Relating to public assistance program oversight and verification of income eligibility

The department shall match the social security number of all applicants and recipients with databases as specified in the bill. The bill directs DHS to enter into a memorandum of understanding with any department or any subunit of a department, as necessary, to obtain the information specified. The income eligibility verification system shall be utilized for an applicant at the time of application for assistance, and for a recipient on a quarterly basis. The bill requires DHS to notify applicants and recipients of the requirement of providing a social security number at the time of application for assistance and as needed thereafter. The bill provides the procedure to be followed by DHS if, as the result of a match between an applicant’s or recipient’s social security number and one or more of the databases specified in the bill, DHS determines that a potential significant discrepancy exists. In such a case, DHS shall review the applicant’s or recipient’s information and shall investigate the circumstances of the potential significant discrepancy in order to determine eligibility of the applicant or recipient, and proceed accordingly. In addition, DHS may use the same procedure in the department’s discretion to review and investigate an applicant’s or recipient’s circumstances when there is a match between the social security number of the applicant or recipient and one or more of the databases specified in the bill that does not otherwise constitute a significant discrepancy. The bill directs DHS to establish a single statewide toll-free telephone number and call center to be used by applicants and recipients in resolving potential significant discrepancies subject to review and investigation under the bill; requires the call center to have sufficient capacity and staff to promptly handle incoming telephone calls; and requires DHS to assign sufficient staff to make determinations regarding eligibility under the bill. The call center shall use available technology to route and track the calls and DHS may issue a request for proposals to operate the call center. The bill also provides that if, through activities under the bill, DHS discovers potential fraudulent activity, DHS shall report its findings and any supportive information to the department of inspections and appeals for review. The bill requires DHS to adopt administrative rules to administer the bill; requires DHS to submit a report to the governor and the general assembly by January 15, 2021, and by January 15, annually, thereafter, detailing the results of the verification system established in the bill; and requires DHS to ensure that public assistance staff maintain close contact with applicants and recipients provide home visits in order that any treatment or service tending to restore the applicant or recipient to a condition of self-support and to relieve distress is rendered and in order that public assistance is provided only in such an amount as necessary and as long as necessary. The department may issue a request for proposals to conduct home visits. The bill requires public assistance staff to seek additional information from an applicant or recipient when the public assistance staff identifies inconsistencies or gaps in information presented by an applicant or recipient or when circumstances indicate to a prudent person that further information is needed.