Complete a review of SAB eligibility every 12 months. Every review or change in circumstances requires appropriate action and recording.
When one or more changes occur, evaluate which eligibility factors may be in question to determine whether a complete reinvestigation is necessary or whether a review of certain eligibility factors will suffice. This may include: marriage, appointment of guardian, change in living arrangements, or change in income.
Reviews of SAB cases are to be done annually. The review should be completed through the mail. A face-to-face interview is not required. A review can be completed without a review form (IM- 2U), if all the information is obtained. If eligibility can be established from information in existing records (Food Stamps, spouse's MA case, etc.), a review form is not necessary. A case may not be closed for failure to return a review form, or complete an annual review, if continued eligibility can be established based on available information from other sources.
When completing a review, a new budget, income and resource documentation, and the eligibility determination should be recorded.
SAB recipients are required to report changes in circumstances affecting eligibility factors within ten calendar days of the change. If the reported change in circumstances (address, income, resources, etc.) indicates a decrease in grant, lower level of care, or ineligibility, notify the claimant of any action precipitated by the change within ten days of the date the claimant reports the change.
If the change in circumstances results in an increase in grant, the increase becomes effective the month after the month in which the change is reported. If the increase is not reflected in the effective month's check, issue a deficiency payment.
Also issue deficiency payments to SAB claimants when an underpayment of benefits has been made due to an error by the agency. Issue deficiency payments only on behalf of persons currently receiving assistance and only for the 12-month period preceding the month of discovery of the underpayments.
When it is necessary to reduce a claimant's grant, the following applies:
Claimants who plan to enter or currently reside in a nursing home may be eligible for SAB vendor payments made to the nursing home on their behalf.
Refer to Medical Assistance policy for guidance in determining eligibility and transferring a case to vendor payments.
If a change in circumstances results in a determination of ineligibility for SAB, ineligibility for all Medicaid/MC+ categories must be established prior to taking action to close the case. All available information should be carefully reviewed. If potential eligibility exists under another category, change the case address if necessary, and continue Medicaid under SAB while exploring the other eligibility. Action may be taken to discontinue the cash grant while not affecting the Medicaid eligibility. Once the eligibility determination is complete, transfer the recipient to the appropriate Medicaid category. Initiate action to close the case (IM-80, etc.) if no other eligibility exists.
Do not ask the claimant to provide new information that is available to the agency or to re-verify current case information. In some situations it may be necessary to obtain additional information from the client to determine eligibility in another category. Do not close while attempting to complete the new eligibility determination.
When a claimant receiving another form of assistance becomes blind and eligible for SAB, transfer the claimant from the other assistance to SAB. Such transfer is desirable to maintain a complete roster of all eligible blind persons in the State.
If a claimant is blind and under age 65, the claimant is expected to apply for SAB rather than SNC, MA or GR. Make every effort to explain this policy to the claimant; however, if the claimant refuses to apply for SAB, do not close the case in the other program, and do not deny the opportunity to file for another type of assistance (except for General Relief -- the claimant cannot choose to remain on GR or apply for GR if eligible for SAB).
Cases involving changes in category must take precedence in investigation and approval over other applications pending. when possible, correlate changes in assistance to avoid interruption of assistance.
When a case is changed form one category to another, the first payment in the new category is ordinarily reflected in the next check the claimant receives.
In some instances claimants of Supplemental Payments receive a greater advantage by transferring to SAB.
If the conversion status is based on Aid to the Blind eligibility factors, the SAB payment may be made as an option used to determine the amount of the grant for SSI/SP or SP only. However, if the conversion status is based on OAA or PTD eligibility factors, an SAB application is required. Refer to the policy covering SSI- SSI/SP-SP only.
Make referrals to Rehabilitation Services for the Blind (RSB) on all visually handicapped persons who may benefit from the type of services RSB offers. These services include Vocational Rehabilitation of the Blind, Prevention of Blindness, Home Teaching Services, and Services to Blind Children.