Although the Social Security Administration is responsible for determining initial and continued eligibility for SSI, the Family Support Division (FSD) continues to have some responsibility for those December 1973 cash recipients who were “converted” to SSI-SP and SP-Only.
The December 1973 Eligible Income Level is computed by adding (1) the gross unearned income excluding income from DMH; (2) the gross earned income from salary or wages; (3) the gross earned income from Self-Employment minus overhead expenses; and (4) the December 1973 OAA, PTD, or AB payment. The total is the December 1973 EIL.
However, in some instances when the EIL amount was originally computed ALL gross income figures or ALL net income figures were used. Or, in some instances, the gross amounts of unearned and earned income from wages and the net income from self-employment was used. Whenever a re-computation is made, it is important that the type(s) of income (either gross or net) be consistent with those used originally.
If the correction of the EIL lowers it or if the change has ANY ADVERSE AFFECT ON THE CLAIMANT'S BENEFITS, follow adverse action procedures BEFORE making the indicated changes.
If it is discovered that the recipient was not eligible for a cash OAA, PTD, or AB grant for the month of December 1973 and was therefore incorrectly converted, send adverse action notice. Notify the SSA of the action. Consider restitution for these cases if the overpayment was due to the claimant's withholding information.
Use SDX printouts to control SSI-SP and SP cases. Printouts are sent to the County Offices when a change has occurred on the SSI case. Review the printout and take appropriate action. These actions may require an adjustment. For example:
New information is designated by an asterisk. Not all reported changes require action by the county.
Counties may destroy a conversion case record or materials on deceased claimants after 3 years. All other records must be retained indefinitely in case Missouri should ever claim payments from Social Security due to errors in computing payments, etc.
Some conversion case records contain printouts with a payment status code of MO-1. These were records which, through technical computer problems, were not correctly entered into the SDX system at conversion. As a result, the information on the claimants carrying an MO-1 pay status was incorrect except for the name, public assistance ID number, and SSI payment amount.
Beginning January 1, 1975 these cases were gradually reentered into the SDX system and the counties began to get the newly generated printouts with the correct pay or denial status codes. FROM THAT POINT ON the case information should be fully reliable.
These case records contain a special SSA form, the Missouri Force Pay (MO-1) Information Statistic Sheet, which is a PERMANENT part of the case record. This special form is the only source of historical data on the case. Once the MO-1 status cases were correctly entered into the SDX system, the historical information on the case was eliminated from the data bank and is no longer available from the Social Security Administration-District Office (SSA/DO).
A December 1973 OAA, PTD, or AB recipient correctly converted to SSI-SP or SP-Only status is guaranteed to have recipient conversion status restored anytime eligibility for that status is regained.
If the conversion claimant does not regain eligibility for the previously held conversion status, but does meet the qualification for another conversion category, transfer the claimant to the new category. The claimant can also be transferred to another category if eligible.
EXAMPLE: Transfer a claimant from PTD to OAA when the claimant turns age 65 to eliminate the need to secure medical information.
After determining that the SSI-SP claimant has regained eligibility for SSI, the case must be cancel closed and the highest valid payment reinstated. If the claimant is considered SP-Only, determine if income is not sufficient to meet the claimant's December 1973 EIL and if s/he continues to meet December 1973 OAA, PTD, or AB eligibility factors.
On both SSI-SP and SP-Only cases, notify the Social Security Office, if applicable.
Payments to persons eligible for a cash grant may be in the form of a check mailed to the claimant or in the form of a direct deposit to the claimant's checking or savings account. This is the claimant's option, however the claimant must have an active bank account in order to use the option of direct deposit.
Retroactive payments are made in SP-Only and SSI-SP cases to recipients who did not receive ANY SP payment in a month for which they were entitled.
A deficiency payment is made to conversion claimants who are presently receiving benefits but, through error, received an underpayment in a month for which they were entitled. Use overpayments to offset underpayments when applicable.
NOTE: Submit retroactive or deficiency payments to the State Office, Program and Policy Section for approval PRIOR TO NOTIFYING THE CLAIMANT.
FOR SSI-SP, an SSI case will not be suspended by SSA if disqualification criteria is met. That is, if an individual has resources, income, etc. that cause ineligibility for one month or longer the SSI case is closed AND the individual must reapply in order to regain SSI eligibility. Individuals who are shown on the SDX with a payment status code of “N” are not eligible for a deficiency SP payment if any of the following conditions are present:
Deficiency payments may not be authorized if the claimant requests an overpayment of SSI benefits be deducted from the OASDI payment. This decision by the claimant is voluntary and therefore should not be considered as a loss of income. The SSI ELIGIBILITY AMOUNT must be used in computing the SP payment. Whenever OASDI benefits are reduced, determine the cause for the reduction. If the cause is due to an overpayment, request a deficiency payment.
For either type of payment, a payment may be made for no more than 60 months. The 60-month time limit includes the month of discovery.
Take the following steps when an SSI-SP case is determined eligible under SAB criteria AND a deficiency payment is due:
Initiate restitution if the recomputations indicate an overpayment due to the SP-Only/SSI-SP recipient's failure to notify the agency in a timely manner of a change in circumstances. (Refer to General Information Manual, Legal Aspects)
A SP (SSI-SP or SP-Only) claimant must apply for and cooperate in establishing eligibility for all benefits to which the claimant is entitled. These benefits may be from annuities, retirement or disability pensions or compensations (either from private or public sources) including OASDI, RRB, VA, and SSI benefits. If the claimant doesn't apply for these benefits, or refuses to apply and/or cooperate, close the claimant's SP and Title XIX.
Record all information pertaining to the decision to close. If, at a later date, the claimant applies and cooperates to receive the benefits, meets the December 1973 eligibility requirements, and his countable income does not meet or exceed his EIL, recompute the Supplemental Payment case and restore the claimant's conversion status by cancel closing.