To be eligible for TMA in either MG71 or MG23 budget, individuals must meet the following requirements:
Lose eligibility for TANF (C or U) or MG27 due to an increase in income:
MG71 category – increase in earned income from someone in the TANF or Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) household.
MG23 category - increase in spousal support/alimony for someone in the TANF or MAGI household.
NOTE: Child support is NOT counted for MAGI determinations. An increase in child support will not open MG23.
Be active in a TANF (C or U) or MG27 budget for at least three of the six months prior to losing eligibility due to an increase in earned income (MG71) or spousal support/alimony (MG23).
NOTE: If a TANF or MG27 budget closed with reason code “042-Failure to Furnish Required Information,” the individuals are not eligible for TMA.
Have at least one child age 18 or under in the TANF or MAGI household.
NOTE: If the child is 18, he/she must be a full-time secondary or vocational student for the child or parent/caretaker (if the 18-year-old is the only child in the MAGI household) to be considered for TMA.
Examples:
Mary and her son Mike (age 13) have been open in MG27 since July 5th. On January 6th, the household verifies that Maria started a new job in December. The caseworker processes the new income which is now above the MG27 income limit. TMA is explored and MG71 is opened effective January 6th. The sixth month MG71 SAR date is set for July 31st and the 12-month renewal date is set for January 31st the next year.
Maria and her daughter Meg (age 2) have been open in MG27 since January 10th. Maria has no earned income, but on May 21st reports and provides verification of ongoing monthly spousal support. The caseworker processes the new spousal support income which is now above the MG27 income limit. TMA is explored and MG23 is opened effective May 21st. The MG 23 four-month renewal date is set for September 30th.
If an individual leaves TMA eligibility and returns during the certification period, he/she will be able to re-enter TMA and complete the certification period.
Example: Mary and her son, Mike (age 13) are found eligible for MG71 on January 6th and the renewal date is set to the following January 31st. On March 19th, Mary reports that she and Mike moved to New Jersey. MG71 is closed. On June 22nd, Mary re-applies for MA for her and Mike after returning to Pennsylvania. Mary and Mike are eligible in MG71 through January 31st.
Eligibility for TMA begins the day the income change is processed in eCIS. If the change is not reported timely, the certification period must be adjusted so that the correct four-month (MG23) or 12-month (MG71) period is set.
Example: Sarah and her daughter, Megan (age 7) are open MG27 beginning April 10th. On November 3rd, the CAO learns through a data exchange that Sarah began a new job in July and did not report the new income. Sarah would have been required to report the new job by August 10, so the MG71 period should have begun in August. See Chapter 370, Reporting Changes.
MG71 budgets are enrolled in Semi-Annual Reporting (SAR). See Chapter 376.3, Semiannual Reporting and Section 339.31 TMA MG71 Semi-Annual Review (SAR).
During the first six months of eligibility, individuals remain in MG71 if a child age 18 or under is in the MAGI or TANF household.
NOTE: If the child is 18, he/she must be a full-time secondary or vocational student for the child or parent/caretaker (if the 18-year-old is the only child in the MAGI household) to be considered for TMA.
At the three month point in the certification, an alert (TMA 084) is created to prompt the worker to review the household in the fourth month to determine if the child is still in the household.
Example: Kelly and her son, Colin (age 13) are found eligible for MG71 on September 15th. The TMA 084 alert is generated in December. On December 19th, the CAO contacts Kelly and she reports that Colin has moved in with his father full-time. MG71 for Kelly closes and she will be reviewed for other MA categories.
To complete the review, caseworkers should attempt to contact the household. If the household cannot be reached or does not respond, assume the child is still in the household.
To remain eligible in the second six-month period of TMA the MG71 household must:
Complete and return a SAR or LIN form. See Section 339.31 TMA MG71 Semi-Annual Review (SAR) and Chapter 376.3, Semiannual Reporting.
NOTE: If a SAR or LIN form is not completed or returned, the CAO must complete an ex parte review.
Have a child age 18 or below in the MAGI household (if child is 18, he/she must be a full-time secondary or vocational student)
Have an individual in the MAGI household who is employed and receives earned income.
Have total income for the budget that does not exceed 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guideline (FPIG). See Appendix A, TMA Income Limits, MG71 – Second Six Months.
NOTE: Income will be calculated using MAGI policy. See Chapter 312.5, Income and Chapter 312.6, Income Deductions and Disregard.
If the individual is no longer eligible for MG71, other MA categories must be explored. If the individual is not eligible for any other MA category, discontinue MG71 and send the appropriate notice. See Appendix B, TMA Notice Reason/Options for all TMA notices.
Issued May 23, 2018, replacing May 18, 2018