TO:	Commissioners, TA & FS Directors; WMS Coordinators

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

SUBJECT:	Change to SSI Living in Medical Facility Benefit

EFFECTIVE DATE:	October 1, 2003

CONTACT PERSON:	Abe Anolik @ (518) 474-7218

	In New York State, SSI recipients living in medical facilities (such as nursing homes) have been receiving an SSI benefit of $35 a month for their personal needs from the Social Security Administration.  This $35 consists of $30 in federal money and $5 in federally administered State money.  Beginning in October 2003, NY State will assume responsibility for sending out the $5 payment that previously had been included as part of the benefits issued by SSA.

	As a result, SSI recipients living in medical facilities will see their federally issued SSI benefits fall by $5.  However, these recipients will still receive this $5 in the form of separately issued checks from NYS.  Recipients will still receive the same amount of money that they were receiving before the change.

	OTDA recently sent a letter to the affected Nursing Home residents and their Medical Facilities, advising them of this change.

	In the event that you receive any inquiries from Residents of nursing homes or other medical facilities, please advise them to contact OTDA at 1-800-342-3009.