Area Agency on Aging.
abandon
To give up control and responsibility to another, or withdraw protection, support, or help.
abandoned appeal
The failure of a household or its representative to appear at a hearing without good cause.
ABAWD
Able-bodied adult without dependents.
ACCESS card
A blue and yellow plastic card issued to persons who are authorized to receive Medical Assistance, SNAP, or cash assistance benefits. Medical providers use the card to verify eligibility for services through the Eligibility Verification System.
ACCESS Plus
ACCESS Plus is for recipients who get their health care through the ACCESS/EBT card. ACCESS Plus Enrollees will receive all medically necessary services for which they are currently eligible through their Medical Assistance benefits.
accounts receivable (AR)
An account established against a vendor that represents money due to DPW as the result of an overpayment.
actual income
The exact amount of income that is received, not averaged or converted.
adequate notice
A notice listing an action, the date the action will be taken, the reason for the action, the regulation used to take the action, a statement of what is needed (if appropriate), the applicant or recipient’s right to appeal the action, and the availability of legal aid.
administrative error
The CAO's incorrect or inappropriate action or lack of action, which includes a decision on eligibility, and results in incorrect payment of benefits.
adult
A person who is 19 years of age or older or who is 18 years of age and not a full-time student in a secondary school or in the equivalent level of vocational or technical training.
adult-supervised supportive living arrangement
A private family setting or other living arrangement, including a private institution such as a maternity home or a second-chance home approved by DPW, which is maintained as a supportive and supervised family setting based upon the assumption of responsibility for the care and control of the minor parent and dependent child by a nonrelated adult age 21 or older and the provision of supportive services such as counseling, guidance or education in addition to food and shelter.
adultBasic
A health care coverage program administered by the Insurance Department for adults age 19 through 64.
Advance Notice
The approved departmental 15-day notice sent to an individual to notify him or her of a proposed action.
Advance Notice of Adverse Action
The written notification form (PA/FS 162-A) sent to a household before any action is taken to reduce or stop its benefits.
AFDC
Aid to Families with Dependent Children.
AG
Auditor General.
aging waiver
A Home and Community-Based (HCBS) Program that allows an eligible individual age 60 or over to receive Long Term Care (LTC) services in the community rather than in an LTC facility. It is administered by the Office of Long Term Living (OLTL).
agreement of mutual responsibility (AMR)
A plan of action which the client and caseworker jointly develop to direct the client's efforts toward achieving self-sufficiency.
Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC or AFDC-U
A federal program, matched with state funds, which provided cash assistance to families which contained dependent children who were deprived of the care or support of one or both parents due to absence, incapacity, or unemployment of a parent. This program has been replaced by TANF, under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996.
alert
A control on the Client Information System (CIS) set to let the CAO worker know of a required action. It may be set by CIS or by the worker.
alien
A person who is not a U.S. citizen.
alimony
A support payment ordered by the court to a spouse or former spouse.
allotment
The total value of SNAP benefits a household is authorized to receive each month.
allowable cost of doing business
A deduction from income permitted by regulations for the cost of producing self-employment income.
allowable costs
The day-to-day expenses of operating a business.
alternate delivery
The mailing or delivery of a client's check to an address other than his own. This may include mail or direct delivery to the county assistance office.
AMR
Agreement of mutual responsibility.
annualized income
Contractual or self-employment earnings that are averaged over a 12-month period.
annuity
(1) A sum paid yearly or at other specified intervals in return for the payment of a fixed sum by the annuitant. Annuities may be purchased from an insurance company or by an employer as consideration for services provided. (2) Money received yearly or at regular intervals, such as retirement, disability, veterans benefits, workers' compensation, unemployment compensation, and survivor's, Social Security, or strike benefits.
anticipated changes
Changes that a household expects will take place within a certain time.
anticipated expenses
Expenses that a household expects to incur within a certain time.
appeal
A client's challenge to any CAO action or inaction that affects his or her benefits.
appellant
An applicant/recipient who has requested a hearing.
applicant
A person who has submitted an application for himself or herself, or on behalf of another person, and whose eligibility has not been determined.
applicant household
A person or group of persons who have submitted an application form requesting benefits but whose benefits have not been authorized.
applicant incentive test
The determination as to whether a TANF/GA related Medical Assistance applicant or recipient who has countable earned income is eligible to receive the earned income incentive deduction.
applicant/recipient group
A group of related persons who are living together and who choose to apply for or receive Medical Assistance as one group. Each applicant/recipient group has its own income and resource limits.
application filing date
The date that a signed application is accepted and date-stamped by the CAO or administering agency in the county where the applicant household lives.
application for benefits
A form (PA 600), approved by the department, that contains the names and address, unless homeless, of the applicants and the signature of the person applying.
application interview
A face-to-face or telephone contact between an applicant and an eligibility worker for the purpose of establishing eligibility for benefits.
application month
The calendar month in which an application is received by the correct CAO.
AR
Authorized representative.
Area Agency on Aging
Local agencies representing the Pennsylvania Department of Aging that act as advocates for older adults. They identify needs of older adults and develop programs to meet those needs.
ARRC
Automated Restitution Referral and Computation.
assistance group
See \"budget group.\"
asylee
This status is granted by the Immigration Service to a non-citizen residing in the U.S. because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution in the individual’s country because of the person’s race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinon. This status is similar to refugee status. The difference is that refugees are granted their status abroad, while individuals seeking asylum apply after they enter the U.S.
Atalla caps encryption device
Stand-alone hardware in the CAO programmed to encrypt a personal identification number (PIN) on a PA ACCESS card.
ATM
Automated teller machine.
attendant
A person who provides medical, housekeeping, child care, or similar service to a household. If the attendant resides with the household, he or she is called a \"live-in attendant.\"
attendant care
In-home personal-assistance services such as help with bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and housekeeping. These services differ from traditional homemaker and chore services in that they recognize the consumer's right to make decisions regarding the level and intensity of care, provide hands-on personal care services, and are available at any time depending on the consumer's needs.
attendant care waiver
This Home and Community-Based (HCBS) Program provides services to individuals with physical disabilities, age 18 through 59 (60 if the individual has already been receiving services under the Waiver), who need assistance with the activities of daily living. It is administered by the Office of Long Term Living.
Auditor General (AG)
A state agency which conducts audit reviews of Medical Assistance eligibility based upon case and computer information, as well as applicant or recipient interviews.
authorization date
The effective date on which a decision on eligibility is made.
authorized representative (AR)
(1) A person designated to act for a household in applying for SNAP benefits and in getting or using an EBT card. (2) An employee of and selected by a publicly operated community mental health center or a private, nonprofit organization or institution operating a drug addiction or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation center who acts for a resident who wants to apply and participate in SNAP.
authorized representative card
A card issued to an authorized representative (AR) that allows the AR to access benefits for the household.
autism waiver
A Home and Community-Based Service (HCBS) Program for eligible adults age 21 and over. An Individual Service Plan (ISP) containing specific, personalized information is provided for each Waiver consumer. The Waiver is administered by the Bureau of Autism Services. (Available on a limited basis of 200 consumers as of July 1, 2008).
Automated Restitution Referral and Computation (ARRC) system
A database system designed to track potential overpayments and overissuances from the point of discovery through the verification and calculation process to the automated transfer of the established claim to the Office of Inspector General.
automated teller machine (ATM)
An unattended electronic device that, when activated by a person using a card, is capable of dispensing U.S. currency, responding to balance inquiries, and performing other actions related to the cardholders' account.
See \"benefit hold.\"
BCCPT
Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment.
BCSE
Bureau of Child Support Enforcement.
BDD
Bureau of Disability Determination.
beginning months
The first four calendar months of eligibility.
BENDEX
Beneficiary and Earnings Data Exchange system.
beneficiary
A person named to receive the benefits or proceeds from such resources as trusts, life insurance policies, bank accounts, property, or personal belongings.
Beneficiary and Earnings Data Exchange system
A computer match that identifies TANF or SNAP recipients who are receiving Social Security benefits, private pensions, wages from out-of-state employment, and veterans or other government benefits, and those who are self-employed.
benefit hold
The process by which the CAO stops the delivery of a payment to the budget group for a specific payment date. For payments delivered to a Direct Delivery site, the process is also known as a bank hold. Benefit hold affects only one benefit and does not prevent the issuance of the ACCESS card.
BH
Behavioral health.
BHA
Bureau of Hearings and Appeals (formerly Office of Hearings and Appeals).
blood relative
A person who is related by birth, rather than by marriage, including those of half-blood. A blood relative includes a parent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, nephew, niece, first cousin, or any of the aforementioned prefixed by \"grand\", \"great-grand\", or \"great-great-grand.\"
blue book
A book published quarterly and available online which lists values for most makes and models of cars, trucks and some recreational vehicles.
board
Daily meals.
boarder
A person living with the household and making a reasonable payment for meals and lodging.
boarding house resident
A person who lives in a commercial boarding home.
bona fide job offer
An offer of a job which pays at least the highest applicable state or Federal minimum wage, provides safe working conditions, is covered by Workers’ Compensation, is not available due to labor dispute, strike, or lockout and will not result in displacement of employed workers.
BOP
Bureau of Policy.
BP
Blind pension.
Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment (BCCPT)
Health care coverage (full Medical Assistance benefits) for women for treatment of breast and cervical cancer, including precancerous conditions of the breast and cervix.
brief and infrequent absences
Periods of time a caretaker of a child under age six is away from the child for reasons such as doctor visits, trips to the CAO, and shopping trips. This type of absence may also exist when the child attends a preschool activity such as day care, Headstart, or kindergarten for less than four hours per day. Absences due to part-time employment or training of the caretaker are reviewed on an individual basis, to determine if they are brief and infrequent.
budget group
One or more related or unrelated individuals who occupy a common residence or would occupy a common residence if they were not homeless, and whose needs are considered together in determining eligibility for assistance are considered together in determining eligibility for assistance under one category of assistance.
budget month
The calendar month from which actual income and circumstances are used to determine eligibility and the amount of the monthly assistance payment.
budget plan
An optional billing procedure that averages estimated service costs over a 10-month, 11-month, or 12-month period to eliminate, to the extent possible, seasonal fluctuations in bills.
Bureau of Disability Determination (BDD)
An agency of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry which is under contract with SSA to make disability determinations of applicants for Supplemental Security Income/Social Security Disability Insurance.
Bureau of Hearings and Appeals (BHA)
The DPW agency responsible for scheduling and conducting fair hearings and for providing a decision on a household's appeal (formerly Office of Hearings and Appeals).
burial reserve
Funds or other resources, whether revocable or irrevocable, held in trust or under contract with a financial institution or a funeral director, and designated for burial expenses; also called funeral reserve, funeral agreement, prepaid funeral agreement, burial fund, burial agreement, or similar names. See also \"irrevocable burial reserve.\"
burial space
A conventional grave site, crypt, burial drawer, mausoleum, urn, or other repository for the remains of a deceased person.
Buy-In
Payment of Medicare premiums by the Department for certain Medical Assistance and SSI recipients who are eligible for Medicare.
Common Application Form (PA 600); also called Application for Benefits.
calendar month
The period beginning with the first day of the month and ending on the last day of the month.
calendar quarter
Three consecutive calendar months ending March 31, June 30, September 30, or December 31.
CAO
County Assistance Office.
CAP
Customer Assistance Plan (or Program), as related to utility vendors.
capital assets
Real property, equipment, machinery, and other items expected to last at least twelve months.
capital gain
The profit from the sale or transfer of capital assets.
capitated
fixed monthly payment.
capitation
A system of payment used by managed-care plans. DPW pays a monthly fee to the managed-care plan in which person is enrolled, whether or not the person receives services during the period covered by the fee.
CAS
Common Application System.
Cash/Food Stamp Semiannual Reporting (CFSR) system
A computer system which controls the issuance of benefits and Semiannual reporting forms to budget groups enrolled in semiannual reporting.
categorically eligible household
A household considered eligible for SNAP because all members receive or are authorized to receive TANF, GA, State Blind Pension, or SSI benefits.
categorically needy
Describes a person who is eligible for Nonmoney Payment (NMP) Medical Assistance.
category
A letter code that identifies the program and type of medical benefits received.
CCMIS
Child Care Management Information System.
CDC
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Central Office disbursement
The issuance of a benefit through the Central Office, instead of through the County Assistance Office.
certification
The process by which the CAO determines eligibility for SNAP and authorizes benefits.
certification period
A specified period for which the household is eligible to receive benefits.
CFMR code
The data-entry code that identifies the monthly reporting status of SNAP households and enrolls or deletes cases from the CFMR system.
CFMR system
A computer system that controls the issuance of benefits and monthly reporting forms to households enrolled in monthly reporting.
CFR
Code of Federal Regulations.
CFSR system
Cash/Food Stamp Semiannual Reporting system.
check-cashing agency
A bank, store, direct delivery site, or other agency that provides the service of cashing checks.
child
(1) A person under age 21. (2) For TANF, a person under age 18, or a person age 18 who is a full-time student in a secondary school or in the equivalent level of vocational or technical training. (3) As a mandatory household member, a natural, adopted, or stepchild of any age or any person under age 18 and under the parental control of an adult household member. (4) For exclusion of income, a person under age 18 who is a student at least half-time and is under the parental control of another household member.
child born out of wedlock
A child born when the mother of the child is unmarried or when there is evidence that the husband of the child’s mother has been separated from the mother during all of the 12 months immediately before the birth of the child.
Child Care Management Information System (CCMIS)
A statewide provider database that is shared by the CAO with the childcare information system. Information on child care providers are registered in this data base. This system provides information on whether or not a registered provider is allowed to render child care services. Child care payments are also issued through this system.
Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
A health insurance program for children administered solely by the Department of Insurance.
CHIP
Children’s Health Insurance Program.
CIS
Client Information System.
CIS individual number
CIS assigns a unique identifying individual (recipient) number to each individual when authorized on CIS. This number is printed on the ACCESS card and is used by medical providers as the key to verify client eligibility and to bill the Department for medical services.
citizenship
The state of being vested with the rights, privileges, and duties of a citizen of the United States of America. A person who claims to be a U.S. citizen must provide verification of citizenship.
CJIS
Commonwealth Judicial Inquiry System.
client
A person who is applying for or getting benefits. Regulations that specify requirements for a \"client\" apply to both applicants and recipients.
Client Information System (CIS)
The online database that determines client eligibility, collects benefit history, and issues benefits and reports.
client notice
A series of forms that provide a person with information about actions taken and the reasons for the actions.
CLS
Community Legal Services.
CMS
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
A compilation of federal regulations for the administration of federal or federally funded programs, such as SNAP.
coinsurance
The payment a person who is eligible for insurance, such as Medicare, must make to a provider after any deductible has been met.
COLA
Cost-of-living adjustment.
collateral contact
A contact with a person outside the household to obtain or confirm information.
collection
The repayment of an overissuance by lump sum, installments, or recoupment.
college
An institution of higher learning, approved by the Secretary of Education, which offers a post-secondary program of education leading to a degree. This includes junior colleges and community colleges that offer a two year program as well as colleges that offer four year or more programs.
combination cash/SNAP household
Any household in which all members receive SNAP benefits and public assistance (TANF, GA, SSI, or SBP).
COMMCARE waiver
The Home and Community-Based (HCBS) Program provides an alternative to institutionalization for individuals age 21 and over who have been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and have been determined to be in need of a Special Rehabilitative Facility (SRF) level of care. It is run by the Office of Long Term Living.
commercial boarding home
An establishment that is licensed as a commercial enterprise and which offers meals and lodging for compensation. In areas without a licensing requirement, a boarding home is a commercial establishment that offers meals and lodging for compensation with the intent of making a profit. The number of boarders does not affect commercial status.
Common Application Form (CAF)
Same as application for benefits (PA 600).
Common Application System (CAS)
The application for benefits (PA 600), eligibility workbook (PA 601), and other needed forms and papers used when determining eligibility for benefits.
common residence
A single family home, or an apartment, or a room or suite of rooms either in a rooming house operated as a business or in a hotel, or shelter arrangements involving related individuals who are homeless.
common-law marriage
A relationship legally recognized as a marriage which exists when a man and woman are legally free to marry, are known to other members of the community as husband and wife, and state that they are living together as husband and wife by mutual agreement. Per Act 144 of 2004, only common law marriages contracted prior to January 1, 2005, remain valid. Any common-law marriage established after this date is not recognized.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS)
A Web-based service that lets Pennsylvanians apply for social services online.
communal dining facility
A public or nonprofit private establishment approved by FNS that prepares and serves meals for elderly individuals or for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients and their spouses. It also includes senior citizens centers, apartment buildings occupied primarily by elderly individuals or SSI recipients and their spouses, public or private nonprofit establishments (eating or otherwise) that feed elderly individuals or SSI recipients and their spouses, and federally subsidized residents. It also includes private establishments that contract with the state to offer meals at concessional prices to elderly or SSI recipients and their spouses.
community residential facility
A licensed personal care home, domiciliary care home, or community home for persons with mental retardation or other related conditions.
community service
Nonpaid work for a unit of federal, state, or local government or nonprofit organization, arranged by the cash assistance recipient.
COMPASS
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services.
complete application
An application with the applicant’s name, signature, address and all verification the administering agency needs to make an eligibility determination.
complete renewal
A review by the CAO of all eligibility factors that are subject to change to determine if a recipient remains eligible for benefits; formerly known as \"recertification\" or \"redetermination.\"
conciliation
A session to determine the factors and circumstances resulting in the client’s noncompliance with work requirements and to determine if the client had good cause. It is preferably a face-to-face session but may be conducted by the eligibility worker by telephone if the client prefers.
Confirming Notice
A form sent to a person to confirm an action that has been taken on his or her benefits.
Consolidated Waiver for Individuals with Mental Retardation
A Medical Assistance Home and Community-Based Service (HCBS) Program. It provides services that allow an eligible person age 3 and older to live in the community rather than reside in an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Mental Retardation (ICF/MR). The Waiver is run by the Office of Developmental Programs.
continuation of benefits
The authorization of benefits in an unchanged amount if the budget group appeals within ten days of an adverse action notice.
contractual agreement
A written agreement that covers a specified period of time and establishes the terms for payment during that period.
contractual income
Income paid under a contractual agreement.
control digit
A single-digit control number designed to automatically reject case number information that is incorrectly entered into CIS.
conversion
A method of calculating monthly amounts when weekly or biweekly amounts are known. The calculation is done by multiplying weekly income by four.
converted SSI case
An SSI case containing an individual who was a recipient of cash assistance in the aged, blind, or disabled categories in December 1973, and who began receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) under the Social Security Administration on January 1, 1974.
cooling cost
A verifiable utility expense relating to the operation of a central air conditioning system or room air conditioners. (The cost of operating fans is not included.)
copayment
The amount an individual is asked to pay toward the cost of certain medical services. The fee is nominal and the service or item cannot be denied if payment is not made.
correctional institution
An institution under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Corrections in which a person accused or found guilty of a crime is confined for detention or punishment.
corrective payment
An assistance payment made to a budget group that was underpaid in a previous month.
cost-of-living adjustment (COLA)
An annual adjustment to a federal benefit to enable the beneficiary to keep pace with the changing economy. The amount is determined in relation to the cost-of-living index.
countable income
Income that is not exempt or excluded in deciding on a person's eligibility for benefits.
countable resource
A resource that is not exempt or excluded in determining eligibility for benefits by DPW policy.
County Assistance Office (CAO)
The local DPW office in each county or district that is responsible for administering benefits.
county office disbursement
A benefit issued from the CAO Emergency Fund Account; also known as an “emergency check.\"
covered earnings
Wages paid by an employer who is required to pay into the Unemployment Compensation Fund.
covered service
Any medical service or supply to which a Medical Assistance recipient is entitled under Pennsylvania's Medical Assistance Program.
CSMMNA
Community Spouse Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance.
customer assistance plan (or program)
A regular monthly payment, which may be for an amount that is less than the current bill for utility service, in exchange for continued provision of service.
Drug or alcohol.
D&A
Drug and alcohol.
DAC
Disabled adult child.
DAP
Disability Advocacy Program.
DAP advocate
A caseworker assigned to help a person apply for Supplemental Security Income/Social Security Disability Insurance; also known as a disability advocate.
date of application
The date that a signed application is accepted and date-stamped by the CAO or administering agency in the county where the applicant household lives.
date of entry (or admission)
The date established by the Immigration and Naturalization Service as the date a sponsored noncitizen was admitted into the U.S. for permanent residence.
date stamp
The date that is stamped or written on the application for benefits by the CAO. It is the date that the application is received in the correct CAO.
DCED
Department of Community and Economic Development.
deadline day
The last day on which the CAO can enter additions, changes, or deletions into CIS to affect Medical Assistance eligibility.
debit
A transaction initiated by a cardholder at a terminal with the use of a PIN to effect a payment that lowers the cardholder’s account balance.
deemed income
The income of ineligible household members and noncitizen sponsors and the sponsor's spouse that are counted when determining the eligibility of household members and the payment amount.
deemed resources
The resources of ineligible household members and noncitizen sponsors and the sponsor's spouse that are counted when determining the eligibility of household members and the payment amount.
delayed payment
A cash assistance payment that is authorized more than 60 days after the client’s need for the payment.
Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)
The commonwealth agency designated by the governor to administer the LIHEAP Weatherization Program.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
The federal agency that, among other things, has responsibility for providing assistance in rent, mortgage, and utility payments.
Department of Public Welfare (DPW)
The commonwealth agency designated by the governor to run the benefit programs.
dependent care deduction
An income deduction equal to the actual dollar cost of dependent care, up to a limit.
dependent child
A child who meets the age and deprivation requirements for TANF and who lives with a specified relative.
depreciation
The lowering of the value of equipment, property, and the like for tax purposes.
deprivation
Lack of parental support or care due to the death, continued absence, or incapacity of a parent or the unemployment of one or both parents.
designee
(1) An individual selected by a person to represent him or her. (2) In the case of some persons with cognitive disabilities, an individual acting on the person's behalf.
DHHS
Department of Health and Human Services.
Disability Advocacy Program (DAP)
A departmental social service program that provides services to help clients through the Supplemental Security Income/Social Security Disability Insurance application and appeal process.
disability advocate
Same as \"DAP advocate.\"
disabled
Describes a person who (a) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more life activities (for example, caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, learning, or working); (b) has a record of an impairment (has a history of, or has been misclassified as, having a mental or physical impairment) that substantially limits one or more major life activities; or (c) is regarded as having an impairment.
disabled adult child
A person who became disabled before age 22, and who receives Title II Social Security benefits as a dependent on his parent's claim. These benefits are received upon the disability, retirement or death of a parent. When SSI benefits are terminated because of receipt of or an increase in Social Security benefits, a DAC may be eligible for continued Medical Assistance coverage under SSI extended NMP coverage – Special Circumstances.
disclosure
The presentation of acceptable proof of an individual's SSN to the CAO or the revealing of information obtained from a SNAP applicant or recipient household.
disposition of property
The transfer of ownership or interest in a property. This can be accomplished by the sale, exchange, or transfer of the title, or by reducing the value of an interest through the placing of an encumbrance or by adding a person to the title.
disqualified household member
For SNAP, a person who is not permitted to participate in the program because he or she committed an intentional program violation, failed to obtain or provide an SSN, has not complied with SNAP work requirements or another program's work requirements, voluntarily quit employment, refused to cooperate with Quality Control, or knowingly transferred resources to qualify or attempt to qualify for SNAP benefits.
DO
District office.
documentary evidence
The primary source of verification for all items except residence and household size.
documentation
Written proof from a third party used to verify the statements made by a client.
Docushare
The Office of Income Maintenance Web site that contains DPW forms and publications.
DOH
Department of Health.
domcare
Domiciliary care.
Domestic Relations Office (DRO)
Part of the County Court of Common Pleas that handles domestic disputes.
Domestic Relations Section (DRS)
Section of the Domestic Relations Office that establishes and enforces child-support orders.
domestic violence
Includes but is not limited to physical acts that result in injury to an individual; mental abuse, which includes stalking and threats to kill, kidnap, or harm; sexual abuse; neglect; and deprivation of medical care.
domiciliary care facility
A residential facility certified by the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) which provides a supervised living arrangement in a home-like setting for a period exceeding 24 consecutive hours to individuals placed by the AAA. Care is provided to mobile or semi-mobile adults (age 18 and over) who cannot live independently
DPW
Department of Public Welfare.
DRA
Deficit Reduction Act.
DRO
Domestic Relations Office.
DRS
Domestic Relations Section.
drug or alcohol (D/A) treatment and rehabilitation program
Any drug addiction or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program conducted by a private, nonprofit organization or institution or a publicly operated community mental health center under Part B of Title XIX of the Public Health Service Act..
drug or alcohol (D/A) treatment center
A residential facility that provides rehabilitative treatment to persons participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program.
dunning letter
A letter sent to a vendor requesting repayment of money due to DPW (following the establishment of an accounts receivable). The dunning letter provides the vendor with details of the overpayment (client name, account number, amount due, voucher number, and program name) and where to return payment.
duplicate payment
The cashing of both a replacement check and an original check that were issued for the same payment period.
A computer system that manages client information related to applications, payment issuances, and report generation.
EA
Emergency assistance.
EAR
Emergency authorized representative.
Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) Program
A program which provides preventive medical services to a person under age 21 who is eligible for a medical card.
earned income
Cash or income in-kind received by a person in exchange for services. This includes wages, salaries, earnings from self-employment, training allowances, striker's earned income, and payments made under Title I of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973.
earned income credit (EIC)
A federal payment made to supplement the earned income of families with children. The payment may be made as an advance payment included on the employee's paycheck or as a lump sum included with an income tax refund.
earned income deduction
A specific percentage subtracted from countable gross earned income to cover expenses associated with employment.
earned income incentive
A deduction from earned income given to employed individuals to aid in the transition from the receipt of welfare to self-sufficiency.
earned income tax credit (EITC)
A federal income tax refund paid in addition to the normal refund for households with limited income.
EAW
Energy assistance worker.
EBT
Electronic benefit transfer.
EBT card
Same as \"ACCESS card.\"
economic unit
Two or more related or unrelated persons who live together and share expenses, including food, shelter, and utilities.
ED/BC
Eligibility determination/benefit computation.
EDP
Employment Development Plan.
educational assistance
Financial aid received by students from grants, loans, and scholarships.
educational grants
Monies received by students to help meet the costs of educational expenses, including but not limited to scholarships, fellowships, deferred-payment loans, and educational veterans benefits.
educational institution
A kindergarten, preschool, grade school, high school, vocational school, college, technical school, or university.
effective date
The date on which eligibility begins or ends, or the first date covered by a change in benefits.
EFS
Extended food stamp benefits (formerly TBA).
EFT
Electronic funds transfer.
EIC
Earned Income Credit.
EIS
Employment Information System.
ELA
Eligible legalized alien.
elderly
A person or persons who are age 60 or older.
electronic benefit transfer (EBT)
A debit card system that enables recipients to get their SNAP benefits at point-of-sale terminals and cash assistance at automated teller machines.
electronic funds transfer (EFT)
A direct delivery system used for receiving payments through electronic transactions.
eligibility determination/benefit computation (ED/BC)
A subsystem of the Client Information System which uses information captured during application entry case maintenance to calculate eligibility for benefits and the amount of the benefits.
Eligibility Verification System (EVS)
Online verification system used by medical providers and nonmedical providers (e.g., LIHEAP) to verify eligibility for services.
eligible alien
A person who possesses and can document one of the particular immigration categories that qualify an alien for cash assistance.
eligible foods
Items that may be purchased with SNAP benefits.
eligible legalized alien
A person whose application for lawful temporary resident status has been accepted by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
eligible noncitizen
For SNAP, a noncitizen who meets and provides documentation for program eligibility.
Elwyn waiver
The Home and Community-Based Service (HCBS) Program provides services to eligible persons, age 40 and older, who are deaf, blind or both. These services enable the person to remain in the community. The Waiver is restricted to residents of the Valley View Assisted Living facility in Delaware County. It is administered by the Office of Long Term Living.
emancipated minor
(a) A person under age 21 who is no longer under the care and control of his parents or legal guardian and is financially independent. He or she is considered emancipated whether he or she is residing with his parents or legal guardian (as long as he or she remains independent of parental control). (b) A minor who is married, even if he or she lives with his parents, is emancipated. If the marriage ends in divorce or death, the minor remains emancipated. (c) An orphan between the ages of 16 and 21 who has sufficient mental ability to make a bargain.
EMC
Extended medical coverage.
emergency authorized representative (EAR)
A person who gets SNAP benefits for a household when neither a household member nor the currently designated authorized representative can get them because of unforeseen circumstances.
emergency medical condition
A medical condition, including emergency labor and delivery, manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity including severe pain that would result in one of the following: 1. placing the patient’s health in serious jeopardy (or with respect to a pregnant woman, the health of the woman or her unborn child); 2. serious impairment to bodily functions; 3. serious dysfunction of a bodily organ or part.
Emergency shelter allowance (ESA)
Assistance for families and individuals who are homeless or near homeless to prevent eviction or foreclosure or to help them obtain permanent housing or temporary shelter.
Employment and training mandatory participant
An applicant or recipient who is required to register for work and who the CAO determines should not be exempted from participation in an employment and training program.
Employment and Training Program (ETP)
A program operated by the DPW consisting of one or more work, training, education, work experience, or job search activities designed to help recipients move into unsubsidized employment.
Employment Development Plan (EDP)
A noncontractual agreement, completed by the client and the ETP worker, that sets an employment goal, with specific time frames and activities to achieve that goal and describes services to be provided by the DPW and the activities to be undertaken by the recipient.
Employment Information System (EIS)
A MAPPER system that gets specific employment and training data from the Client Information System.
encumbrance
A legal claim or lien against real or personal property.
energy provider
An agent or company that directly supplies home heating fuel or utility service to a household in exchange for payment.
English as a second language (ESL)
Any formal education specifically designed to improve proficiency in English.
enrollment
The process used to designate that a person is eligible to participate in the Employment and Training Program.
enumeration
The process of verifying a person's Social Security Number (SSN) by requiring him to provide or apply for an SSN as a condition of eligibility.
EPSDT Program
Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Program.
equity value
The fair market value of a resource, less mortgages, liens, and other encumbrances.
ESA
Emergency shelter allowance.
ESL
English as a second language.
essential person
A minor unemancipated child or any other person related to a TANF child who is ineligible for TANF in his or her own right but who is eligible for GA.
ETP
Employment and Training Program.
EVS
Eligibility Verification System.
excess medical deduction
A deduction from a household's total gross income given when a disabled or elderly household member has medical expenses over a specified monthly amount determined by federal regulations.
excess shelter cost
A household's monthly shelter expenses that are more than fifty percent of the household's monthly income after all other allowable deductions. The household's shelter deduction is this excess up to an established limit.
excluded income
Income that is not used when determining eligibility and the allotment level for benefits.
excluded resources
Resources that are not used when determining eligibility for benefits.
executive director
The person in charge of a County Assistance Office.
expedited service
The method by which a SNAP application is processed to ensure receipt of an EBT card and the reasonable opportunity to transact it no later than the fifth calendar day following the date an identifiable application is received.
extended medical coverage (EMC)
Extension of Medical Assistance coverage to a TANF budget group that has lost its cash benefits due to new employment, increased income from employment or support income. The extension is granted for a specific period of time.
Extended SNAP
Benefits provided to all households leaving TANF (except those prohibited by regulation); formerly \"transitional benefits alternative.\" SNAP benefits are frozen for five months to provide continued support of the nutritional needs of families as they move from TANF to self-sufficiency. The amount of EFS benefits is determined by subtracting the TANF grant amount from the household income received in the last month of TANF eligibility.
Extended TANF
Federally funded TANF cash assistance for eligible families in which an adult head of household has received 60 cumulative months of TANF assistance.
extraordinary pay
A payment used when regular payment processing does not apply.
Printed matter or images transmitted by electronic means.
fair hearing
A meeting conducted by a hearing officer to provide a person with an impartial, objective review of CAO decisions, actions, or delays. The hearing may be face-to-face or by telephone. The hearing officer either affirms or denies the CAO action.
fair market value
The amount a resource would bring if sold on the current, local market.
family
A minor child and his or her parent or specified relative with whom the child lives.
family size allowance (FSA)
(a) For Medical Assistance, the monthly NMP limit used for eligibility determination for TANF/GA-related categories. Amounts are determined by the number of persons in the applicant/recipient group and the county of residence. (b) For Cash Assistance, the maximum monthly cash payment that may be made to recipients of TANF or GA to meet basic needs for food, clothing, incidentals, shelter, and utilities. Amounts are determined by family size and county of residence.
FBR
Federal benefit rate.
FED
Functional Eligibility Determination
federal benefit rate (FBR)
The portion of the monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit funded by the Social Security Administration.
Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
A number used for tax purposes.
federally subsidized housing for the elderly
Commercially operated apartments built under either Section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959 or Section 236 of the National Housing Act and built specifically for the elderly.
FEIN
Federal Employer Identification Number.
felony
Any crime defined as a felony under the Pennsylvania Crimes Code or the crimes code of another jurisdiction where relevant.
FFP
Federal financial participation.
filing date
The date on which an application is received by the correct CAO.
fiscal month
The period beginning with the budget's first semimonthly payment date of a calendar month and ending the day before the budget's first semimonthly payment date of the next calendar month.
FMV
Fair market value.
FNS
Food and Nutrition Service.
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
The branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that administers the SNAP.
forged check
A check that was endorsed and cashed by a person other than the payee.
FPIG
Federal poverty income guidelines.
FSA
Family size allowance.
full-time child care
Child care of five hours or more a day.
full-time employment
Employment that averages at least 30 hours a week in a calendar month.
full-time student
A person who has a school schedule equal to a full-time curriculum for the program he or she is pursuing. The school defines full-time curriculum.
Functional Eligibility Determination (FED)
An evaluation of an individual's medical eligibility for HCBS, PCHs and Dom Care Homes.
future close
A data entry procedure that allows for the closure of a budget on a future date.
General Assistance.
GA-related category
A state-funded Medical Assistance category assigned to a person who does not meet the requirements for any other category. Includes categories PD and TD.
GED
General Educational Development.
General Assistance (GA)
A state-funded program that provides cash and medical assistance to Pennsylvania residents who meet certain financial (income and resources) and nonfinancial criteria.
General Educational Development (GED)
Education designed to qualify a client for a high school diploma or equivalency certificate.
GLA
Group living arrangement.
good cause
A reason to be excused from complying with a specific eligibility requirement because compliance could cause adverse consequences to the person.
good-faith effort to sell real property
A genuine attempt by an owner to dispose of property. This term includes listing the property with a licensed real estate broker or advertising the property for sale in local newspapers within ten working days of the authorization of assistance and accepting an offer to purchase for the fair market value or more.
grace period
A period that begins with a newborn child's date of birth and ends the first day of the second month following the newborn child's birth or the mother's release from the hospital, whichever is later.
gross income
Total earned income plus total unearned income before any allowable deductions.
gross income eligibility standard
The limit of gross income a household may have, based on 130% of the federal income poverty level. The limit does not apply to households containing an elderly or disabled member or to categorically eligible households.
group living arrangement (GLA)
A public or private nonprofit facility in a residential setting that serves no more than 16 residents.
guaranteed child care
An arrangement made by the DPW to reimburse or to pay for child care during the period a person is participating in the Employment and Training Program.
guardian
A court-appointed person who has the legal responsibility for the care and management of an estate, minor, or incapacitated person.
Healthy Beginnings.
HCBP
Health care benefit package.
HCBS
Home and community-based services.
HEA
Home energy assistance.
head of household
For SNAP, the adult member selected by the household to make the application, select a PIN for the EBT card, and make benefit transactions with the EBT card. The head of household is considered the principal wage earner.
health maintenance organization (HMO)
(same as \"managed care organization\") An organization that provides health care for a fixed fee to voluntarily enrolled persons and families. Health services are provided by member physicians with referral to outside specialists. DPW pays the fee for any person who chooses to enroll.
health-insuring organization (HIO)
The agent contracted by the Department to enroll primary health care providers to provide health care services to Medical Assistance recipients. From a fixed fee per client paid to the HIO by DPW, the HIO is responsible for payment to the primary care provider chosen by the client and to any specialists who provide services. Enrollment is mandatory for any client living in an HIO service area.
health-sustaining medication
Prescription medication that is certified by a doctor as required for an acute or chronic medical condition for which the patient needs the medication to maintain employability.
Healthy Beginnings
Medical Assistance program which provides NMP Medical Assistance to children up to age 19, and women during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Healthy Beginnings Plus
A program jointly administered by DPW and the Department of Health to provide comprehensive and coordinated care to pregnant women who are eligible for Medical Assistance.
Healthy Horizons
Medical Assistance program which provides NMP Medical Assistance and/or payment of the Medicare premium, deductibles, and coinsurance to disabled persons and persons age 65 and older.
Healthy Woman Project (HWP)
The HWP in Pennsylvania is the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
hearing request
An oral or written statement by an applicant or recipient, or a person acting on his or her behalf, asking for a fair hearing.
heating cost
A verifiable cost for heating that is billed separately and apart from the household's rent or mortgage payment. Residents of rental housing who are billed on a monthly basis by their landlords for actual usage as determined through individual metering are considered to have heating costs.
HH
Healthy Horizons.
HIO
Health-insuring organization.
HIPAA
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
HIPP
Health insurance premium payment.
HMD
Home Maintenance Deduction.
HMO
Health maintenance organization. (See MCO.)
home
Any place a person chooses to live.
home and community-based services
Services and support provided in a home or community location to help persons live as independently as possible.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver
A waiver of certain Medical Assistance program requirements which allows the Department to provide medical and supportive services to persons with physical, mental or other disabilities in the community as an alternative to institutional or nursing facility care.
home energy assistance
Benefits which may include, but are not limited to, payments for heating or cooling, storm doors and windows, weatherization services, and blankets. HEA benefits do not include food or clothing.
homeless meal provider
A public or private nonprofit establishment, such as a soup kitchen or temporary shelter, that feeds homeless individuals. The provider must be approved by DPW.
homeless person
A person who lacks a fixed and regular nighttime residence or a person whose primary nighttime residence is one of the following: (a) a supervised shelter that provides temporary accommodations, such as a welfare hotel or congregate shelter; (b) a halfway house or similar institution that provides temporary accommodations for persons intended to be institutionalized; (c) a temporary accommodation in the residence of another person for 90 days or less; or (d) a place not designed for or ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodations, such as a hallway, a bus station, a lobby, a car, an abandoned building, or any similar place.
homeless shelter
A facility that provides temporary nighttime accommodation to persons who do not have a fixed and regular nighttime residence.
hospice
A program or place that provides for the physical and emotional needs of terminally ill persons.
hospice services
A continuum of care, directed by health care professionals, which provides services that are reasonable and necessary to reduce a person's pain and manage the terminal illness and related medical conditions. The services are designed to meet the needs and desires of the terminally ill person for whom curative medicine has exhausted its benefits and possibilities.
household
(1) For SNAP, a person or group of persons applying for or receiving SNAP benefits. (2) For LIHEAP, a person or group of persons, including related roomers, who live together as one economic unit that customarily pays for its home-heating energy either directly to a vendor or indirectly as an undesignated part of rent. Persons who are related by blood, marriage, or adoption are members of a LIHEAP household.
household disaster
A natural event, such as a flood or a tornado, or a devastating event, such as a fire. A mechanical breakdown, such as a power outage or a refrigerator breakdown, is not considered a disaster.
HUD
Department of Housing and Urban Development.
HWP
Healthy Woman Project.
Intermediate care facility.
ICF/MR
Intermediate Care Facility for Persons with Mental Retardation.
ICF/ORC
A facility that provides an intermediate level of care for individuals with \"other related conditions\". Other related conditions are serious phyical disabilities including, but not limited to, cerebral palsy,muscular dystrophy, epilepsy or similar conditions that are diagnosed before age 22 and which result in three or more functional limitations of daily living.
identifiable application
For SNAP, an application form containing the name and address of the applicant and the signature of a responsible member of the household or an authorized representative.
identity
The collective set of aspects by which an individual is recognizable and known. An individual must provide proof of identity as a condition of eligibility to qualify for MA benefits.
IEVS
Income Eligibility Verification System.
IMB
Income-maintenance bulletin.
IMCW
Income-maintenance caseworker.
IME
independent medical exam
immediate family
Spouses, parents, children, and unemancipated sisters and brothers under age 21, including half-sisters and half-brothers.
immigrant
An alien who has been granted permanent residency status by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)
An act including the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 that established several new categories of aliens.
Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)
The former name of the federal agency in the Department of Justice which is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the U.S. immigration laws. See United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA)
The 1986 federal statute that allowed certain previously illegal aliens living in the United States to make application for legalization of their alien status.
impairment
A physical or mental condition which will last for 12 consecutive months or result in death, and which prevents a person from working. A factor in determining disability for SSI and SSI-related Medical Assistance categories.
INA
Immigration and Nationality Act.
inadvertant household error
A household's misunderstanding or unintentional error, which may include the following: (a) failure to provide correct or complete information; (b) failure to report changes; or (c) receipt of benefits, or more benefits than it was entitled to receive, pending a fair hearing decision in favor of the CAO.
income
The money a household receives from any source.
Income Eligibility Verification System (IEVS)
A computer system required by the Social Security Act from which information is obtained for purposes of income eligibility verification.
income exclusions
Income from certain sources that is not counted when determining a household's eligibility.
income in-kind
Any gain or benefit payable to the household that is not in the form of money, including but not limited to shelter, meals, clothing, public housing, and produce from a garden.
Independence Waiver
This Home and Community-Based Service (HCBS) Program provides services in the community, rather than in an LTC facility, to eligible individuals with a severe physical disability who are age 18 and older. It is administered by the Office of Long Term Living.
ineligible alien
A person who does not meet or cannot document citizenship or permanent alien status.
ineligible foods
Items that may not be purchased with SNAP benefits.
ineligible member
A household member who is ineligible to receive benefits under specific provisions of the Food Stamp Act or who fails or refuses to comply with a program requirement. Examples include ineligible noncitizens, and persons who fail to get a Social Security number.
ineligible noncitizen
For SNAP, a person who does not meet or cannot document the citizenship or permanent noncitizen status requirements of the program.
infrequent income
Income that is received not more than once in a calendar quarter.
initial certification period
The first period for which SNAP benefits are authorized.
initial grant
The first payment authorized when opening or reopening a budget.
initial month
(1) For cash assistance, the first month of eligibility for a benefit following any period during which the budget group was not in active status. (2) For SNAP, the first month of certification for participation in the program following any period during which the household was not certified for participation.
inmate
A person who is physically confined to, or under the custody of, a correctional institution or jail.
inquiry
A face-to-face, written, or telephone request for information only, not assistance.
INS
Immigration and Naturalization Service.
institution
(1) An establishment that furnishes food and shelter to persons unrelated to the owner and provides some needed care or service in addition to food, shelter, and laundry. Examples of institutions are nursing homes, convalescent homes, hospitals, jails, live-in rehabilitation centers, and infirmaries. (2) For SNAP, a facility that prepares and serves at least half of residents' meals (more than 50 percent of three meals daily) as part of its services and has not been authorized to accept SNAP benefits.
institution of higher education
An institution that normally requires a high school diploma or equivalency certificate for enrollment, including but not limited to colleges, universities, and vocational or technical schools at the post-high-school level.
institution of post-secondary education
Any public or private institution that normally requires a high school diploma or equivalency certificate for enrollment or admits persons beyond the age of compulsory school attendance, including but not be limited to colleges, universities, and vocational or technical schools at the post-high-school level. The institution must be legally authorized or recognized by the commonwealth to provide education beyond the secondary level or provide a training program to prepare students for gainful employment.
institutional care contract
Any contract between a person and a facility which gives the person the right to receive care at zero or reduced cost at the facility.
intentional program violation
Household fraud, determined only by the court or by an administrative disqualification hearing.
intercounty transfer
Transfer of an active budget or case from one Pennsylvania county to another.
interim assistance
Benefits specifically authorized pending an appeal decision when regular benefits have not been authorized or continued.
interim medical card
A Medical Assistance card prepared and issued by the CAO. The card is valid for a seven-day period or until the permanent medical card is received by the individual. An interim card may also be issued for a 30-day NCE period for a medical assessment.
intermediate care facility for persons with other related conditions (ICF/ORC)
A facility which provides health care, rehabilitation, and active treatment services specifically for individuals who have severe physical developmental disabilities; such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, or similar conditions that are diagnosed before age 22 and result in three or more functional limitations of daily living. ICF/ORC services are not designed for individuals with mental retardation or mental illness.
intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded (ICF/MR)
A licensed facility that provides care designed to meet the needs of persons with mental retardation and who require special health and rehabilitation services.
intermittent income
Income that is received on a quarterly, semiannual, or yearly basis, such as interest, dividends, or royalty payments.
IRCA
Immigration Reform and Control Act.
irregular income
(1) Income that is not subject to scheduling or is unpredictable. (2) For SNAP, monies received by the household that cannot be readily predicted and that are not more than $30 total in a quarter, including but not limited to monies received from odd jobs when the household cannot predict the frequency of work or receipt of payment, prizes, gifts, and awards.
irrevocable burial reserve
Funds held in trust or under contract with a financial institution or a funeral director under the following conditions: (1) No part of the funds can be withdrawn before the client’s death. (2) The use of the funds is restricted to the client’s burial expenses.
IRS
Internal Revenue Service.
issuance date
The day of the month the benefit is received by a participating household.
issuance month
The calendar month in which the benefit is issued.
Formerly known as the Job Service and Office of Employment Security.
job readiness/preparation
Training that prepares the recipient for the workplace by teaching interviewing techniques, preparation of resumes, and employer expectations.
job search
The activity of seeking full-time or part-time employment.
job skills training
Preparation designed to provide a recipient with the knowledge necessary to perform duties of a specific job.
joint processing requirement
A provision allowing households in which all members are applying for public assistance and SNAP to file an application for both programs at the same time. The CAO conducts a single interview for both programs and does not require the applicant to see a different eligibility worker or be subject to two application interviews.
jointly owned resources
Real and/or personal property in which two or more people share ownership.
A situation where a child is temporarily placed in the care of a relative due to a crises in the child’s life.
Late/Incomplete Notice.
Late/Incomplete Notice (L/IN)
A follow-up form used when the reporting form is not received by the due date or is received but not all questions are answered or needed verification is not attached.
legal guardian
A person appointed by the court to assume care and control of another person.
legally available resource
Real or personal property that a person has or can make available for his or her use. This includes partial interest or ownership in a property which the person has the right, power, and authority to liquidate or part-ownership if the co-owners agree to liquidate or dispose of the property.
legally responsible relative (LRR)
A spouse, or the biological or adoptive parent of a child under age 21. This term does not include putative fathers.
licensed vehicle
A passenger car, truck, motorcycle, or other vehicle that can be used to transport persons or goods (such as a motor home or pull-along camper) and that is licensed and permitted on highways.
lien
A judgment against real or personal property for the satisfaction or repayment of a debt.
LIFE program
Living Independently for Elders (LIFE) program.
LIHEAP
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
limited period issuance
The certification and issuance of benefits that cover a period of one, two, or three months.
liquid resources
Cash or other resources that can be easily converted to cash, including but not limited to savings and checking accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and mortgages.
Living Independently for Elders (LIFE) program
LIFE is also known as the Long Term Care Capitated Assistance Program. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) identifies the program as PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly). LIFE allows a designated provider to furnish services to an eligible consumer as long as the individual can live safely in the community. The consumer is moved into a Long Term Care facility when community living is no longer possible. Medicaid and/or Medicare pay the provider a fixed amount for the consumer’s care as a participant in LIFE.
lockout
A work stoppage created by an employer who closes the workplace to resist the demands of his or her employees.
long-term care (LTC)
Services designed to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, rehabilitative, supportive or maintenance services for individuals who have chronic functional impairments. Services may be provided in a variety of institutional and noninstitutional care settings, including the home.
Long-Term Care Capitated Assistance Program (LTCCAP)
See LIFE program.
long-term nursing facility
An institution licensed to provide nursing home services to residents. The facility may be for profit, nonprofit, hospital based, or operated by a county. This does not include personal care homes, domiciliary care homes, boarding homes, or community care that does not operate under a long-term nursing facility license.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
A program that pays some heating costs and weatherization benefits for low-income persons and families.
LRR
Legally responsible relative.
LTC
Long-term care.
lump sum income
See \"nonrecurring income.\"
lump sum payment
A nonrecurring money payment received from but not limited to delayed unemployment compensation, delayed wages, retroactive Social Security benefits, prizes, lottery winnings, life insurance payments, inheritances, refunds of security deposits on rental property, and the like; also, retroactive single occurring settlements or refunds or security deposits on rented property or utilities.
lump sum payment (overissuance)
The full or partial repayment of an overissuance in one payment. A household may use SNAP benefits as full or partial payment in nonprosecution cases.
Lynch v. Rank
Same as Pickle Amendment. The law (as later modified by the Lynch v. Rank law suit) that extends NMP eligibility and buy-in to persons who receive RSDI benefits but who previously received both RSDI and SSI at the time SSI was discontinued. NMP eligibility is determined by disregarding any RSDI cost-of-living increases received since SSI benefits were closed. The provision applies to persons whose SSI benefits were discontinued after April 1977.
Medical Assistance.
MA 0192 waiver
A Medical Assistance program designed to provide services to persons diagnosed as having AIDS or Symptomatic HIV Disease. The program is provided as an alternative to institutional or extended inpatient hospital care.
MA LTC
Medical Assistance and payment of Long Term Care Services
MAF
Medical Assistance form.
mailing address
The address of a household, a friend or relative, a post office box, a social service agency, or any address where the household may expect to receive mail without threat of its being lost or stolen.
main fuel type
The source of energy for the central heating system of the residence used by the household or, if the residence is not centrally heated, the source of energy used most by the household.
Maintaining, Preparing, Producing Executive Reports (MAPPER)
A DPW computer system that may be accessed by the CAO for reports or information.
MAMIS
Medical Assistance Management Information System. The system that issues payments to enrolled providers for Medical Assistance services. Replaced with PROMISe.
managed care organization (MCO)
An organization that provides health care for a fixed fee to voluntarily enrolled persons and families. Health services are provided by member physicians with referral to outside specialists. DPW pays the fee for any individual who chooses to enroll.
managed care plan
A medical system in which patient care is managed by a primary care physician.
mandatory budget group (or household) members
(1) Persons who, because of relationship and living arrangements, must apply for benefits together and be included in the same budget group. (2) For SNAP, persons who live together and who must be included in the same household regardless of how they actually purchase food and prepare meals.
MAP
Monthly assistance payment.
MAPPER
Maintaining, Preparing, Producing Executive Reports.
mass change
A state or federal program or benefit change affecting the entire caseload or part of the caseload.
MAWD
Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities.
maximum allowable resources
The limit of total nonexcluded resources, both liquid and nonliquid, that a household may have. The value of nonexcluded resources of all members of the household and resources deemed from persons disqualified for intentional program violation or failure to provide an SSN and from ineligible noncitizens may not exceed $2,000. If the household contains at least one member who is age 60 or over, the resources may not exceed $3,000.
MCO
Managed care organization.
meal-delivery service
A political subdivision, private nonprofit organization, or private establishment that has contracted with DPW to prepare and deliver meals at concessional prices to elderly persons and their spouses or to physically or mentally handicapped or disabled persons and their spouses.
means-tested program
A program with eligibility conditions that limit benefits for persons who meet income or resource limits.
Medicaid
Medical assistance under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, as amended.
Medical Assistance (MA)
The name of the program that is used to describe the health care coverage provided to persons by the Department of Public Welfare, regardless of the funding source.
Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD)
Health care coverage for certain persons who are employed, who have a disability, and who may pay a premium to receive Medical Assistance.
Medical Assistance identification card
A card Medical Assistance recipients present to providers who use the card to access the Eligibility Verification System (EVS) to verify individual eligibility for medical services and to bill the Department for services. The card currently in use is titled the Pennsylvania ACCESS card.
Medical Assistance Management Information System (MAMIS)
Medical Assistance Management Information System. The system that issues payments to enrolled providers for Medical Assistance services. Replaced with PROMISe.
medical institution
An organization established to provide medical, nursing, or convalescent care; has professional personnel, equipment, and facilities to provide continuing care; and is staffed by professional medical or nursing personnel who are responsible for providing medical services to the patients.
medical review team (MRT)
A team composed of a physician and a social worker under contract to DPW who review medical evidence and certify disability for Medical Assistance applicants/recipients using SSA disability criteria.
medically needy
Eligibility for Medical Assistance under specific financial requirements that includes income limits after incurred medical expenses have been deducted from income.
medically needy only (MNO)
A category of Medical Assistance that provides payments to physicians, hospitals, and other medical institutions for eligible clients.
Medicare
Title XVIII health insurance for the aged and disabled, funded by the Federal government and individual insurance premiums paid by the insured.
Medicare deductible
The amount a person must pay before Medicare will pay for services and supplies covered by the program. There is one deductible each year for each Medicare Part.
Medicare Part A
Hospital insurance under the Federal Medicare program which helps pay for inpatient hospital care, some inpatient care in a skilled nursing facility, home health care, and hospice care.
Medicare Part B
Supplementary medical insurance under the federal Medicare program which helps pay for medically necessary doctors' services, outpatient hospital services, home health care, and a number of other medical services and supplies that are not covered by Part A.
Medicare Part D
A Medicare coverage that provides prescription coverage to enrollees.
mental institution
An institution that primarily provides diagnoses, treatment, or care of persons with mental diseases. An institution for the mentally retarded is not an institution for mental diseases.
MFP
Money Follows the Person.
MH/MR
Mental health/mental retardation.
Michael Dallas Model waiver
A Medical Assistance program designed to provide medical services persons who are dependent on a medical device to replace or compensate for a vital body function and to avert immediate threat to life. The program is provided as an alternative to institutional or extended inpatient hospital care.
migrant farmworker
A person who travels away from home on a regular basis with a group of laborers to seek employment in an agriculturally related activity. A migrant household is a household that travels for this purpose.
minimum payment
The least amount of money for which a benefit can be issued.
minor child
A person who is under 18 years of age or who is under 19 years of age and is a full-time student in a secondary school or in an equivalent level of vocational or technical training.
minor parent
(1) A TANF-eligible person under age 18 who has never been married and is the natural parent of a dependent child living with the minor parent or is pregnant. (2) A GA-eligible person age 16 or 17 who has never been married and is the natural parent of a dependent child living with the minor parent or is pregnant.
misdemeanor
Any crime defined as a misdemeanor under the Pennsylvania Crimes Code or the crimes code of another jurisdiction where relevant.
MNO
Medically Needy Only.
Money Follows the Person
A demonstration project created to provide enhanced federal funding of certain qualified services provided to individuals who transition from a LTC facility back to the community under a HCBS program.
monthly assistance payment (MAP)
The amount of money issued monthly that is based on the family size allowance plus any applicable special items allowance, reduced by the net income of the budget group.
motor vehicle
A passenger car, truck, motorcycle, or other vehicle that is of a type permitted to travel on Pennsylvania highways. This includes those not licensed or inspected. (A dune buggy or a trail bike modified for off-road use is not considered a motor vehicle.) See also \"Recreational Vehicle.\"
MRT
Medical review team.
multiple SNAP households
Two or more related or unrelated groups of persons who live in the same home but purchase and prepare meals separately and who are eligible to receive SNAP benefits as separate households.
mutilated check
A check that has been torn or otherwise damaged.
An event such as a flood, tornado, or earthquake that causes major loss of income and resources and is declared a disaster by the President of the United States or the governor of Pennsylvania.
NCE
Noncontinuous eligibility.
net income test
A determination of the applicant/recipient group's eligibility based on the income remaining after all allowable deductions are given.
NMP
Nonmoney payment.
NMP for the Family (NMPF)
NMP Medical Assistance for a family (NMP-F for PC/PU27),
NMPF
NMP for the Family
noncitizen
Someone who is not a U.S. citizen. May non-citizens are here lawfully in a variety of immigration statuses.
noncompensable item
Any service or supply a provider furnishes for which there is no provision for payment under the Medical Assistance Program.
noncontinuous eligibility
A limited-period benefit to cover only one or two months of eligibility when a budget group is not eligible for continuing benefits or to authorize retroactive Medical Assistance in certain situations.
nonexempt volunteer
A recipient who is not exempt from ETP enrollment and volunteers to participate in an ETP activity before being required to do so.
nonhousehold member
A person who lives with a SNAP household but is not included in that household when determining its eligibility for benefits.
nonliquid resources
Real or personal property which cannot easily be converted to cash, such as nonresident property or vehicles.
nonmoney payment (NMP)
A category of Medical Assistance that provides payments for physicians, hospitals, dentists, prescriptions, and the like for eligible clients.
nonprofit cooperative food-purchasing venture
Any nonprofit association of consumers whose members pool their resources to buy food.
nonpublic assistance (NPA) SNAP household
A household that contains at least one member who does not receive public assistance or SSI benefits.
nonrecurring income
Income that an individual receives, usually in a single payment, that is not expected to continue. Nonrecurring income includes but is not limited to lump sum payments, vacation pay, and overtime pay.
nonresident
A person who does not meet the residency requirements to receive benefits.
nonresident property
A house, mobile home, building, burial plot, or land which is not being used as resident property by the applicant or recipient, their spouse, or minor or incompetent adult children.
nonresident real property
Land or buildings that are not the residence of the SNAP household.
Notice of Expiration
A form (PA 10-SP) used to tell a household that its certification period is ending and to schedule an appointment for the renewal interview.
Notice to Applicant
The notification form (PA/FS 162) used to tell the client about a decision on an application or request for benefits.
NPA SNAP household
A household that contains at least one member who does not receive public assistance or SSI benefits.
nursing facility care
Nursing home care provided to individuals who cannot be cared for at home or in the community.
OMNIBUS Budget Reconciliation Act.
OBRA waiver
This Home and Community-Based Service (HCBS) Program provides services in the community to eligible individuals age 18 and older who have developmental disabilities other than mental retardation. These disabilities must have been present prior to age 22 and must require an Intermediate Care Facility for Other Related Conditions (ICF/ORC) level of care. A limited number of individuals who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder can also receive services under this Waiver. OBRA is administered by the Office of Long Term Living.
OCDEL
Office of Child Development and Early Learning.
OCYF
Office of Children, Youth, and Families.
ODP
Office of Developmental Programs.
Office of Inspector General (OIG)
The state office responsible for conducting welfare fraud investigations and performing collection actions.
official document
An original or copy of a government document, correspondence, or the like from a public or private agency or business that clearly identifies the applicant and shows his or her SSN. The document must show the letterhead of the agency or business.
offset
A reduction of the amount of an overissuance by the amount of restored benefits owed to a household.
OIG
Office of Inspector General.
OIM
Office of Income Maintenance.
OIM Procedures Manual
The document that contains data entry procedures for all computer systems used by CAOs.
OJT
On-the-job training.
OLTL
Office of Long-Term Living.
OMAP
Office of Medical Assistance Programs.
OMD
Office of the Medical Director.
OMHSAS
Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
on-the-job training (OJT)
A program in which the training necessary to perform a job is provided by the employer after the employee is hired, designed for individuals who do not have the training or specific work experience required for the job. OJT allows the participant to gain the knowledge and skills necessary in the performance of a job after he or she is hired as an employee. The employer is usually in the private sector. The participant receives training while working, and after training may continue on with the same employer or be placed with another employer in unsubsidized employment.
one-time issuance (OTI)
The authorization of a benefit which is not generated or mailed under the regular issuance schedule. The OTI authorization posts benefit eligibility periods to CIS for an initial month of eligibility, a retroactive or limited period of eligibility. This period is usually called the noncontinuous eligibility (NCE) period.
ops. memo
Operations memorandum.
ORC-Other related ondition
This term includes a number of serious physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy epilepsy,spina bifida and similar conditions diagnosed before age 22.
OSP
Office of Social Programs.
OTI
One-time issuance.
overissuance
The receipt by a household of more benefits than it was entitled to receive.
overpayment
The payment of LIHEAP funds or provision of LIHEAP benefits for which the agency or person is either fully or partially ineligible.
Public assistance.
PA/SNAP household
A SNAP household in which all members receive public assistance or SSI benefits.
PACE
Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly.
PACSES
Pennsylvania Child Support Enforcement System.
PAEM
Public Assistance Eligibility Manual.
paid work experience
An employment and training program in which recipients are assigned to a vendor that is regarded as the client's employer for such purposes and pays the client at the minimum wage for the hours worked. The work site is usually be at a location other than the vendor's own agency. As the employer, the vendor is responsible for ensuring that all normal employee withholding taxes are being deducted from the client's pay.
palliative medical treatment
Treatment or services designed to reduce the severity of an illness or disease even though recovery is not expected.
PAN
Primary account number.
parent
(1) For Medical Assistance, the biological or adoptive father or mother of a child under age 21. (2) As a legally responsible relative for TANF, the biological or adoptive father or mother of a TANF dependent child, including a TANF minor parent. (3) As a legally responsible relative for GA, the biological or adoptive father or mother of an unemancipated child under age 19, including a GA minor parent. NOTE: A putative father is not a parent until paternity is established.
Parent Locator Service
A unit in the Bureau of Child Support Enforcement responsible for assisting in the location of absent parents.
PARIS
Pennsylvania Recipient Identification System.
parole
A conditional release of a prisoner serving an indeterminate or unexpired sentence.
parolee
A person who has been conditionally released from prison or an immigration status granted to certain aliens admitted to the U.S. for humanitarian or public-interest reasons. An alien granted parolee status may be eligible for cash assistance.
part-time child care
Child care of less than five hours a day.
part-time employment
Employment that averages less than 30 hours a week in a calendar month.
part-time student
A person who attends school less than full-time, as defined by the school.
partial renewal
A review of eligibility that focuses on specific eligibility factors, such as need and resource items.
participation status code
The code that indicates whether a person is nonexempt or exempt from participation in the Employment and Training Program. The codes for exempt persons specify which exemption criteria the persons meet.
paternity
The legal determination that a person is the biological father of a child. Paternity is legally established by the court or when the putative father signs an Acknowledgement of Paternity (H.105.181).
patient
A person in a medical institution because of illness, injury, or other defect who receives continuous professional medical treatment or care. The medical care may be aimed at improving the person's health or may be required even though recovery is not expected.
patient pay liability
The amount of income considered available to pay the unpaid, incurred medical expenses of the applicant/recipient group.
payee
The person to whom benefits are paid and who takes responsibility for the management of the financial affairs of the persons included in the budget group.
payment
An approved cash or crisis benefit issued through the LIHEAP automated system.
payment month
The calendar month for which a household receives an allotment.
payment name
The persons in whose name benefits are issued.
PB
Prospective budgeting.
PCBH
Personal care boarding home.
PCP
Primary care physician.
penal institution
An institution under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Corrections in which a person accused or guilty of a crime is confined for detention or punishment.
penalty
For SNAP, the punishment following prosecution under sections 15(b) and (c) of the Food Stamp Act of an individual, partnership, corporation, or other legal entity for any unauthorized issuance, use, transfer, acquisition, alteration, possession, or presentation of SNAP benefits and the EBT card.
penalty period
For SNAP, a period of ineligibility for participation in the program, based on noncooperation with the state or federal quality control review.
permanent resident noncitizen
A person who has or who intends to establish residency in the United States, with the purpose of remaining and becoming a U.S. citizen.
permanently residing in the U.S. under the color of law (PRUCOL)
Refers to individuals who are known to the government and are allowed to remain in the United States at the administrative discretion of the USCIS.
person-centered support
A type of service planning that allows a person to select his or her own service providers.
Person/Family-Directed Support waiver
An HCBS program intended for eligible persons age three and over who have mental retardation that would require an intermediate care facility for mental retardation (ICF/MR) level of care. The services provided under this program allow the person to remain in the community. It is run by the Office of Developmental Programs.
personal care home
A licensed facility that provides meals, shelter, and personal assistance or supervision for more than 24 consecutive hours for more than three adults who do not require nursing home care. Personal care homes accept immobile adults who can be safely evacuated in an emergency.
personal identification number (PIN)
A four digit number selected by the client to access the household’s EBT account.
personal property
A privately owned possession that is not real property.
Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE)
A program funded by the Pennsylvania lottery and administered by the Department of Aging to pay most of the cost of prescriptions for the elderly who meet certain income guidelines.
Pickle Amendment
The law (as later modified by the Lynch v. Rank law suit) which extends NMP eligibility and Buy-In to persons who receive RSDI benefits but who previously received both RSDI and SSI at the time SSI was discontinued. NMP eligibility is determined by disregarding any RSDI cost-of-living increases received since SSI benefits were closed. The provision applies to persons whose SSI benefits were discontinued after April 1977.
Pickle MAPPER file
A file in the MAPPER system which provides information on individuals who are potentially eligible for benefits under the Pickle Amendment. The information is obtained from the US Department of Health and Human Services and includes each person's SSI termination date and the amount of his Social Security benefit at the time his SSI was terminated.
PID
Pennsylvania Insurance Department.
PIN
Personal identification number.
PNA
Personal needs allowance.
POA
Power-of-attorney.
point of sale (POS)
A location where a cardholder initiates a transaction with a merchant.
POS
Point of sale.
postpartum eligibility
The eligibility of a woman for continuing Medical Assistance benefits for 60 days following birth or termination of pregnancy and ending on the last day of the month in which the 60th day falls.
power of attorney (POA)
A written document given by one person or party to another authorizing the latter to act for the former.
pre-expenditure approval
Approval by a person specified by the DPW before the recipient has incurred expenses for an item or service.
preconference hearing
An optional CAO meeting with a household who has requested a hearing, to attempt to resolve the appeal prior to the hearing. The conference does not delay or replace the hearing process.
prehearing conference
An optional CAO meeting with a client who has requested a hearing to attempt to resolve an appeal prior to the hearing. The conference does not delay or replace the hearing process.
preliminary review
The review for entitlement to expedited service to be conducted the same day that an identifiable application for benefits is received in the CAO. The review focuses on information provided on the application. A personal interview is not required.
prescreen interview
A review of the application form prior to the application interview to determine possible eligibility and prepare the applicant for the application process. A personal interview is not required.
presumptive eligibility
presumptive eligibility (1) For Healthy Beginnings, 45 days of temporary eligibility for Healthy Beginnings as determined by a qualified provider pending the determination of eligibility by the CAO. (2) For SSI, payment of benefits to an applicant for up to three months based on observation or evaluation of preliminary medical evidence. (3) For Healthy Horizons, temporary PJ/TJ/PS eligibility for Medical Assistance benefits based on disability pending certification of permanent and total disability by the Social Security Administration or DPW's medical review team.
primary account number
The nineteen-digit number printed on the front of the EBT card and encoded on the magnetic stripe on the back of the card. The number links to the EBT contractor system.
primary care physician (PCP)
The term used to identify the medical provider that an individual enrolled in a managed care plan must use for medical care. The PCP will refer the individual to other medical providers when specialty or hospital care is required.
primary EBT card
The EBT card issued to the payment name that establishes the account on the EBT system.
principal wage earner (PWE)
The household member or excluded member who earns the most wages. If members' earnings are the same, the PWE is the household member or excluded member designated by the household.
private institution
An institution whose management, administration, and operation is privately controlled. The source of its funds may be either private or public and private.
probation
The action of suspending the sentence of a convicted offender and giving him or her freedom during good behavior under the supervision of a parole officer.
procedures manual
The document that contains the data-entry procedures for all computer systems used by CAOs.
profit
The amount remaining after subtracting allowable costs of doing business from the total gross receipts plus any capital gains.
program status code
A code that identifies budgets that meet certain characteristics. It is used for federal reimbursement, reporting, and general control purposes. The code is data-entered by the CAO.
PROMISe
Provider Reimbursement and Operations Management Information System. The system that issues payments to enrolled providers for MA services. Replaced MAMIS.
proof
Anything that serves to convince the mind of the truth or falsity of a fact; the establishment of a fact by evidence.
proration
The determination of the benefit due a household for a portion of the calendar month by computing the daily share of the monthly allotment.
prospective budgeting (PB)
The computation of the monthly benefit allotment based on the best estimate of income and circumstances that will exist in the calendar month in which the assistance payment will be made.
prospective determination
The determination of eligibility based on the best estimate of income and circumstances that will exist in the calendar month in which the assistance payment will be made.
protective payee
A responsible adult named by the client to receive a cash assistance benefit on behalf of his or her children.
protective payment
The cash assistance payment made on behalf of a client to a protective payee.
provider
Any person or medical facility which signs an agreement with the Department to participate in the Medical Assistance program, including licensed practitioners, pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, home health agencies, and medical purveyors.
Provider Reimbursement and Operations Management Information System (PROMISe)
The system that issues payments to enrolled providers for MA services. Replaced MAMIS
PRUCOL
Permanently residing in the U.S. under the color of law.
PRWORA
Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunities Reconciliation Act.
PSC
Program status code.
public assistance/SNAP household
A SNAP household in which all members receive public assistance or SSI benefits.
public institution
An institution whose management or administration is controlled by a governmental unit that also provides its main source of funds.
putative father
The alleged father of a child born out of wedlock whose paternity has not been legally established.
PWE
Principal wage earner.
Quality control.
QI-1
Qualifying individual, Group 1.
QMB
Qualified medical beneficiary.
qualified child
A child under 19 who qualifies for the Healthy Beginnings Program.
qualified medical beneficiary (QMB)
A Medical Assistance recipient age 65 or over or a person with a disability, entitled to Medicare Part A, whose income is below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level, and who has resources under the SSI eligibility level. QMBs are eligible for payment of Medicare Premiums Parts A & B, Medicare Deductibles Parts A & B and Medicare Coinsurances Parts A & B.
qualified provider
A Medical Assistance provider designated by the Department for the purpose of determining presumptive eligibility for Healthy Beginnings.
qualifying individual, Group 1
Qualifying Individual, Group 1. An individual who is eligible for a Medical Assistance Program which provides payment of the Medicare Part B premium for elderly/disabled individuals who meet specified income limits.
quality control (QC)
The branch of DPW that provides data on the accuracy with which the department is applying eligibility and payment requirements. QC gathers data through a continuous review of a statistically reliable statewide sample of cases.
QUEST mark
The QUEST trademark and such other service marks as may be adopted from time to time in accordance with the quest rules.
QUEST rules
The rules set forth by the national automated clearing house association for the distribution of government benefits under the QUEST service mark.
Remittance Advice or Resource Assessment.
RA-LTC
Resource Assessment - Long Term Care
Railroad Retirement (RR)
Retirement benefits for former railroad employees and their dependents.
RCA
Refugee cash assistance.
real property
Land, buildings, and mobile homes.
reapplication
See \"renewal.\"
reason code
A numerical code that identifies the reason for an action to open, close, change, or issue a benefit.
reasonable payment
The amount a boarder must pay to be considered a nonhousehold member. A reasonable payment is (a) the amount of the maximum benefit allotment for the number of individuals making a payment if the payment is for at least three meals a day or (b) two-thirds of the maximum benefit allotment if the payment is for less than three meals a day.
rebuttable presumption
A rule of evidence that permits DPW to assume that, when certain facts are true, other facts are true without having proof of the other facts. The presumption is automatic and can be disproved or rebutted only by the individual’s presenting evidence to disprove the presumption. If no evidence to disprove the presumption is presented, the presumption stands.
receipt voucher
A document signed at a direct delivery site by the client acknowledging payment received.
recent work history
Employment in the current month or either of the two preceding months.
recertification
See \"renewal.\"
recipient
A person who has been determined eligible for and is receiving benefits. Recipients include persons in cash cases where no payment is made because the minimum grant requirement is not met or there is a zero cash payment.
recipient number
See \"CIS individual number.\"
reconsideration
A review of an Office of Hearings and Appeals hearing decision by the Secretary of Public Welfare, at the request of OIG, the applicant or recipient, or the CAO.
recoupment
The automatic reduction of a monthly assistance payment or SNAP allotment to pay back an overissuance.
recreational vehicle
A boat, trailer, snowmobile, dune buggy, or trail bike modified for off-road use.
recurring allowance
An allowance, included in the regular semimonthly assistance payment, for a special need that is continuing.
recurring income
Income that is expected to continue on either a regular or an irregular basis.
red book
The motor vehicle wholesale price list approved by DPW. It is published quarterly and establishes values for most makes and models of cars and trucks.
referral management system (RMS)
A computer system that establishes overpayment claims, produces client notices; initiates, tracks, and terminates recoupment; and does claim-reduction accounting.
refugee
The status granted by the Immigration Service to a person residing in the U.S. because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution in his or her home country because of his or her race, ethnic group, or political opinion. This status is similar to asylee status; the difference is that refugees are granted their status abroad, while persons seeking asylum apply after they enter the U.S.
refugee medical assistance (RMA)
Medical Assistance benefits provided to refugees who do not meet the categorical requirements for any TANF-Related Medical Assistance, SSI-Related Medical Assistance or CHIP, but qualify for RMA based upon immigration status and meets the income and resource requirements for RMA.
reinstatement
The process by which the CAO reactivates benefits for a household whose benefits have been suspended because of its failure to comply with monthly reporting requirements.
reissue payment
A type of payment used to issue a benefit, either partial or in full, because funds have been returned or refunded from the incorrect vendor to DPW.
rejection code
A two-digit code in the LIHEAP automated system indicating the reason an application was rejected for payment.
remittance advice (RA)
A detailed explanation of payments and recoupments provided to a vendor.
renewal
A review by the CAO of all eligibility factors subject to change, to determine if a recipient is eligible for assistance; formerly known as \"recertification\" or \"redetermination.\". A renewal is either complete or partial.
renewal interview
A periodic review of Medical Assistance eligibility factors which are subject to change. The renewal is usually completed by the mail in process but at the individual’s request an interview (telephone or face-to-face) can be scheduled.
replacement check
A check issued to replace a check that the client was unable to cash.
reporting period
The calendar month for which the client reports income and other circumstances.
representative payee
An individual or institution to which payments are made on behalf of the actual recipient. For example, a parent may be the representative payee for a child, or a mental health agency may be representative payee to more than one recipient.
RESET
Road to Economic Self-Sufficiency through Employment and Training.
residence
The dwelling where a household is actually living. Under Section 601.105 of the LIHEAP State Plan, the household must document whether the household’s residence is temporarily vacant for reasons beyond the household’s control, such as health, plumbing, or heating problems.
resident
A person whose permanent home is in the commonwealth and who lives there voluntarily and not temporarily for a reason such as a vacation, a visit, or education.
resident of an institution
A person who lives in a facility that provides them with the majority of their meals (more than 50 percent of three meals daily). Residents of institutions are not eligible to participate in the SNAP, except for (a) a resident of housing for the elderly, subsidized under Section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959 or section 236 of the National Housing Act; (b) a drug addict or alcoholic who is undergoing treatment at a drug or alcohol treatment center; (c) a resident of a group living arrangement who is disabled or blind and receives benefits under Title II or Title XVI of the Social Security Act; (d) a woman, or a woman with her children, who resides temporarily in a shelter for battered women and children; or (e) a resident of a public or private nonprofit shelter for the homeless.
resident property
A house, mobile home, or building, including the land on which it sits, which is lived in by the applicant or recipient, their spouse, or minor or incompetent adult children.
resource
An asset available to a household, including bank accounts, trust funds, real property, stocks or bonds, and personal goods.
Resource Assessment (RA)
?
restored benefits
The benefits a household was eligible for but did not receive, which are returned to the household because of an agency error or a reversal of disqualification for intentional program violation, or for specifically stated circumstances that a household is entitled to restoration of lost benefits.
restricted endorsement
A provision that requires both a third party and the payee to endorse a check. This is used to restrict the use of the monthly assistance payment and, in some cases, special need allowances.
restricted income
Income limited by the payer for the use of a specified person.
restricted medical services
A restriction placed by the Department on the use of the medical benefits by limiting the client to a designated provider. The restriction is placed when a medical profile indicates a possibility of overuse or fraudulent use of medical benefits. The EVS system informs providers of the restricted services.
retail food store
Any of the following that sells food or provides meals: (a) a private nonprofit drug or alcohol addiction treatment and rehabilitation program; (b) a publicly operated community mental health center that conducts residential programs for drug addicts or alcoholics; (c) a public or private nonprofit group living arrangement or a shelter for battered women and children; (d) an establishment, recognized department of an establishment, or a house-to-house trade route whose eligible food sales are more than 50 percent staple food items for home preparation and consumption; (e) any private nonprofit cooperative food purchasing venture, including those whose members pay for food prior to receipt of the food; or (f) a farmer's market.
Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI)
A monthly payment received because of retirement, disability, or being a survivor or dependent of a person eligible to receive benefits. The benefits are administered by the Social Security Administration under Title II of the Social Security Act.
retroactive period
The three calendar months before the month of application and the days in the month of application that come before the date of application.
returned benefits
SNAP benefits that have been returned to DPW when an account is inactive for 90 days. These returned benefits may be replaced for up to one year from the date of original issuance.
revocable burial reserve
Funds that are held under contract with a financial institution or funeral director and designated for burial expenses but may be withdrawn prior to the client's death.
RMA
Refugee medical assistance.
RMS
Referral Management System.
roomer
A person who pays a household for lodging but not meals. Payment usually covers heat and electricity and may cover a private bathroom, kitchen or bathroom privileges on a shared basis, and light housekeeping services.
roomer/boarder
A person who pays for lodging and meals.
RR
Railroad Retirement.
RSDI
Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance.
Semiannual reporting.
SAVE
Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements. A program to verify the validity of noncitizen immigration documents.
SBP
State Blind Pension.
screening interview
A face-to-face or telephone interview between the CAO and an applicant to review a filed application prior to the application interview, if needed, and to assure that the information needed to determine eligibility is supplied.
SDX
State Data Exchange.
seasonal farmworker
See \"migrant farmworker.\"
second pay
A payment used to issue a second benefit, either partial or in full, because the original payment was issued to an incorrect vendor but funds have not been returned or refunded from the client’s vendor to DPW.
secondary card
An EBT card issued to another active adult household member who has the same access to benefits as the primary cardholder.
secondary fuel type
(1) The source of energy for space heating to supplement that provided by the central heating system of a household residence. (2) If the residence is centrally heated by a form of energy other than that set forth above, the source of energy that is needed to operate the central heating system. (This includes water for steam-heating systems, such as radiators.) (3) If the residence is not centrally heated, a source of energy that is used for home heat to a lesser degree than the main fuel type.
self-employment
The earning of income directly from one's own business, trade, or profession, rather than from an employer.
self-employment income
The profit from self-employment.
semiannual period
The period between SAR forms. Generally, the period is set for six months or the next renewal, whichever is sooner.
semiannual reporting (SAR)
The system by which clients inform the CAO of budget group circumstances on a semiannual basis. The information reported is used by the CAO to determine a budget group’s continued eligibility and monthly benefit allotment.
semimonthly issuance
Benefits issued twice in each calendar month based on a schedule of benefit issuance days. In CIS, eligibility periods posted at individual level are semimonthly issuance periods.
semimonthly payment
One-half of the monthly assistance payment issued twice in a calendar month.
service provider
An agency or person employed to provide a service.
shelter deduction
The deduction given for a household's shelter expenses in excess of 50 percent of its monthly income after all other deductions, subject to maximum limits unless the household contains an elderly or disabled individual.
shelter for battered women and children
A public or private nonprofit residential facility that provides shelter and related services for women who have been physically abused by their spouses. The facility also provides shelter and services to the children of abused women residing in the facility.
sheltered workshop
A supervised place of employment for handicapped persons.
sibling
A natural, adopted, half-, or step- brother or sister.
single point of contact (SPOC)
An intensive service program within Employment and Training that provides counseling and training services to non-job-ready individuals.
SLIAG
State Legalization Impact Assistance Grant.
SLMB
Specified low-income Medicare beneficiary.
SMA
Support or maintenance assistance benefits.
SMI
Supplemental Medical Insurance (Medicare Part B).
SNAP
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
A monthly benefit administered by the Social Security Administration for eligible disabled individuals.
Social Security number (SSN)
An identifying number established for a person by the Social Security Administration. The number is used by DPW to verify identity in order to prevent duplicate participation in state and federal programs. The SSN is used to obtain income and resource information through computer matches.
special allowance
A cash payment authorized for special needs not covered by the regular public assistance grant.
special items allowance
A payment authorized for a special need not covered by the family size allowance. The payment may be for either a recurring or a nonrecurring need.
special SSI recipient status
A disabled or blind person who is ineligible for SSI due to earnings from employment but who remains eligible for Medical Assistance and the Buy-In.
specified low-income Medicare beneficiary
An individual who is eligible for a Medical Assistance Program which provides payment of the Medicare Part B premium for elderly/disabled individuals who meet specified income limits.
specified relative
A relative who exercise care and control of a dependent child and makes a home where the child lives.
spend-down
The process of establishing eligibility for MA by allowing the individual to spend his excess net income on certain unpaid or paid medical expenses.
SPLC
Subsidized permanent legal custodianship.
SPOC
Single point of contact.
sponsor
A person or organization that has signed an affidavit of support on behalf of an alien as a condition of the alien's entry into the United States.
sponsored alien
An alien under sponsorship, lawfully admitted for permanent residence into the U.S. as an immigrant as defined by sections 101(a)(15) and 101(a)(20) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
sponsored noncitizen
See \"sponsored alien.\"
spouse
A legally married person, including a person in a common-law marriage.
SPT
Support pass-through.
SRM
Supplier relationship management.
SS
Social Security.
SSA
Social Security Administration.
SSDI
Social Security Disability Insurance.
SSI
Supplemental Security Income.
SSI household
A household in which all members are SSI recipients.
SSI-related category
A Medical Assistance category which has the same requirements as the corresponding category of SSI. Persons who receive Medical Assistance in SSI-related categories are aged, blind, or disabled.
SSN
Social Security number.
stale-dated check
A check whose payment date is more than 30 days old.
standard deduction
The deduction of an established monthly amount from all types of income.
standard of need
The monthly amount of income needed for a budget group to meet basic living needs. It is based on the budget group's size and county of residence.
standard utility allowance (SUA)
A single utility allowance used in place of individual identifiable utility costs when computing the excess shelter costs for a household.
staple foods
Food items intended for home preparation and consumption, including meat, poultry, fish, bread, cereals, vegetables, fruits, juices, and dairy products. Accessory food items, such as coffee, tea, cocoa, carbonated and uncarbonated drinks, candy, condiments, and spices are not staple foods for the purpose of qualifying a firm to participate in the SNAP as a retail food store.
State Blind Pension (SBP)
A state-funded program that provides a cash assistance benefit to Pennsylvania residents who meet visual requirements and other conditions of eligibility. SBP cannot be received at the same time as GA, TANF, or SSI.
State Data Exchange (SDX)
A system that provides information on SSI recipients as a result of a state computer match with Social Security Administration files. The match produces an PA 8036 report for each individual and a monthly listing of SSI checks issued.
State Legalization Impact Assistance Grant (SLIAG)
A provision of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 which provides grants to states to provide cash and Medical Assistance to those aliens admitted under the act who do not qualify for federally funded benefits.
state supplement
The portion of the total SSI benefit which is paid by the Commonwealth. The supplement to the basic federal payment is allowed to make up for differences in living costs in different states.
stepparent
A person who is married by legal ceremony or common law to the parent of a child.
stop payment
Instructions issued to a direct delivery site or bank to prevent payment of a specific check.
strike
A concerted stoppage of work by employees (including a stoppage by reason of the expiration of a collective bargaining agreement), or a concerted slowdown or other concerted interruption of operations by employees.
striker
A person participating in a strike.
student
A person who is attending an elementary or secondary school, college, university, or vocational or technical school or who is a participant in the Job Corps under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA).
SUA
Standard utility allowance.
SUA period
The period from October 1 to September 30 during which the current SUA allowance is effective.
subsidized day care
Day care provided to children with monies from any federal fund, such as Title IV-A or Title XX.
subsidized employment
Work in which all or a portion of the wages paid to the recipient are provided to the employer.
subsidized permanent legal custodianship
A program that provides for a permanent placement for children who are under the custody of the County Children and Youth Agency who cannot return to their home and for whom adoption is not a suitable option.
substance abuser
A person who is dependent on drugs or alcohol.
substantial gainful activity
A Social Security Administration disability term meaning any work performed or intended for pay or profit. The work must involve doing significant and productive physical or mental duties.
suffix code
A letter designation required when opening a SNAP case. The following suffix codes are used: S--At least one household member does not receive public assistance cash benefits; H--All household members receive SSI benefits; X--All household members receive cash, family works (except for the WIA youth development program), or SSI benefits.
summary offense
Any crime classified as a summary offense under the Pennsylvania Crimes Code or the crimes code of another jurisdiction where relevant.
Supplemental Medical Insurance (SMI)
Medicare Part B.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Monthly cash payments made to the aged, blind, or disabled under the authority of Title XVI of the Social Security Act, as amended, Section 1616(A) of the Social Security Act, or Section 212(A) of Pub. L. 93-66.
supplier relationship management (SRM)
The Commonwealth’s electronic requisition system for forms, publications, and supplies.
support
A payment made, either voluntarily or as a result of a court order, as alimony or for the support of a child or spouse.
support or maintenance assistance (SMA) benefits
In-kind assistance provided by a private, nonprofit organization. Cash or in-kind assistance provided by a supplier of home heating oil or gas, an entity providing home energy whose revenues are primarily derived on a rate-of-return basis and regulated by the Public Utility Commission, or provided by a municipal utility providing home energy.
supportive services
Items and services necessary to enable a participant to prepare for, seek, accept, or maintain education, employment, or training.
suspension
The temporary stopping or withholding of benefits.
system
The Client Information System (CIS) and MAPPER system databases and processes.
Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE)
A program to verify the validity of noncitizen immigration documents.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. A Federal Block Grant program that provides temporary cash assistance to families that contain dependent children who are deprived of the care or support of one or both parents due to absence, incapacity, or unemployment of a parent. This program replaces the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program. Also, see 'TANF minor parent', 'TANF-C', 'TANF-related category', or 'TANF-U'.
TANF minor parent
A person under age 18 whose own natural or adoptive child is eligible for TANF (C or U) as a dependent child; replaces AFDC minor parent. Also, see 'TANF', 'TANF-C', 'TANF-related category', or 'TANF-U'.
TANF-C
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families—Absent or incapacitated parent. (replaces AFDC-C.) Also, see 'TANF minor parent', 'TANF', 'TANF-related category', or 'TANF-U'.
TANF-related category
A federally funded Medical Assistance category assigned to persons under age 21, certain specified relatives of dependent children, and pregnant women. (See Chapter 305) Also, see 'TANF minor parent', 'TANF-C', 'TANF', or 'TANF-U'.
TANF-U
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families—Unemployed parent. (replaces AFDC-U)
TBA
Transitional benefits alternative. See \"Extended SNAP.\"
technology dependence
A person's dependence on technology to replace a vital bodily function or to sustain life.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
A Federal Block Grant program that provides temporary cash assistance to families that contain dependent children who are deprived of the care or support of one or both parents due to absence, incapacity, or unemployment of a parent. This program replaces the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program. Also, see 'TANF minor parent', 'TANF-C', 'TANF-related category', or 'TANF-U'.
terminated income
Income received from a source that will not provide additional income to the household in the current month and the following month.
third-party liability (TPL)
Resources available to clients to pay all or partial medical expenses. Third party resources include, but are not limited to, Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield coverage, private medical insurance, court-ordered medical coverage, and patient pay liability.
third-party payments
Money is payable to a household but which is paid directly to a service provider for household expenses.
third-party resources (TPR)
Resources available to clients to pay all or partial medical expenses. Third party resources include, but are not limited to, Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield coverage, private medical insurance, court-ordered medical coverage, and patient pay liability.
thrifty food plan
The diet required to feed a family of four persons consisting of a man and a woman age 20-50, a child age 6-8, and a child age 9-11, determined in accordance with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The cost of such a diet is the basis for uniform allotments for all households, regardless of their actual composition.
Ticket To Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act (TWWIIA)
An act that gives states the option of providing NMP MA benefits to workers with disabilities.
timely notice
Information provided to an individual regarding a proposed action. Notification is on an approved DPW form and is mailed or given to a client at least ten calendar days before a proposed action becomes effective.
timely reporting
(1) The client's responsibility to report certain changes in circumstances within ten days. (2) For monthly reporting households subject to semiannual reporting, the responsibility to report information on the semiannual reporting form.
timing the effect
The required time frame for making changes in the household's allotment because of reported changes in circumstances.
Title II
Under the Social Security Act, benefits for the aged or disabled (RSDI).
Title IV
Under the Social Security Act, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), formerly known as the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program.
Title IV-E
Under the Social Security Act, foster care and federal adoption assistance programs.
Title XIX
Under the Social Security Act, federal reimbursement for the cost of medical care.
Title XVI
Under the Social Security Act, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.
Title XVIII
Under the Social Security Act, Medicare benefits.
Title XX
Under the Social Security Act, block grants to states for social services.
Title XXI
Under the Social Security Act, the state Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
total gross receipts
The amount received from self-employment before any deductions are given for the allowable costs of producing the self-employment income.
TPL
Third-party liability. Resources available to clients to pay all or partial medical expenses. Third party resources include, but are not limited to, Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield coverage, private medical insurance, court-ordered medical coverage, and patient pay liability.
TPR
Third-party resources. Resources available to clients to pay all or partial medical expenses. Third party resources include, but are not limited to, Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield coverage, private medical insurance, court-ordered medical coverage, and patient pay liability.
tracking
A function of the Cash/Food Stamp Semiannual Reporting (CFSR) system that controls the issuance or suspension of benefits based on compliance with semiannual reporting requirements.
trade school
An institution of higher learning that grants specialized associate degrees in business or technology (ASB and ASI) and is not a college or university.
training allowance
Money received from a vocational or rehabilitative program recognized by the federal, state, or local government, provided it is not a reimbursement. The following are examples of training programs: (a) the Employment and Training Program; (b) WIA authorized programs; (c) Title I of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (VISTA, University Year for Action, Urban Crime Prevention Program, etc.); (d) Title II of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (RSVP, Foster Grandparents, etc.).
transitional benefits alternative (TBA)
See \"Extended SNAP.\" Benefits provided to all households leaving TANF (except those prohibited by regulation); formerly \"transitional benefits alternative.\"
Treasury pay date
The date when the Treasury Department issues a check to a vendor.
trustee
A person who legally administers income or resources for the benefit of a beneficiary.
TWWIIA
Ticket To Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act. An act that gives states the option of providing NMP MA benefits to workers with disabilities.
See \"United States (U.S.) citizen.\"
UC
Unemployment compensation. A cash benefit paid to a person who was laid off from employment, fired without good reason, or quit with good cause.
uncovered earnings
Wages for which no unemployment compensation benefit is paid.
underissuance
The receipt of fewer SNAP benefits than a household is entitled to, owing to CAO error or delay.
underpayment
Issuance of benefits in an amount less than that to which the client is entitled.
unearned income
Cash or contributions received by a person for which he or she does not perform work or provide a service.
unemancipated minor
A person under age 21 who has never been married or who has been married but had the marriage annulled, and who remains under the control of his parents, whether or not he or she lives with them.
unemployment compensation (UC)
A cash benefit paid to a person who was laid off from employment, fired without good reason, or quit with good cause.
unfit for work
Describes a student with an evident or proven physical or mental handicap that prevents employment.
uninterrupted benefits
A household's receipt of its SNAP benefits on the regular issuance date each month, with no delay in benefits.
United States (U.S.) citizen
A person who (a) was born in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Swain's Island, Panama, and other U.S. territories during certain historical periods; (b) was naturalized by the immigration service; (c) derived citizenship from parents when the parents became naturalized citizens; (d) acquired U.S. citizenship at birth abroad through a U.S. citizen parent or parents; or (e) acquired citizenship through applications by U.S. citizen adoptive parents.
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
The name of the federal agency in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the U.S. immigration laws.
university
An institution of higher learning, approved by the Secretary of Education, that offers a post-secondary program of education leading to a degree.
unsuitable employment
Any employment that meets one of the following criteria: (a) the wage offered is less than the highest of the applicable federal minimum wage, the applicable state minimum wage, or training wage, if applicable, or 80 percent of the federal minimum wage, if neither the federal nor state minimum wage or training wage is applicable; (b) the employment offered is on a piece-rate basis, and the average hourly yield the employee can reasonably be expected to earn is less than the applicable state or federal minimum wage, or 80 percent of the federal minimum wage if neither the federal nor state minimum wage is applicable; (c) as a condition of employment or continuing employment, the participant is required to join, resign from, or refrain from joining any legitimate labor organization; (d) the work offered is at a site subject to a strike or a lockout at the time of the offer, unless the strike has been enjoined under Section 208 of the Labor-Management Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 78, commonly known as the Taft-Hartley Act) or unless an injunction has been issued under section 10 of the Railway Labor Act (45 U.S.C. 160).
USCIS
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. The name of the federal agency in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the U.S. immigration laws.
Veterans Affairs. A department of the federal government that administers various financial and nonfinancial programs for persons who have served in the military and their dependents.
valid termination notice
A notice telling a client about the stopping of a service. The notice mail date, not the proposed termination date, drives the termination procedure. The regulated utility has 60 days from the notice mail date to terminate service. If service is not terminated in 60 days, the notice is no longer valid.
vehicle
A passenger car, truck, motorcycle, or other vehicle, either licensed or unlicensed, that can be used to transport persons or goods. See also \"motor vehicle\" or \"recreational vehicle.\"
vendor
For LIHEAP, an agent or company that directly distributes home-heating energy or service in exchange for payment. The term does not include landlords, housing authorities, hotel managers or proprietors, rental agents, energy suppliers or generators, or other parties who are not direct distributors of home-heating energy or service. A vendor who is recorded as inactive cannot receive payments through the LIHEAP system.
vendor account number
The number assigned to a customer by a vendor for fuel or utility services to a dwelling.
vendor ID
The unique five-digit number assigned to a vendor for identification in the LIHEAP automated system.
vendor payment
A payment made to a third party on behalf of a client.
verification
The use of written, visual, or oral information from someone other than the applicant or recipient to prove the accuracy of statements made by an applicant or recipient.
veterans (VA) benefits
Payments made by Veterans Affairs to veterans or to dependents of veterans.
Veterans Affairs (VA)
A department of the federal government that administers various financial and nonfinancial programs for persons who have served in the military and their dependents.
vocational education
A curriculum of training provided by an accredited training organization that is designed to prepare a recipient for a specific occupation.
voluntary job quit
The termination of employment by the employee's choice.
voluntary support
Money paid by a nonhousehold member for the support of a household member and that is not ordered by a court.
voucher
For LIHEAP, a weekly payment request sent to the Treasury Department that summarizes the total, at the appropriation level, of the weekly transactions processed for payment.
voucher number
For LIHEAP, a unique sequential number assigned to each weekly voucher transmittal.
The total gross amount of money paid for services performed as an employee.
waiver program
The waiver of certain Medical Assistance program requirements for targeted groups of clients. The waivers allow DPW to provide medical and supportive services to persons in the community, including an alternative to institutional or inpatient hospital care.
WC
Workers' compensation. An insurance benefit paid to an employee who is injured on a job covered by the program.
weekly activity report
A report, issued weekly to the CAO by the Cash/Food Stamp Semiannual Reporting (CFSR) system, listing all the semiannual reporting actions data-entered during the week and the status of cases in CFSR.
WIA
Workforce Investment Act. A statute authorizing programs designed to prepare youth and unskilled adults for entry into the labor force and to give job training to economically disadvantaged persons and other persons facing serious barriers to employment who are in special need of such training to obtain productive employment; replaced the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA).
WIC
Women's, Infants', and Children's program. A supplemental food program that provides vouchers for specific types of food for pregnant women, mothers, infants, and children who meet certain conditions. It is a federal program administered locally by the Department of Health.
withdrawn money
(1) Money taken out of a bank account. (2) Interest payments that are or could be received by a household member from an excludable resource, such as a trust fund.
Women's, Infants', and Children's (WIC) program
A supplemental food program that provides vouchers for specific types of food for pregnant women, mothers, infants, and children who meet certain conditions. It is a federal program administered locally by the Department of Health.
work expense deduction
A deduction from earned income to cover the costs associated with employment.
work experience
Subsidized employment of up to six months that is combined with classroom study or other training programs.
work incentive deduction
A deduction from earned income.
work-registered
Describes a household member who is registered for work automatically as a result of having his or her name listed on a signed application form.
workers' compensation (WC)
An insurance benefit paid to an employee who is injured on a job covered by the program.
workfare
A program designed to provide work experience through employment in the public sector.
Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
A statute authorizing programs designed to prepare youth and unskilled adults for entry into the labor force and to give job training to economically disadvantaged persons and other persons facing serious barriers to employment who are in special need of such training to obtain productive employment; replaced the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA).
Year-to-date.
A CIS status that occurs when a budget group is determined to be ineligible but the period of ineligibility is expected to last for only one month. The budget group remains open in CIS and does not receive assistance payments for the month. For TANF, a zero cash payment does not count toward the 60- month limit, but the budget group continues to receive a medical ACCESS card. A zero cash payment may also occur when the budget group is determined eligible but does not receive monthly assistance payments because the amount of the benefit is less than the monthly $10 minimum.