the fastest method to file a claim. If you were self-employed, were about…

Hurricane Evacuees and MassHealth Enrollment

MassHealth
Important information from MassHealth on facilitating MassHealth enrollment for hurricane evacuees. MassHealth has developed procedures to streamline the application process for these hurricane evacuees who apply for MassHealth. Click the "go to website" link to download more…

CMS Emergency Response and Recovery Website

CMS
This CMS website contains information about recent public health emergency declarations which give HHS the authority to modify or waive certain provisions of Medicare and Medicaid to assist states and territories dealing with an emergency situation such as the devestation of this year's…

Critical Needs Assistance Factsheet

FEMA
Critical Needs Assistance Factsheet in English and Spanish.

Public Housing Notice 2017-23: Housing Inquiries Due to Recent Hurricanes

DHCD
Attached please find DHCD's guidance for Local Housing Authorities regarding guests and the housing of families or individuals that are either coming to be with family or friends or looking to relocate permanently to Massachusetts in light of the recent hurricanes.

AG Advisory: Information for Massachusetts Colleges and Universities Regarding Immigrant Students

Massachusetts Attorney General's Office
From the Advisory: The Office of the Attorney General provides this guidance to the Commonwealth’s public and private colleges and universities (“Institutions of Higher Education” or “IHEs”). This advisory is intended to address issues that may affect immigrant…

How to Register with FEMA for Disaster Assistance

FEMA
News release from FEMA in English and Spanish.

Medicare Related Documents

Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Documents from the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services relevant to evacuees: Hurricane Maria and Medicare Disaster Related United States Virgin Islands and Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Claims, 10/2/17 Reminder of Pharmacy and Provider Access during a Federal Disaster or Other…

OLGT 2017-82A: Cross Programs – Applications as a Result of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria

DTA
On Sept 1st, DTA released guidance to the field (OLGT 82)advising DTA staff how to handle applications from individuals and families seeking refuge with family and friends in Massachusetts. As DTA notes, they have already been receiving calls from residents of Texas and Louisiana. If the…

OLGT 2017-71: Cross Programs - Stated Living Above Means (SLAM)

DTA
DTA’s mission is to assist and empower low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life and achieve long-term economic self-sufficiency. The Department is also responsible for maintaining the integrity of the programs it oversees. To support these…

OLGT 2017-77: TAFDC - Extension Disposition Reason for Exempt Clients

DTA
Extensions may be granted to clients who document a good faith effort to obtain employment and/or address barriers preventing employment and cooperate with the Department’s rules and regulations while receiving TAFDC. The goal of the extension is to provide temporary assistance…

OLGT 2017-83: SNAP - Child Support Expense Deduction

DTA
Legally obligated child support arrearage payments made by a household member to or for a non-household member are allowed as a SNAP deduction, as long as the payments meet certain requirements and are properly verified.

OLGT 2017-87: Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education and Student Assigned ID (SASID) for DTA Cash and SNAP Cases

DTA
DTA and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) collaborate to identify children in households who receive SNAP and/or TAFDC assistance and are attending public schools. This collaboration results in "direct certification" by enrolling qualifying…

OLGT 2017-68: TAFDC and EAEDC - Cash Cases with Potential Earnings

DTA
TAFDC and EAEDC clients must report any new income or a change in income over $100 a month to DTA within 10 days. DTA receives information about certain TAFDC and EAEDC clients with potential earnings from the Department of Revenue. In an ongoing effort to ensure program integrity and client…

OLGT 2017-75: Cross Programs - Questionable and/or Contradictory Information

DTA
DTA is committed to the timely and accurate delivery of benefits. Clients must provide information specific to their circumstances. DTA is obligated to evaluate that information and determine if additional information or verifications are needed. Information that is questionable or…

OLGT 2017-78: TAFDC and EAEDC - Correction of Lump Sum Cursor Questions

DTA
When a client reports receipt of lump sum income, it is important to ask the appropriate questions. If the client in addition to receiving the lump sum has also experienced a natural disaster or domestic abuse they may be eligible for a recalculation of the lump sum period of ineligibility, and…

OLGT 2017-84: SNAP - Annual Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) and Standard Utility Allowances Change

DTA
At the beginning of each Federal fiscal year, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service adjusts maximum SNAP benefits, deductions, and income eligibility standards. These adjustments are based on changes in the cost of living. States are also required to adjust their Standard Utility Allowances (SUAs)…

Operations Bulletin 2017-09: In-Person Client Services

DTA

OLGT 2017-70: Cross Programs - Completing Unvalidated Address Change Requests

DTA
Prospective SNAP clients may request that applications be sent to their address via the DTA Assistance Line. Additionally, active DTA clients (except for those with Heightened Level of Security or who have elected to block access to online services) can report address changes via the…

OLGT 2017-76: Cross Programs - Administrative Closure Signoff Change

DTA
When closing a case or a case member with a reason of Administrative Closure, all EBC notices are suppressed. In these instances, the client will not receive a closing notice. As such, the use of Administrative Closure must be used only in extenuating circumstances. To avoid the inappropriate…

OLGT 2017-80: TAFDC - Allowing the Rent Allowance Benefit for Certain Household Expenses

DTA
The Rent Allowance policy found at 106 CMR 705.910 states that TAFDC clients are eligible for a Rent/Mortgage allowance (hereafter referred to as rent allowance) of $40 per month in their TAFDC grant, provided they do not live in public, state or federally subsidized housing, and have rent,…

OLGT 2017-86: Cross Programs - Phone Related Updates

DTA
DTA continues to make enhancements to improve service deliver for clients and to provide staff the supports necessary to deliver those services. One of the ways DTA can ensure access for most clients is through phone interactions.

CMS Announces Special Enrollment Periods for Americans Impacted by Recent Hurricanes

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
As a result of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will make available special enrollment periods for all Medicare beneficiaries and certain individuals seeking health plans offered through the Federal Health Insurance Exchange. This important…

Subcommittee on Social Security, Committee on Ways and Means, House of Representative

The jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on Social Security includes bills and matters referred to the Committee on Ways and Means that relate to the Federal Old Age, Survivors’ and Disability Insurance System, the Railroad Retirement System, and employment taxes and trust fund operations relating…

OLGT 2017-81: DTA Guidance on Client Requests to Block Access to Online Information (DTA Connect, IVR, MAP)

DTA
For many years, DTA has had an option called “Heightened Level of Security” for clients worried about their safety and security. Clients who sign up for heightened security discuss this with a DTA worker and sign a form. For cases with heightened security, DTA is not allowed to…

Food Stamp application --SSI households/individuals FSP/SSA-1

DTA
This Food Stamp/SNAP application form is one of the forms that may be used by Social Security District Offices for SSI recipients ineligible for Bay State CAP households, or SSI applicants who wish to apply for expedited or higher FS/SNAP benefits. SSA offices have an obligation to take SNAP…

OLGT 2017-72: TAFDC and EAEDC: Fair Market Car Valuation

DTA
Effective immediately, all fair market vehicle valuations will be determined by utilizing the Trade-In Value on Kelley Blue Book or any other car valuation source.