TO:	  Commissioners; TA Directors; FS Directors; WMS Coordinators

FROM:	Patricia A. Stevens, Deputy Commissioner, Division of Temporary Assistance

SUBJECT:	Request for Contact Notice Language for Food Stamp 6 Month Reporters on Transitional Benefits 

EFFECTIVE DATE:	February 20, 2002

CONTACT PERSON:	Eastern Regional Food Stamp Team @ 1-800-343-8859, extension 31469

	Federal food stamp (FS) rules require districts to send a “Request for Contact” notice to food stamp households before the end of their Transitional Benefits Alternative (TBA) period, unless the household is recertifying.  The requirement to send the Request for Contact includes households that were subject to FS six-month reporting rules (had earned income budgeted for food stamps) prior to their TBA period.  Because six-month reporters are only required to report when their income exceeds the 130% gross income limit, the language on the manual notice for these households must read as follows below.  An Upstate CNS reason code is being developed to provide this language, and districts will be notified when this reason code is available on CNS.  Until that time, districts must use the manual Request for Contact notice (LDSS-4753) for TBA households that were subject to six-month reporting rules before their TBA, filling in the following text:

“Your household was under Six-Month Reporting rules before you received Transitional Benefits Alternative (TBA) food stamp benefits.  You must contact this agency to continue receiving food stamp benefits.

You must tell us if your TOTAL monthly income is below or above the gross income limit of (Agency to fill 130% of poverty $ amount according to HH size).  If your income is below this amount we will continue your benefits.  If your income is above this amount, you must give us proof of your income so we can see if you are still eligible.  

You must contact us, and provide proof if you are over this limit, by the date below.”

For TBA households that were not subject to six-month reporting before their TBA period began, including those that will begin six-month reporting after TBA ends, districts must send the Request for Contact notice, as described in 01 ADM-16, and process the reported changes.  Those households with benefits not extended beyond the TBA period must be recertified under normal call-in procedures.