In some instances it is possible to arrange an application interview for ongoing benefits on the same day that the person is released from the institution.
The instructions in Section 192.61 apply to situations when this can be arranged.
The staff of the releasing facility must:
Identify persons who do not have income and/or resources to meet their immediate needs when released.
Help the person prepare for the application interview by:
Discussing with the person their plans for living arrangements when released;
Discussing income and/or resources that may be available to the person;
Identifying and verifying income available to the person while in the facility, such as Social Security benefits;
Verifying the amount available in the person’s patient fund account;
Providing help verifying other resources the person has such as bank accounts, life insurance, vehicles, etc.; and
Arranging for the person to apply for federal benefits for which they may be eligible. Arrangements are also made for a change of payee if the facility is the payee for benefits the person is receiving.
Verify that:
The person’s income and resources are within the eligibility limits; and
All information needed to determine eligibility is available.
Contact the CAO at least two weeks before the expected date of discharge to request an application interview.
Provide the CAO with the following information when making the request for an application interview:
Last name;
First name;
Date of birth.
Provide the following information if available:
Sex;
Race;
Maiden name;
Alias;
Whether the person has received assistance in the last three years.
Inform the person of the date and place of the application interview. They will also give the person the completed medical assessment form and any other verification needed.
The CAO must do the following:
Designate at least one staff member to be the contact person for the releasing facility;
Take calls from the releasing facility and answer questions about eligibility;
Schedule the application interview on the date of release or within 24 hours of release, or on the date the person reaches the county of residence;
Send the appointment notice to the releasing facility, confirming the date and time of the application interview;
Make an immediate decision, following the interview, on the person’s eligibility for cash, food stamps and medical assistance; and
Make sure an OTI is issued the same day as the interview, if the person is eligible.
Updated October 15, 2024, Reviewed July 14, 2017