TO:	Upstate Commissioners, TA Directors 

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

SUBJECT:	ABEL Data Collection Screen 

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Immediately

CONTACT PERSON:  Paul Dichian @1-800-433-8859, extension 4-0886

Local districts have had questions about the New Data Collection Screen that was introduced in ABEL Transmittal 03-03. The new screen was added to the TA ABEL budget function to enable local districts to report non-applicant income and resources as mandated by federal reporting requirements for households receiving assistance funded through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Separate State Programs (SPP). A definition of SSP programs is found in 01 ADM-04.

Federal reporting requirements extend to non-applying caretakers of children receiving assistance, including non–legally responsible caretakers. Office Regulation 18 NYCRR 351.1(b)(2) was revised to apply the eligibility process to non-applying individuals and to specifically make cooperation in providing necessary reporting information a condition of eligibility for TANF and SSP households. 

All non-applying household members must provide information on their income and resources. They may do so by merely stating their income and resources. Local districts are not required to verify the income and resources of non-applying household members that do not affect the amount of benefits for which the household would be eligible. 

OTDA is aware that some non-legally responsible caretakers may be very reluctant to provide information on their income and resources. Local district staff should explain that it is a requirement under federal rules and no benefits can be given if the information is not provided. However, providing the information will not change the amount of benefits the household will receive in any way and the information will be kept strictly confidential. These caretakers should be encouraged to comply with reporting requirements so that the household can receive assistance.  If a caretaker still refuses to provide the income and resource information despite the district’s best efforts, the district must deny the application or close the case until the information is provided.  A separate food stamp and medical assistance eligibility determination must be made.

There is no CNS reason code to support the denial of applications or closing of cases when a non-applying household member fails to provide income and resource information. Until a new reason code is available, districts must use reason code Y99 (Other - Manual Notice Required 1 Month MA Extension). The language for the LDSS-4015 is attached. The regulatory citation is 18 NYCRR 351.1(b)(2)(v).

An INF reviewing districts’ responsibility for federal reporting requirements will be released shortly. 

Attachment - Language for the LDSS-4015

Federal and state rules require caretakers of children to tell the local social services official about their income and resources. This reporting requirement applies to all caretakers including those who are not applying for Temporary Assistance for themselves and have no legal responsibility for the children under their care. 

You failed to provide us with information on your income and resources. Your entire household is ineligible for Temporary Assistance until you provide the information necessary for federal reporting requirements.