The CAO must consider eligibility for Cash Assistance, MA, SNAP, or other services at the time of application or renewal or when a benefit is stopped. When MA benefits are stopped because of a change in an individual’s situation, the CAO will decide on eligibility for other MA categories before the benefits stop. The decision will be made without making the individual provide information that can be found in the case record or in computer files (such as IEVS, BENDEX, SDX, PACSES, AIMS) or that can be received from other sources.
NOTE: When deciding on eligibility for other MA categories, the CAO will consider all available information. The CAO may need to enter more information for all categories to be considered.
Example: When deciding on eligibility for an individual with a disability who is over Healthy Horizons income limits because of his or her job, the CAO will review the case for MAWD eligibility. The caseworker will enter the right code in the MAWD request field on CADISB screen in CIS or Individual Non-Financial/ Disability screen in eCIS.
When the individual asks the CAO to close his or her case, the CAO will clearly explain MA benefits and encourage the individual to continue MA if he or she is eligible. If the request is because the individual received income, the CAO will confirm the gross amount of the income, the date the individual received it, and whether the individual would be ineligible. If the reason for the closing is unknown or unconfirmed, the caseworker will note the information in the case record.
NOTE: If the individual reapplies, he or she must provide the information and proof to be eligible.
Exception: If the CAO gets proof from a third-party, it must approve or continue benefits if the individual is eligible.
If the CAO does not get proof from a third party after asking for it (for example, with a (PA 78), the CAO will approve or continue benefits if the individual is eligible.
NOTE: A new application is not required for individuals who ask for MA to be reopened, ask for a new application, or submit required documents within 60 days of the date MA was closed. See Section 379.2 Reopening Closed Benefits.
Updated April 23 2015, Replacing February 14, 2012