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G3.13 Supplemental Security Income (SSI)Benefits During a Trial Home Visitation

Legal Authority

Introduction

For children who receive Social Security Income (SSI) benefits while in care, starting a trial home visit with parents or relatives may impact eligibility for benefits. Therefore, communication among the Department of Community Based Services (DCBS), the Social Security Administration (SSA), and the caregiver(s) is necessary to ensure proper receipt of benefits.

Practice Guidance

DCBS Children’s Trust Fund staff are responsible for notifying the Social Security Administration (SSA) of the change in placement.
The SSA will contact the parent of the child receiving Social Security income (SSI) benefits to determine ongoing eligibility.
If SSA determines that the parent is eligible to continue receiving SSI benefits, DCBS Children’s Trust Fund staff will be advised, and the division will forward the monthly benefits, as appropriate, to the parent.
If SSA determines that the parent does not meet eligibility requirements, SSI benefits will be suspended by SSA and a new medical card must be requested by the regional children's benefits worker (CBW).
Upon disruption of the placement and notification of the DCBS Children’s Trust Fund staff by the CBW, the Children’s Trust Fund staff will notify SSA to reinstate benefits or request that CHFS again become the payee.

Procedure

The CBW:

Contacts the DCBS Children’s Trust Fund staff by utilizing the DCBS-173 Benefits Change Notice to advise that the child receiving SSI will be entering a trial home visit with their birth parents or a relative, and includes the following information on the form:

The full name of the placement;
Address where the child will be staying; and
The phone number of the placement;

Requests a new medical card for the child if notified that SSA has suspended the child's SSI benefits during the trial home visit;
Notifies the Children’s Trust Fund staff within forty-eight (48) hours if the parent/relative trial home visitation disrupts at any time, utilizing the DCBS-173 and provides information regarding the child’s placement change.

Documents

DCBS-173 Benefits Change Notice...