When the net monthly child support collections amount does not exceed the current TANF benefit for the second consecutive month, the system does not automatically reinstate the case. Additionally, there is no report or alert to notify the worker to manually reinstate the case. The VaCMS case remains in a suspended status which could result in a TANF underpayment.

Follow the process below to reinstate the suspended TANF benefit due to the monthly child support not exceeding the TANF benefit:

Note: Use the Child Support Enforcement Collections page under Interfaces in Left Navigation to verify the Child Support collected during the suspended month.

1. To verify the case was incorrectly suspended for excess child support, access the case and go to the Eligibility Summary. From the TANF- Eligibility Summary page, select the appropriate Eligibility / Service Period hyperlink.

2. On the TANF EDG Summary page, click the Notice Reasons tab.

3. View the TANF - Notice Reasons page to verify the suspension is due to excess child support when it should have been reinstated

If the case needs to be reinstated because the child support no longer exceeds the TANF grant:

1. Verify the child support received and perform a manual calculation to determine the proper amount to be counted.

2. From Left Navigation, select Case Action.

3. Enter the Case Number in Case or Application or Screening #.

4. Select Case Change / Closure for What Action Do You Want to Perform?

5. Proceed to Eligibility to re-run Eligibility and Approve the TANF month.  

6. Click the hyperlink of the TANF Eligibility / Service Period month. On the TANF- EDG Summary page, click the Notice Reasons tab.
   Note: The notice reason “excess support” no longer displays.  

7. Click Eligibility Summary and proceed to Certify / Authorize the results.

8. After the case is authorized, select Benefit Issuance from Left Navigation, then select Benefit Adjustment.

9. Issue a benefit adjustment for any months the client was eligible for a full or partial TANF benefit

To enter a Benefit Adjustment

1. From the Benefit Adjustment Search page, enter the Case Number and click Submit.

2. Click Add.

3. The Benefit Adjustment Details page appears.

4. Enter the Case Number.

5. Enter the EDG #.

6. Select TANF from Program dropdown menu.

7. Select Underpayment Correction for Issuance Type.

8. Select Special Issuance for Issuance Reason.

9. Choose the Benefit Start Date.

10. Select an Issuance Method option.

11. Click Save + Continue.

The TANF Benefit Adjustment page appears.

12. In the Assistance Unit section, ensure the correct individuals are Included in the Benefit Adjustment Calculation.

13. In the Recalculation section, verify the Financial Test and Benefit Amount for the previously authorized month.

14. Compare the Authorized Details column to the Adjusted Details and make any updates as necessary.

15. Enter any Child / Spousal Support (less disregard) that was received if applicable in the Adjusted column.

16. Click Calculate; verify the correct Underpayment Amount appears in the bottom row.

17. In the Special Issuance section, select the checkbox next to Issue Entire Calculated Benefit Amount.

18. Select Suspended Month from the Special Issuance Reason dropdown menu.

19. Click Save + Continue.

20. Repeat for each month the client was eligible for a full or partial TANF benefit.

21. On the Benefit Adjustment Wrap Up page, click Submit. A supervisor must authorize the adjustment.

22. Inform the client of the benefit adjustment by sending a manual notice or by adding comments to the Notice of Action that is generated when TANF is reinstated.

23. Manually adjust the SNAP benefit if SNAP is impacted by the change.  Review child support payments issued to the client and any income previously counted in those months.

TBD

Updated: 10/10/2016