This bill, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives during its 94th session, seeks to amend provisions of the Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA) program by modifying statutes related to eligibility, income consideration, and reporting requirements.

Key Changes Proposed:

1. Policy Clarification (Section 256D.34)

   • Reaffirms the objectives of the MSA program, including administrative efficiency, maximizing federal funds, and supporting individuals who qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or would qualify except for excess income or resources.

2. Reporting Requirements (Section 256D.405, Subdivision 3)

   • Participants must report changes in circumstances within 10 days if those changes impact eligibility or benefit amounts.
     
   • Individuals who do not receive SSI due to high income or resources must submit a monthly report if they have:
     
     • Earned income, income from a financially responsible relative, or income deemed by a sponsor.
       
   • Failure to submit the report on time results in termination of benefits, though assistance may be reinstated if the report is submitted within the same month.

3. Eligibility Adjustments (Section 256D.425, Subdivision 1)

   • Defines eligible individuals as those who:
     
     • Are aged, blind, or disabled (18+ years old).
       
     • Receive SSI under Title XVI or would qualify if not for excess income/resources.
       
   • Individuals previously receiving MSA before qualifying for Social Security Act Section 1619(b) status remain eligible for MSA.
     
   • Excludes individuals who:
     
     • Exhaust time-limited Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
       
     • Lose existing benefits due to failure to comply with program requirements.
       
     • Have excess income/resources but have not undergone a medical disability/blindness review by the state.

4. Income Considerations (Section 256D.435, Subdivision 1)

   • Defines income counting rules for MSA eligibility:
     
     • SSI recipients: Countable income is their gross Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) minus certain disregards.
       
     • Non-SSI recipients with excess income/resources: Must have disability/blindness verified by the state; their countable income includes earned/unearned income after exclusions and must not be below the SSI standard for a single person living alone.

Overall Impact:

This bill aims to streamline eligibility determination, promote timely reporting of income changes, and ensure state oversight of disability determinations for those not receiving SSI but applying for MSA.