For TANF recipients who do not receive FS, the SSR should generate Form A600, the Review Due Notice, at least 10 days prior to the appointment date to inform the recipient that it is time to have his/her case reviewed. Form A600 should indicate the following:

Failure to attend the scheduled meeting and failure to provide requested information will result in TANF benefits being terminated.

 

For TANF recipients who do receive FS, the Food Stamp Recertification Notice sent by ACEDS informs recipients that their TANF benefits will be reviewed at the same time. When the recipient comes in for the FS recertification, the SSR will also initiate a TANF review. The SSR must give the recipient written notification of any additional information needed. In this situation, the SSR must give the recipient 10 days to return additional information before initiating any adverse action. If the recipient does not come for the FS recertification appointment and does not reschedule, the SSR will initiate action to terminate the TANF benefits after timely and adequate notice.

 

ACEDS will automatically generate a notice 60 days prior to the end of the certification period that will inform the recipient of the need to have her case recertified in order to determine ongoing eligibility. The notice gives the recipient a recertification appointment date and indicates that he/she can call to reschedule. The original appointment must be scheduled for a date at least 10 days prior to the end of the certification period. If a customer misses their appointment and calls to reschedule, they must be given a second appointment. This must be documented in the case record. FS cases that are not recertified prior to the end of the current certification period will automatically be terminated by ACEDS. An FS recipient may come in any time within 30 days after the termination of his/her certification period and still be treated as a recertification. However, if she does come in after the effective date of the termination, the benefits for the first month will be prorated from the date she recertifies, unless the failure to recertify is due to agency error. In that case, benefits will be given for the entire month once eligibility is recertified.

 

 

In addition to the requirement for recertification, FS households certified for twelve months will be mailed a "Mid-Certification Report" form at the end of the fourth month of their twelve month certification period. Recipients must complete and return the form, along with verifications of changes in household circumstances. if the household fails to comply with this requirement by the end of the fifth month, FS benefits will be terminated effective the end of the sixth month of eligibility. Households who comply will continue to receive benefits, although the Agency will process changes reported by the household and will redetermine the level of benefits.

 

 

In addition to the requirement for recertification, FS households certified for twenty-four months will be mailed an "interim Contact" notice at the end of the tenth month of their twenty-four month certification period. They must call or contact the Agency and must report any changes in their circumstances. If the household fails to comply with this requirement, FS benefits will be terminated. Households who comply will continue to receive benefits, although the Agency will process changes reported by the household and will redetermine the level of benefits.