DHS will provide (MA) to every individual who meets the program rules, even if that individual has received MA before. Using any of the following categories to refuse to provide MA to anyone is considered discrimination.
Sex.
Color.
Race.
Age.
National origin.
Ancestry.
Disability.
Religious creed.
Sexual preference.
Lifestyle.
Union membership.
Political belief.
DHS may discipline any employee who discriminates against an individual who is applying for services or benefits.
This policy applies to the following areas:
Use of physical facilities.
Intake and application procedures.
Case assignments.
Methods of deciding on eligibility and payment amount.
Entitlement to other benefits.
Use of payment and other benefits.
Anyone who feels he or she has been discriminated against has the right to file a complaint and request a hearing. The individual must write to or call the Bureau of Equal Opportunity for the local area.
Each CAO must display a poster that explains the Civil Rights Act and provides an address and phone number for filing complaints. The CAO must provide a Civil Rights Complaint Form (PW 125) to anyone who wants to use a form to file the complaint. (See Supplemental Handbook, Chapter 880, Nondiscrimination, Appendix A, Discrimination Complaints.)
NOTE: For more information, see the Supplemental Handbook, Chapter 880, Nondiscrimination
Updated February 14, 2012, Replacing September 6, 2008