DPSS ePolicy

To convert existing policy to new writing style only - No concept changes

The Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) uses retrospective budgeting to make benefit determinations.

Retrospective budgeting is the process of using the individual’s or couple’s countable income received two months prior to the current month to determine the CAPI benefit amount for the current or payment month.

Application of Retrospective Budgeting Rules

A new CAPI payment standard chart is released annually, which reflects changes due to the Social Security Administration (SSA) Cost-of-Living allowance (COLA) for participants of Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP). CAPI payment standard amounts that are issued to the participant varies depending on a person’s marital status, living arrangements and other income. Once the payment standard has been determined based on the information provided by the participant, the CAPI benefit amount is calculated by subtracting the individual’s or couple’s budget month’s countable income from the payment standard for the payment month. 

Exceptions Applicable to the Retrospective Monthly Accounting Rule

1. For the first two months of initial eligibility, the budget and payment months will be the same.
   
   
   • Non-recurring income received in the first month of eligibility is not considered in determining the benefit amount for the third month of eligibility. 
     
     
   • Non-recurring income received in the second month of eligibility is not considered in determining the benefit amount for the fourth month of eligibility.
      
2. In-kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) received in the budget month is not used to further reduce a CAPI payment that is already reduced in the payment month because the individual is in the reduced needs household of another living arrangement. 
   
   
3. Deemed income from an ineligible spouse from the budget month is not counted in determining CAPI benefits effective the month after the ineligible spouse dies.
   
   
4. Deemed income from an ineligible parent from the budget month is not counted in determining CAPI benefits effective the month after the ineligible parent dies, or after the month the child turns age 18.

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CAPI benefits are calculated by determining the correct payment standard based on the applicant’s/participant’s living arrangement for that month. 

Note: CAPI benefits can be issued either through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), direct deposit, or mail.

Direct Deposit Forms

The following forms are to be provided to the participant any time information about direct deposit is requested:

• PA 1675, Direct Deposit Authorization Sign-Up Form;
  
  
• PA 1675-2, Direct Deposit Overview; and 
  
  
• CSF 142, Verification of Benefits.
   

The following are requirements to qualify for direct deposit: 

Bank/Credit Union Account 

A participant who does not have an existing bank/credit union account must select a bank/credit union and open an account. Once the account is open, the participant can sign up for Direct Deposit. 

Payee on the Case

To qualify for Direct Deposit, the participant must be the payee on the case, have an open bank/credit union account, and be named as the sole/joint owner of the account. 

The participant must understand that if there is another name on the account that person can also use the funds in the account. This means that the account holder, other than the participant, can also access the benefits. Any funds withdrawn cannot be replaced.

Compliance with Direct Deposit Program Requirements

1. The PA 1675 form is provided to the participant upon request only when the case is approved, not in pending or denied status. 
   
   
2. The CAPI Detail page must be printed and stapled to the PA 1675. 
   
   
3. The participant must follow the instructions printed on the reverse side of the PA 1675. 
   
   
4. The participant completes Section 1 of the PA 1675.
   
   The Auditor-Controller (A-C) will compare the name on the printout to the name on the account. If the computer system displays Joe A. Smith, the bank/credit union account must display Joe A. Smith as well.
   
   Note: If the bank/credit union account displays Joe Smith rather than Joe A. Smith, the A-C will deny the Direct Deposit requested. The participant would need to resolve the discrepancy first before submitting the PA 1675 to the A-C.
   
   
5. The participant understands the importance of ensuring that the CAPI Detail page remains stapled to the PA 1675.
   
   
6. The CSF 142 is signed and attached to the PA 1675.
   
   
7. The participant must attach a voided check if the participant is using a checking account. 
   
   
8. The financial institution must complete Section II of the PA 1675 if the participant is designating a bank savings account or a credit union account. 
   
   
9. The participant mails the PA 1675, CSF 142, and the CAPI Detail page in the postage-paid pre-addressed return envelope to the A-C for processing.
   
   Note: The mailing address for the Direct Deposit Sign-up and Cancellation forms is noted on the back side of the PA 1675.
   
   
10. The participant is aware that it may take up to 20 calendar days to process the Direct Deposit request. The 20-day timeframe begins when the PA 1675 is received by the A-C.

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