As used in this article: “Able bodied adult” means a person between the ages of 18 and 49 years of age without dependents and who does not meet any of the exemptions set forth in §9-8-2(a) of this code. “Applicant” or “recipient” means a person who is applying for, or currently receiving, public assistance in […]
(a) To ensure that public assistance program funds are used for their intended purposes, funds available on electronic benefit transfer cards may not be used to purchase alcohol, liquor or imitation liquor, cigarettes, tobacco products, bail, gambling activities, lottery tickets, tattoos, travel services provided by a travel agent, money transmission to locations abroad, sexually oriented […]
(a) The department shall post on its website and provide to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance a report of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefit spending on or before January 15 of each year. (b) The report required by this section shall include: (1) The dollar amount and […]
The secretary may promulgate rules for legislative approval in accordance with the provisions of §29A-3-1 et seq. of this code which he or she finds necessary to effectuate the provisions of this article.
(a) All able bodied adults may receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance benefits for only three months in each 36-month period. Recipients are exempt from the time limit if they are employed or are participating and complying with the requirements of a work, education, or volunteer program for at least 20 hours per week: Provided, That further […]
(a) By December 31, 2018, the department shall redesign an existing system or establish a new computerized income, asset, and identity eligibility verification system or contract with a third-party vendor to verify eligibility, eliminate the duplication of assistance, and deter waste, fraud, and abuse in each public assistance program which it administers. (b) The department […]
All applications for benefits must be processed through a system as set forth in this article. Complete applications, including the interview, shall be processed within 10 days of receipt or the maximum period required by federal law. Prior to determining eligibility, the department shall access information for every applicant from federal, state, and other sources: […]
(a) Prior to awarding public assistance, applicants for benefits must complete a computerized identity authentication process to confirm the identity of the applicant. This shall be done with a knowledge-based questionnaire consisting of financial and/or personal questions. The questionnaire must contain questions tailored to assist persons without a bank account or those who have poor […]
(a) If the information obtained from the review provided in this article does not result in the department finding a discrepancy or change in an applicant’s or recipient’s circumstances affecting eligibility, the department shall not take any further action and shall continue processing the application. (b) If the review results in a discrepancy, the department […]
(a) An applicant shall be given written notice and the opportunity to explain any issues with the application or redetermination as set forth in §9-8-6 of this code. Self-declarations by applicants or recipients shall be accepted as verification of categorical and financial eligibility if no other verification source is available. In cases requiring expedited services […]
(a) After the case review as set forth in §9-8-6 of this code, the department shall refer cases of suspected fraud to the Office of Inspector General within the department. That office shall take appropriate action, including civil penalties or referral to an appropriate prosecuting attorney for criminal prosecution. (b) In cases of substantiated fraud, […]
The department shall prepare an annual report by January 15 each year to the Governor and Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability. The report shall contain information on the effectiveness and general findings of the eligibility verification system, including the number of cases reviewed, the number of case closures, the number of […]
