INTRODUCTION  2.1 

Individuals applying for and/or receiving IMA benefits under the MA, TANF, GC, and/or FS programs are required to fulfill certain responsibilities in order to remain eligible for benefits.  The Department and its staff shall inform applicants/recipients verbally and in writing about their  responsibilities and what actions will result if they fail to carry them out. 

 

'Recipients' are defined as persons to whom or on whose behalf public assistance is granted. 'Applicants' are defined as adults who do not receive benefits under these programs but who apply for benefits for themselves or other recipients (children or adults).

 

The following responsibilities are held by recipients/applicants of all benefit programs.  (Each individual may have responsibilities and/or additions to these responsibilities based on current statute and case law in the District of Columbia).  Failure to fulfill any or all of these responsibilities may result in ineligibility for benefits, ineligibility for future benefits, reduction of benefits, suspension of benefits, and/or termination of benefits.  In addition, an individual's failure to comply with District and federal laws and regulations regarding the administration of IMA programs may result in prosecution for fraud, fines, and/or imprisonment.

 

Part V:  Program Requirements provides more detail on certain non-procedural program requirements such as work requirements and child support cooperation requirements.

 

LEGAL AUTHORITY   2.2 
 

AREA/TOPIC	DISTRICT	FEDERAL
Responsibilities of Applicants and Recipients	TANF:  D.C. Code 4-205; 29 DCMR 5800-5802, 5804, 5806   GC:  D.C. Code 4-205, 4-205.5a	MA:  42 USC 1396a(a)(25); 42 CFR 435.610, 42 CFR 435.910   TANF:  45 CFR 261.10-261.14   FS:  7 USC 2015; 7 CFR 273.2, 273.12
Cooperation with CSED Requirements	TANF:  D.C. Code 4-205.19; 4-217.8-10, 29 DCMR 1707	MA:  42 USC 1396a(a)(45), 42 USC 1396k; 42 CFR 433.145-148, 42 CFR 435.610   TANF:  45 CFR 264.30 - 264.31

 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF APPLICANTS AND RECIPIENTS   2.3 

ALL

The following are general responsibilities of the applicants/recipients of all benefit programs. Each applicant/recipient shall answer all questions and requests for information completely and honestly.  Each applicant/recipient will provide legitimate proof of statements made in the application or interview when it is required and/or requested by the Department. Each applicant will provide needed verification within program designated time frames.  Each recipient will provide needed verification within ten days after the Department asks for it.  Each applicant/recipient shall abide by all program rules.  By signing the application for benefits, the applicant/recipient indicates that s/he and all recipients s/he represents will abide by all program rules.  Otherwise, s/he will be subject to the penalties explained on the application such as removal of needs, fines, imprisonment, or disqualification from receiving future assistance payments. Each applicant/recipient household member will cooperate in any subsequent review or certification of program eligibility. Each applicant/recipient will cooperate with the Department in determining and recertifying eligibility and benefits and will cooperate with Department and federal staff conducting quality control reviews or audits of IMA programs. Each applicant/recipient will not alter, sell, trade, or transfer any IMA benefits or privileges, including EBT cards, MA identification cards, or other documents or cards which remain the property of the Department.  Individuals will immediately surrender any cards or documentation remaining the property of the Department following written notice by the Department.  Each applicant/recipient must provide financial and non-financial information, and report  circumstance changes in a timely manner as required by the relevant program.

 

< Previous Section  Next Section >