2010 VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE GUIDELINES Rita Barrow, Trustee South Kirby Road, Bloomington, IN 47403

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1 2010 VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE GUIDELINES Rita Barrow, Trustee South Kirby Road, Bloomington, IN TRUSTEE OFFICE HOURS The office of the Van Buren Township Trustee is open Monday-Friday, 8:30a.m to 4:00 p.m. Robert G. LaGarde is Deputy Trustee and shall have all the powers of the Township Trustee in the Trustee s absence. 11. FORMS OF TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE A township trustee, as administrator of TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE, may provide and shall extend TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE only when the personal effort of the applicant fails to provide one or more of the basic necessities. IC Basic necessities, as defined in IC , includes those services or items essential to meet the minimum standards of health, safety, and decency, including the following: 1. Medical Care as described in IC Clothing 3. Food 4. Shelter 5. Transportation to seek and accept employment on a reasonable basis. 6. Household essentials 7. Essential utility service 8. Burial 9. Other services or items the township trustee determines are necessities. SECTION 1 DEFINITIONS 1. Adult: Person 18 years of age or older or a minor emancipated by court order. 2. Application: Form TA1 approved by the State Board of Accounts and other forms deemed necessary to investigate a request for TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE. 3. Applicant: An individual filing an application and affidavit on behalf of a household for TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE. 1

2 4. Basic Necessities: Basic necessities, for the purpose of IC 12-20, includes those services or items essential to the minimum standards of health, safety, and decency including, the following: a. Medical care described in IC b. Clothing and footwear c. Food d. Shelter e. Transportation to seek and accept employment on a reasonable basis. f. Household essentials g. Essential utility services h. Other services or items the Township Trustee determines are necessities. 5. Benefit level: (1.) Real property other than property that is used for production of income or that is primary resident. 6. Countable Assets: Countable asset, for the purpose of IC 12-20, means non cash propertythat is not necessary for the health, safety, or decent living standard of a household that: a. Is owned wholly or in part by the applicant or a member of the applicant s household. b. The applicant or the household member has a legal right to sell or liquidate and includes the deposit of: (1.) Savings and checking accounts, certificates of household stocks, bonds, and other intangibles that have a net cash value. (2.) Boats, other vehicles, or any other personal property used solely for recreational or entertainment purposes. 7. Countable Income: Countable income, for the purpose of IC 12-20, means a monetary amount either paid to an applicant or a member of the applicant s household not more than thirty days (30) before the date of application for TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE accrued and legally available for withdrawal by and applicant or member of an applicant s household at the time of application or not more than thirty (30) days after the date of application for TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE. 2

3 The term includes the following: (a) Gross wages before mandatory deductions (b) Social Security benefits, including SSI (c) TANIF (d) Unemployment compensation (e) Worker s compensation (except compensation that is restricted for the payment of medical expenses) (f) Vacation pay (g) Sick benefits (h) Strike benefits (i) Private or public pensions (j) Taxable income from self employment (k) Bartered goods and services provide by another individual for the payment of nonessential needs on the behalf of an applicant or an applicant s household if monetary compensation or the provision of basic necessities would have been reasonably available from that individual (l) Child support (m) Gifts of cash, goods or services (n) Other sources of revenue or services that the Township Trustee may reasonably determine to be countable income (o) State and Federal Income Tax refunds 8. Eligibility That which will establish the applicant and/or applicant s household s ability to receive TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE benefits. 9. Emergency as defined by IC A situation that could not reasonably be foreseen and that threatens the public health, welfare or safety and requires immediate action. (a) Place the health or safety of a household or a member of a household in jeopardy. (b) Cannot be remedied in a timely manner by means other than Township Assistance. 10. Household Household, for the purpose of IC 12-20, means any of the following: (a) An individual living alone (b) A family related by blood (c) A group of individuals living together at one (1) residence as a domestic unit with mutual economic dependency 3

4 11. Interim Period Interim Period, for the purpose of IC 12-20, means the period beginning when a Township Trustee obtains for a TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE applicant or member of the applicant s household an agreement or authorization as to when an applicant or a member of the applicant s household is likely to receive a judgment, compensation, or a monetary benefit from a third party; and ending when the TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE applicant or member of the applicant s household receives the judgment or compensation, or monetary benefit or leaves the household. If this section applies to you, you may enter into a subrogation agreement 12. Obligated Individual Obligated Individual, for the purpose of IC means any adult member of a recipient s household ordered by the Trustee to perform work in exchange for receiving assistance. 13. Relative Relative, for the purpose of IC 12-20, includes only the parent, stepparent, child, stepchild, sibling, grandparent, step grandparent, grandchild, or step grandchild of a TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE applicant. 14. Recipient Recipient, means an applicant who will receive TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE or when TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE is received by a household with two (2) ormore persons, all members of the household. 15. Residency The definition of residency shall not be construed to mean temporary living arrangements made available by friends, relatives, their acquaintances or social service agencies, either public or private. Legal residency in the Township is required for receiving assistance. Residency may be established by presenting the required documentation as set out in the application process. 16. Shelter Shelter, for the purpose of IC 12-20, means a house, mobile home, apartment, a group of rooms, or a single room that is occupied or is intended for occupancy as separate living quarters where the occupant or the intended occupant: (a) Does not live and eat with any other individual in the building. (b) Has a direct access to the occupant s living quarters from the outside of the building or through a common hall. 4

5 A Township Trustee is not required to provide shelter to an individual who at the time assistance is requested is: (a) Under the influence of drugs or alcohol. (b) Is incapable of self care. A Township Trustee is not required to provide shelter to an individual if: (a) Individual s most recent residence was provided by the individual s parent, guardian, or foster parent. (b) Individual, without just cause, leaves that residence for the shelter for which the individual seeks assistance. IC Wasted Resources Wasted Resources, for the purpose of IC 12-20, means: (a) The amount of money or resources expended by an applicant or an adult member of the applicant s household seeking TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE during the thirty (30) days before the date of application for TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE for items that are not basic necessities. (b) Income, resources, or tax supported services lost or reduced as a result of a voluntary act during the sixty (60) days before the date of application for TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE by an adult member of an applicant s household, unless the adult member can establish a good reason for the act. 18. Workfare Requirements: The Trustee shall obligate any adult member of a recipient household to do any work needed to be done within the township, county or an adjoining township in another county for any nonprofit agency or governmental unit, including the state, having jurisdiction in those townships. (a) Failure to comply: The failure of a recipient to perform work assigned by the Township Trustee is the basis for denying further assistance to the recipient or the recipient s household for not more than one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of current application, unless the recipient shows good cause for not performing the work. Workfare obligations incurred in another township and which have not yet been satisfied may result in denial until the obligation is completed. 5

6 SECTION 11 The Township Trustee is charged with the responsibility of assisting poor and needy persons living in the township. The office of the Township Trustee is designed to provide temporary relief in situations when the resident has exhausted all other means of relief. IC ; ; Applicants are entitled to be treated with respect and dignity. Likewise, the Trustee expects that the Township Staff be treated with the same. The office of the Van Buren Township Trustee will provide assistance based on the following guidelines, which are posted in the lobby of the Trustee s office and are on file with the Monroe County Commissioners. The Trustee may provide assistance with food, shelter, utilities and certain other basic necessities. In order to qualify for and receive TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE, applicants must meet the requirements of these guidelines. All applicants and all adult house hold members must: (a) Be residents of Van Buren Township (b) Meet income guidelines. (c) Be employed full-time (35 hrs/ week); seeking full time employment, performing workfare; or medically exempted from work. (d) Cooperate with the Township s investigation of their circumstances by providing information and signing an application. (e) Apply for any and all other public assistance programs for which they may be eligible. (f) Seek assistance from their family. All applications for assistance will be processed according to uniform, written standards and without consideration of an applicant s age, race, color, sex, religious creed, nation origin, political belief, or physical or mental handicap. Discrimination in any aspect of administration is prohibited by the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (PL 9A-135), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (PL ) and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of (42 USC 2000d). Trustee Office Hours The Office of Gary L. Bruce, Van Buren Township Trustee, is located at 2130 South Kirby Road, Bloomington, IN The office is open 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. The telephone number is (812) An answering machine is provided to receive messages during hours the office is not open. Messages will be responded to no less than twenty - four (24) hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and Legal Holidays, after receipt of inquiry. 6

7 Trustee Obligation: 1. An applicant is entitled to a decision on his case within 72 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) of the time of the application, unless investigation cannot be completed due to lack of cooperation on the part of the applicant, at which time the application will be pended for an additional 72 hours. (IC (a), (b) 2. Once any action is taken by the Trustee, the applicant is entitled to a written notice stating the reason for the action taken. This notice will be provided on Form TA1A, and will describe the action taken. If aid is denied or partially granted, the reason for the denial will be on the form, with information advising the applicant of the procedure for appeal to the Board of County Commissioners. (IC ) 3. The Township Trustee may provide benefits beyond those listed when special need is shown. The amount and length of assistance, when added to all other income and resources, shall be sufficient to meet the needs as determined by the Trustee. All decisions regarding the eligibility of the applicant will be based on the following standards, which will be posted at the office of the Township Trustee. These standards will be given to the County Auditor, Clerk, Commissioners, Recorder and Sheriff. Any member of the public will be permitted to inspect and copy them. Copies of these standards will be made available to interested public and private agencies at their expense. (IC (b) (5) SECTION 111 APPLICATION PROCESS---IC ; ; Applicants are entitled to seek TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE by filling out and signing an application/ affidavit, form TA1, and other forms, and by affirming their current financial situation. All adult members must sign the application. Applicants with special needs may use readers, or interpreters or should notify the investigator regarding the type of accommodation needed. Applicants will be required to cooperate with an investigation of your personal finances, family responsibility and your eligibility to receive other types of assistance. The investigation may include a home visit. As soon as you reasonably can, you will be required to apply for any other assistance for which you may be eligible. Willful giving of false information will be considered non- cooperation. False statements will be subject to criminal action. Clients making false statements may be denied all types of aid for a period of twelve (12) months. (IC , , ) 2. To receive TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE on a continuing basis, a current application must be on file with the Trustee s office within 180 days of receiving such aid. If at the time you request assistance a current application is not on file, you will be requested to fill out a new application. (IC , (a) (b) 7

8 3. When you first visit the Trustee s office, an investigator will be assigned to handle your case. All contact with the Trustee s office should be made through your investigator, who will pass the necessary information to the Trustee. During the application process, you may be asked to meet with the Trustee. Failure to keep an appointment with the Trustee may be considered noncooperation and may be grounds for denial of any assistance requested. 4. An applicant, or a member of the applicant s household, receiving TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE, must within (15) working days of the date of emergency TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE was granted, file an application and comply with all requirements necessary for completing the application process for public assistance administered by the State Department of Family and Children s Services. 5. The Trustee may not extend additional or continuing aid to an individual or household unless the individual or household files an affidavit with the request for assistance affirming how, if at all, the personal condition of the individual or the household has changed from the set forth in the most recent application. 6. Willful giving of false information on an application for TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE will be considered non-cooperation. Applicants making false statements will be subject to criminal action. Applicants making fraudulent statements may be denied all types of aid. Abusive acts or language will be grounds for denial of all future aid. Disorderly conduct will be grounds for prosecution. Habitually reporting loss or theft of monies or food stamps may be grounds for denial. SECTION 1V 1. Township Residency Required, IC A person seeking temporary TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE from Van Buren Township must be a resident of Van Buren Township. A person is a resident of the township if they have located in the township, and intends to make the township the person s sole place of residence. It is not necessary to live in the township for any particular length of time n order to qualify for assistance. A person who locates in the township primarily to apply for assistance or is receiving assistance from another township will not be eligible for assistance from Van Buren Township. The township trustee may consider all relevant information that supports or refutes the person s intent to make the township their sole place of residence. Township residency is required in all situations except those emergencies affecting applicants who are temporarily in the township for reasons other than TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE, such as stranded motorist, abandoned traveler or similar unanticipated situations. 2. Time spent in any institution, or in any public or private charitable institution or hospital, or in any place while in the armed forces of the United States, shall in no event be considered in determining legal 8

9 settlement. Institutionalized persons will be considered residents of the township where they lived before their admission. 3. Residence and Household shall not be construed to mean temporary living arrangements made available by relatives, friends, acquaintances, or private or public social services agencies. SECTION V ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 1. In addition to being a Van Buren Township resident, all applicants must be at least eighteen (18) years of age or provide legal proof of emancipation. Applicants must provide proof of identification. Applicants and all members of the applicant s household must cooperate with the Trustee s investigation of eligibility for assistance. IC ; The Trustee may refuse assistance that would pay of goods or services provided during a period that an applicant has previously applied for and been denied TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE by Van Buren Township or any other township. 2. The Township Trustee shall determine whether an applicant is a recipient of assistance under IC / Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF). The Trustee has no obligation to extend assistance to TANF recipients. The Trustee may extend aid to a recipient of TANF at the Trustee s discretion, if the applicant for assistance meets all other township requirements and can document that all income derived from TANF has been expended for living necessities during the period for which the assistance is sought (billing periods or periods in which the applicant incurred the need for assistance). 3. EMPLOYMENT AS A CONDITION FOR RECEIPT OF TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE A. If a TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE applicant is in good health or if any members of the applicant s household are in good health, the Township Trustee as administrator of TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE shall require the individuals who are able to work to seek employment. The Township Trustee shall refuse to furnish any TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE until the Trustee is satisfied that the TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE applicant or members of the household are endeavoring to find work. IC If a TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE applicant is in good health and able to work and the Township Trustee offers employment to the TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE applicant, regardless of whether the compensation for the work is in the form of money, house rent, or commodities consisting of the necessaries of life; or employment at a reasonable compensation is offered by any other individual, governmental agency, or employer; the Town-ship Trustee, as administrator of TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE shall not furnish TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE to the applicant until the applicant performs the work or shows just cause for not performing the work. IC

10 For the purpose of these guidelines, full-time employment shall mean income-raising activity that raises at least the equivalent of 35 hours per week times the current federal minimum wage. All eligible household adults will be required to show evidence of employment or if unemployed, of seeking employment at a minimum of five (5) establishments each week. If the Trustee offers workfare to those able or if employment at a reasonable compensation is offered by another person, no assistance shall be furnished unless and until such work is accepted and performed. These restrictions shall not prevent the Trustee from giving aid to members of the applicant s family or dependents because of the applicant s refusal to accept work. The Trustee may require that an applicant or household members attend job training courses as a condition of continuing assistance. 3. An applicant or household member may be exempted from working, seeking employment or performing workfare for a specified period if they either: a. Show a licensed medical doctor s written statement of medical disability less than thirty (30) days old b. Are enrolled in an attending adult education or vocational courses at the referral of the Trustee c. Are required to provide care for a household or family member due to health, age or disability, as confirmed by a doctor s written statement less that thirty (30) days old The Trustee may require and provide for any medical examination necessary to determine if an applicant is able to perform work. Any exemption based on disability shall continue for no more that one month unless the applicant or members of the household has applied for disability benefits. 4. The TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE program is designed to provide for basic living needs when no other resources are available. Countable assets such as bank accounts, investments, property other than that required for living, vehicles not required for transportation to work, anticipated assets and refundable of portions of tuition payments are considered resources available and may affect eligibility for assistance. IC Based on the circumstances in each case, the Trustee may determine that certain countable assets must be liquidated or that their market value be deducted from any assistance granted. 5. If an applicant has relatives able to assist the applicant, the Trustee may call on such relatives to see their assistance either with material relief or by offering employment. If the relatives refuse, the Trustee may assist the applicant. IC IC b If any member of the household has a relative living in the township who is able to assist the trustee shall, before granting aid a second time, ask the relative to help either with material relief or furnishing 10

11 employment. IC b 6. The trustee shall not be required to pay rent or utility bills that are more than 45 days past due, nor shall the trustee be required to pay bills incurred in another township. Inability to provide a bill to substantiate a request for assistance may result in a delay in processing the request. Refusal or failure to provide such a bill may be grounds for denial of assistance. Persons who request assist for rent or utility bills that are more than 45 days past due will be required to submit relevant income and documentation of expenditures as required by other sections of these guidelines for the period in which the debt was incurred to determine if the applicant met all conditions for receiving assistance during that time period. The trustee may assist in payment of non-qualifying bills only if the applicant can prove that all reasonable effort was made to provide for the service during the period in question, and if the applicant meets all other requirements of these guidelines. IC Applicants are expected to apply their resources toward basic necessities. Expenditures for items other than basic necessities, or for excessive expenditures not justified by medical or employment needs will be deducted from any approved TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE benefit. Certain expenditures, even if court ordered, that the applicant may be legally required to make are not considered acceptable expenditures in determining eligibility and may be deducted from any benefit award. IC The total amount of payments made toward non-necessities for the period in which assistance is requested will be deducted from an approved applicant s benefit level, or may be used as a basis for denial if the amount exceeds the applicant s benefit level or the amount of assistance requested. 8.. Unusual and/or extraordinary expenses shall be verified with acceptable receipts Exceptional financial obligation, emergencies, and/or extraordinary expenses, as may be determined by the Trustee may give justification to give a one time only waiver to income standards. This may occur when an applicant is claiming to have unusual and extraordinary expenses, which prevents them from meeting their financial obligation to provide their household with the basic necessities of living for the income expended. 9. Whenever a household applies for TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE, members of the household will be required to verify how their income was expended. The Trustee will require receipts for all income/benefits received by all household members. Hand written receipts from the applicant s immediate family may not be accepted. All receipts are subject to verification by the Trustee. 11

12 10. Only receipts for basic necessities of living will be recognized. Expenditures undocumented by written receipts will be counted as unexpended income. Expenditures for items not considered basic necessities will not be recognized and will be considered wasted resources. 11. Immigration status: a. Applicants denied from other Governmental assistance programs due to alien status are not eligible to receive trustee assistance. SECTION VI INCOME: 1. Countable income means a monetary amount either paid to an applicant or a member of an applicant s household not more than thirty (30) days before the date of application for TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE, or accrued and legally available for withdrawal by an applicant or a member of the applicant s household at the time of application or not more than thirty (30) days after the date of application for TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE. The term includes any of the following: a. Gross wages before mandatory deductions b. Social Security Benefits, including Supplemental Security income c. TANF d. Unemployment benefits e. Worker s compensation (except compensation that is restricted for the payment of medical expenses). f. Vacation pay g. Sick benefits h. Strike benefits i. Private or public pensions j. Taxable income from self employment k. Bartered goods and services provided by another individual for the payment of non essential needs on behalf of an applicant or an applicant s household if monetary compensation or the provision of basic necessities would have been reasonably available from that individual. l. Child support m. Gifts of cash, goods, or services n. Other resources of revenue or services that the Trustee may reasonably determine to be countable income. IC If lump sum income, such as tax refunds or court settlements, received in the last 90 days and combined with other countable income, is more than three times the qualifying monthly income, 90 days may be considered in determining eligibility. Special circumstances, emergencies, extraordinary expenses, or other unusual conditions may be considered along with standard investigation procedures, requirements and the following income standards: 12

13 NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOUSEHOLD TOTAL MONTHLY INCOME 1 $ Each additional person Applicant s whose income falls within the guidelines must prove that their necessary living expenses are greater than their resources in order to be eligible for assistance. SECTION VII 1. The Trustee shall determine if an eligible applicant has any of the following immediate needs and has the authority to provide assistance in the most economical and practical manner. 2. The Trustee may furnish food necessary to maintain health. Food vouchers may be issued on a daily, weekly or monthly basis and shall not exceed the weekly amount of current Federal Food Stamp benefits. Only good nutritious foods shall be purchased with food vouchers along with necessities such as soap, laundry supplies and paper products. Vouchers are not to be used for the purchase of candy, soft drinks, tobacco products, snack or imported foods, or alcoholic beverages. Purchase of such items shall be considered abuse of food vouchers and will be grounds for future denial. Any individual or family applying to the Trustee for food assistance, shall be referred to the Food Stamp office to determine eligibility as required by law. The trustee will not provide vouchers to supplement food stamps except in extreme circumstances such as loss, theft or medical emergency. Food Assistance Guidelines 1 person household $ persons persons persons persons Each additional person The trustee may help provide shelter as needed on a month by month basis. Assistance will be 13

14 provided in whatever form necessary to provide or prevent the loss of shelter as long as such aid constitutes the most practical and economical method of providing shelter. The trustee will not issue a rent voucher to supplement any rent subsidy, supplement or other government rent assistance unless trustee will not pay rent deposits. The trustee may not pay the cost of an applicant s shelter with a relative who is the applicant s landlord if the applicant lives in the same household as the relative, or if in separate housing from the relative which is unencumbered by a mortgage or has not been previously rented by the relative to a different tenant at reasonable market rates for at least six months. Rent vouchers shall be provided in the amounts not exceeding the following. 1 person $ persons $ or more persons $ The trustee is not required to provide shelter assistance to an otherwise individual if the : a. Individual s most recent residence was provided by the individual s parent, guardian, or foster parent; and b. Individual, without just cause leaves that residence for the shelter for which the individual seeks assistance. IC (g) The trustee is not required to provide shelter to an individual who at the time assistance is requested is under the influence of drugs, alcohol or is incapable of self-care. IC Such applicants may be referred to treatment programs at no cost to the trustee. The trustee is not required to pay for additional cost as a result of the applicant keeping pets. A service dog is considered a medical necessity, but must be documented by a physician s statement. The trustee is not required to spend TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE funds for a shelter damage deposit or security deposit for an eligible TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE applicant or household. However, the Trustee may encumber money for a shelter damage or security deposit by making an agreement with the property owner who furnishes shelter for a TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE recipient or household. The agreement must include the following: a. The agreement s duration, not to exceed one hundred eighty days (180) b. A statement that the agreement may be renewed if both parties agree c. The total value of the encumbered money, not to exceed the value of one month s rent d. A statement signed by both the trustee and the property owner attesting to the condition of the property at the time the agreement is made e. A statement that encumbered money may be used to pay the cost of 1. Verified damages, normal wear excluded, caused by the tenant during the duration of the agreement; and 2. A statement that the total amount to be paid from the encumbered money may not exceed one (1) months rent for the unit in question (f) 14

15 If the applicant or member of the applicant s household has been evicted from the Section Eight housing program or any other type of rent subsidized housing program for lease violation or voluntary terminates housing assistance without just cause will not be eligible for TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE from Van Buren Township for a period of five (5) years. 3. The trustee may, when as necessary, authorize the payment of TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE funds for essential utility service, including water, gas and electric service, and if used for heating or cooking, coal, wood, propane gas or fuel oil. Sufficient fuel service shall be provide to maintain the residential shelter at 68 degrees during the months when conditions require heat. Basic telephone service may be provided only if necessary for medical or employment purpose. A written statement from a doctor or employer stating the reason for telephone service. The trustee will only pay for basic telephone service. Long distance or toll charges will not be paid by the trustee. The Trustee is not required to pay for utility bills that are more than 45 days past due, nor is the Trustee required to pay utility bills that were incurred in another township. All utility bills must be in the name of the applicant or an adult member of the applicant s household. The trustee will not pay deposits or reconnect fees and all applicants will be required to apply for the Emergency Energy assistance program. IC The trustee may not provide assistance to make any part of a payment for heating or electric service for more than 30 days unless the individual file an application for Emergency Energy assistance. Failure to comply may result in denial of request for energy assistance from TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE funds. The Trustee is not required to pay deposits and reconnect fees, for they are refundable to the utility service recipient. The Trustee may require an applicant for utility assistance to sign a deferred payment agreement with the utility company if the Trustee determines this to be economical and practical. UTILITY BENEFIT GUIDELINES 1 Person household $ Persons or more Persons The Trustee will pay for medical services, incurred during a period of eligibility, including doctor s fees, allowable medical supplies, prescriptions and special dietary needs unless these goods and services are available through other government programs. The Trustee will not subsidize any sort of medical insurance. 15

16 The Township Trustee shall, in case of necessity, do the following: a. Promptly provide medical assistance for eligible applicant s who are not provided for in public institutions. b. See that medicines, medical supplies, special diets, or test prescribed by a physician or surgeon in attendance upon poor individuals in the Township are properly furnished. c. The Trustee may not provide medical assistance if the individual could qualify for medical assistance for the same service under IC 12-6, Medicaid, or other governmental programs. The Trustee may provide interim medical services, if the individual is reasonably complying with all requirements of the application process. d. The Township Trustee shall pay only for the following medical service for the poor of the Township. 1. Prescription drugs as prescribed by an attending practitioner other than a veterinarian. IC Office calls to a physician licensed under IC (hereafter licensed physician ) or another medical provider. 3. Dental care needed to relieve pain or infection or to repair cavities. 4. Repair or replacement of dentures. 5. Emergency room treatment that is of an emergency nature. 6. Pre-operation testing prescribed by an attending physician. 7. Over-the-counter drugs prescribed by a practitioner other than a veterinarian. 8. X-rays and laboratory testing as prescribed by an attending physician 9. Visits to medical specialist when referred by an attending physician. 10. Physical therapy prescribed by an attending physician. 11. Eye glasses 12. Repair or replacement of a prosthesis not provided for by other tax supported federal programs. 13. Insulin and items needed to administer insulin in accordance with IC e. The Township Trustee may establish a list of approved medical providers to provide medical services to the poor of the Township. Any medical provider who: 1. can provide the particular medical service within the scope of the providers license issued under IC 15; and 2. is willing to provide the medical services for the charges established by the Township Trustee; is entitled to be included in this list. f. Unless prohibited by federal law, a Township Trustee who: 1. provides to an individual medical assistance that is eligible for payment under any medical program described in subsection (3) for which pay- 16

17 ments are administered by an agency of the State during pendency of the individual s successful application for the programs and: 2. submits a timely and proper claim to the agency; is eligible for reimbursement by the agency to the same extent as any medical provider. An individual or member of an individual s household may apply for non-emergency medical assistance by filing an application with the Township Trustee. The Trustee shall have three (3) working days to consider the application and issue a decision. If the application is for emergency medical treatment already received by the individual or a member of the individual s household, the application must be filed within fifteen (15) days of treatment, or no assistance will be granted. IC The Township Trustee may provide for monetary and burial expenses at the lowest possible cost, not to exceed $1000. Family members may be required to attest that no relatives have resources, including insurance policies of the deceased available to them which would pay for said expenses. a. If an individual dies in the township: 1. Without leaving money, real or personal property, other assets that may be liquidated, or other means necessary to defray funeral expenses; and b. The individual is not a resident of another township in Indiana c. The Township Trustee shall provide a person to superintend and authorize either the funeral and burial or cremation of the deceased individual. If the Township Trustee determines that the deceased individual is a resident of another township in Indiana, the Township Trustee shall notify the trustee of that township, who shall then provide a person to superintend the arrangements. The Trustee may deduct for the maximum amount; a. Any monetary benefits that the deceased individual is entitled to receive from a state or federal program b. Any money that another person provides on behalf of the individual The Trustee may not cremate a deceased individual if the deceased individual, or a surviving family member of the deceased has objected in writing to cremation. A funeral is defined simply as a service for a deceased individual. There is no obligation to provide hours for visitation and the funeral could simply be done at the grave side. If the Township Trustee provides a funeral, the cost of the funeral may not be more than the cost of the least expensive funeral, including any necessary merchandise and embalming, available from the Funeral Director under the funeral director s price list disclosed to the Federal Trade Commission. IC (f) 17

18 A Township Trustee who provides funeral and burial or cremation benefits to a deceased individual is entitled to a first priority claim, to the extent the cost of the funeral and burial or cremation benefits paid by the Township Trustee against any money or other personal property held by the coroner under IC IC (f) 6. The Trustee may provide new or used clothing to keep persons warm and clean; and may provide necessary household items such as first aid equipment, minimal furnishing, utensils and appliances. The trustee may also provide for transportation to seek or accept employment when there is a reasonably likelihood of being hired. All such assistance will be provided at the most economical means. 7. Transportation provided to a non resident of a Township must be in the direction of the non resident s legal residence unless it is shown that the individual in need has a valid claim for support or a means of support is some other place to which the individual ask to be sent. IC (b) An individual may be denied assistance for not more that one hundred eighty (180) days, whenever the individual or a member of the individual s household: a. Has been sent by a Township where the individual does not reside to a location outside that Township at the individual s request or by court order; and transported to a location outside the Township at public expense; and b. Knowingly reapplies for assistance in the Township from which the individual or member of the individual s household was sent. IC SECTION VIII RECOVERY OF BENEFITS A trustee who furnishes TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE may file a claim for the value of that assistance against the estate of a TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE recipient who; dies leaving an estate; and is not survived by a spouse, disabled adult dependent, or a dependent child less that 18 years of age. The estate includes any money or other personal property in the possession of a coroner. If a Trustee anticipates that a TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE applicant or a member of the applicant s household is likely to receive a judgment, compensation, or a monetary benefit from a third party, the Trustee may require the applicant of the affected household member to enter into a subrogation agreement, or sign a Social Security reimbursement authorization. These agreements cover repayment of any TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE benefits provided by the Township during the interim period: -beginning when the agreement or authorization is signed; and -ending when the applicant or member of the applicant s household receive the 18

19 judgment, compensation, or monetary benefit or leaves the household. This section does not apply to any assistance for which workfare has been satisfactorily completed. WORK FARE IC SECTION IX A. All applicants and all adult household members will be required to work in return for assistance. The Trustee may arrange work for the Township or some other local governmental or non-profit agency unless one of the following conditions exist: 1. Applicant or household member is not physically or mentally able to perform the work and possesses a valid medical physicians statement less than 30 days old stating such. 2. Applicant or household member over 65 years of age. 3. Applicant or household member has full time employment of at least 35 hours a week at the time assistance is given and maintains full time employment for an unbroken period of 60 days beginning the day assistance is granted. 4. Applicant or household member is needed to care for a person as a result of the persons age or physical condition, as confirmed by a licensed medical doctor s statement. 5. The trustee determines that there is no work available for the applicant or the household member. 6. The individual obligated to perform the work is, at the direction of the trustee, attending courses a specified in IC , a job training program under IC , or another job training program approved by the Township Trustee. 7. The individual is awaiting a determination for the Social Security Administration for disability benefits (the initial application is still active and has not yet bee denied). Individuals waiting on a determination from the Social Security Administration for benefits will not be required to 19

20 perform work fare as long as their initial application remains active. Once the initial application has been denied the applicant may be obligated to perform work fare at this point. Individuals currently receiving Social Security or SSI benefits war not automatically exempted from work fare. In order to be exempted the recipient must still meet one of the exempting reasons above. B. All work will be coordinated by and under the supervision of the Trustee s office. Assistance will be worked for no less than Minimum wage. Applicant s will be required to work off relief at the time and place assigned. The Trustee may require that workfare obligations be completed before any assistance is granted. Failure to work as scheduled or failure to fulfill work fare obligations within a reasonable period required by the Township Trustee is a basis of denying further assistance to the recipient or the recipient s household for not more than 180 days (from the next application date) unless the recipient shows good cause for not performing the work. The Township Trustee may require a TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE applicant or an adult member of the applicant s household to satisfy all obligations to perform work incurred in another Township before additional TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE is granted. However, in case of an emergency, the Trustee may temporarily waive the work obligation incurred from another Township and provide temporary assistance to an applicant or a household in order to relieve need or immediate suffering. 20

21 SECTION X IC A. In each application, the Trustee shall examine the applicant s circumstances and shall determine if the applicant might qualify for any other public assistance programs. Should the Trustee determine that eligibility or other programs may exist, the applicant will be required to apply for such programs within 15 days, or no further assistance will be granted for a period of 180 days. B. Failure to properly apply public monies or private charitable donations by the applicant or member of the applicants household may result in denial of assistance. An applicant or member of the applicant s household who has had benefits reduced from other public programs because of voluntary actions or non-compliance with program requirements will have equal reductions made by the Township from any benefit the applicant may qualify for. SECTION XI REASONS FOR DENIAL IC ; Failure to comply with any requirements set forth in these guidelines will be grounds for denial of assistance. In addition, any of the following shall be considered grounds for denial of assistance. 1. Willful giving of false information. 2. Voluntary termination of gainful employment, firing for just cause, refusal of gainful employment. 3. Use of violence, intimidation or abusive language in or around the Trustee s Office or premises. 4. Failure to follow printed work fare requirements. 5. Failure to accept free or low cost shelter arrangements provided by relatives, the Township Trustee or others. 6. Abuse or voluntary termination or reduction of any other programs offering assistance for the basic necessities, including TANF, FOOD STAMP, or other programs for which the applicant or household members may be eligible. 7. Eviction from subsidized housing for violation of regulations or guidelines, or voluntary termination of housing assistance by moving without just cause. 8. Failure or refusal by any household adult to sign the Township waiver authorizing release of information concerning application. 9. Ineligibility for Food Stamps due to alien status with immigration. 21

22 10. Having sufficient income to provide for living expenses, regardless of meeting trustee income guidelines. 11. Failure to provide documentation for living expenses as need for application. 12. Past abuse of food vouchers. 13. Excessive, unnecessary and or luxury expenses. 14. Failure or refusal to sign Social Security Reimbursement or subrogation agreement. 15. Failure by any able-bodied adult household member to seek or maintain employment except as exempted by these guidelines. 16. Failure to pursue child support or other types of assistance for which the applicant may be eligible. 17. Failure or refusal to cooperate with the Trustee investigation in determining eligibility for assistance. 18. Conviction of an offense under IC (Welfare Fraud). Persons convicted of a misdemeanor are ineligible for TOWNSHIP ASSISTANCE for one year from their conviction; ten years for a felony conviction. WASTED RESOURCES Non-necessities or non-essential expenditures include: 1. Court cost, probation fees, garnishments or other cost incurred through or by the criminal or civil justice systems. 2. Bank penalties or overdraft charges. 3. Cable TV, or other entertainment cost. 4. Child care expenses that are not required by employment or medical purposes. 5. Transportation expenses not justified or required for medical, employment or employment seeking. 6. Payments toward costs of living incurred by other households. 7. Personal loans made by the applicant or household members to other persons. 8. Non basic phone charges. The total amount of payments made toward non necessities for the period in which assistance is being requested will be deducted from an approved applicant s benefit level, or may be used as a basis for denial if the amount exceeds the applicants benefit level, or be used as a basis for denial in the amount for which the request for assistance is being made is less than the total amounts dedicated by the applicant for payment towards non necessities. Example: a request is made for a one month utility bill but the applicant has expended more than the cost of the utility bill on non necessities during the period for which the request for assistance is made. The request for assistance will be denied. 22

23 SECTION XII TRUSTEE OBLIGATION NOTICE OF DECISION No person shall be verbally denied assistance. All applications must be in writing on the appropriate forms, and all determinations will be made in writing on Form TA 1A. IC ; IC Applicants are entitled to a decision on their application within seventy-two (72) working hours or three (3) working days (excluding weekends and holidays) unless the investigation cannot be completed because the applicant has not submitted the required information, or the township is unable to gather necessary information. IC ; A pending decision may be issued to allow the township an additional seventy-two (72) hours or three working days to complete the investigation. If the required information still cannot be accessed, the Trustee may deny the request. All decision will include the following information: 1. The type and amount of assistance granted, denied or partially granted 2. Specific reasons for the action taken by the Trustee 3. Information advising the applicant of the right to appeal to the Monroe County Commissioners. In situations where applicants are receiving continuing aid, they will be notified when such aid is to be reduced or terminated. The applicant will receive a Form TA1A explaining the reason for the action and the section of these guidelines used to reach the decision. This form will be made available not less than ten (10) days prior to the proposed action and will continue until an appeal or new application submitted. APPEALS PROCESS IC IF ANY ACTION TAKEN BY THE TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE TO ANY APPLICANT, THEY MAY APPEAL THE DECISION TO THE MONROE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS IN BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA. A FORM DESCRIBING THE PROCESS FOR APPEALS IS ATTACHED TO THE TA1A FORM USED TO INFORM THE APPLICANT OF THE TRUSTEE S ACTION. AVAILABILITY AND ANNUAL REVIEW OF GUIDELINES 23