G3.13 SSI Benefits During a Trial Home Visitation

Introduction

Practice Guidance

  • ​The Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) Children’s Trust Fund staff will notify 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.   

  • ​Information on the DCBS-173 should include: 1 

    • ​The full name of the placement;

    • Address where the child will be staying; and

    • The phone number of the placement.



Procedure

​The CBW:

  1. ​When a child in out of home care (OOHC) is receiving SSI, the CBW will contact the DCBS Children’s Trust Fund staff, by utilizing the DCBS-173 Benefits Change Notice to advise that the child will be entering a trial home visit with their birth parents or a relative. 

  2. 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

Revisions