NYS OTDA Issues ADM on Interim Assistance

November 16, 2009

Author: Catherine M. Callery (Kate)| Louise M. Tarantino

The NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) recently issued an Administrative Directive (ADM), 09 ADM-18, which advises Social Services Districts (SSDs) of the impact of the statewide implementation of the Electronic Interim Assistance Reimbursement (e-IAR) process on Temporary Assistance (TA) Interim Assistance (IA) policy as now required by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This new policy will result in electronic information being provided to SSA and ultimately in the electronic transfer of interim assistance payments to local districts without the issuance of “paper checks.”

According to the ADM, the computerized process allows SSA to automatically determine the IAR payment due a SSD based on the SSD workers’ reported IA payment information inputted into and transmitted through a secure website. In addition, the new system will retain an electronic record of SSA’s determination for review; automate the SSA notices process with a comprehensive e-mail alert system; and, automatically notify SSD workers via e-mail of the reimbursement determination and payment. The e-IAR process does not change SSD notification requirements; the actions needed to obtain IAR authorization; the way the SSD determines the IA period; or, the manner in which the SSD calculates the IAR amount.

The ADM also notes that if the SSD fails to access the SSA website and transmit the required IA data within a maximum of twenty-five (25) working days from the date the SSD received the initial e-mail notification, SSA will automatically send the entire initial SSI payment directly to the recipient in accordance with its regulations. In such case, the SSD will not receive any IAR. SSDs can request that the individual repay IA but there is no legal authority to require repayment.

Additionally, SSDs will no longer be required to disburse an individual’s initial SSI payment in accordance with the SSA’s direct payment method. Therefore, SSDs will no longer receive a TA recipient’s entire initial or post eligibility SSI payment by check, calculate and retain the IAR amount, and disburse any remaining balance to the TA recipient within ten working days of receiving the individual’s initial direct SSI payment from the SSA.

The full ADM is available at: http://www.otda.state.ny.us/main/directives/2009/ADM/09-ADM-18.pdf

OTDA has agreed to meet with advocates to discuss any issues related to implementation of this electronic Interim Assistance Recovery program. Please let Louise or Kate know if you have concerns which should be raised with OTDA.