POMS Reference

SI 00830: Unearned Income

Procedure

Document the frequency and amount of title IV-E payments a child receives. A special procedure exists to obtain this information from the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF). Fax a copy of the FAX TRANSMITTAL - TITLE IV-E VERIFICATION document, along with a cover sheet, to the DCF Revenue Management Unit (RMU) at (617) 542-3824. Do not make an initial request by telephone. You may find a link to the verification form on the Bosnet SSI SharePoint Site.

1. Completion of Form

Complete the items in the section entitled “PART I: TO BE COMPLETED BY SSA.” The three items with asterisks are optional. Include this information if you obtained it from the DCF social worker during an interview.

DCF will complete the items in PART II as appropriate and fax the form back to you. Upon receipt, fax the verification into the Electronic Folder or NDRED repository.

2. Follow-Up

If you do not receive a response within one week, call DCF RMU at (617) 426-4949. If you receive verification over the telephone, record on a Report of Contact (DROC screen in MSSICS or via SSA-5002).   

3. Special situations

Different variations of Title IV-E assistance are treated differently for SSI income purposes. Therefore, it is very important that you carefully note which type of Title IV-E assistance the DCF RMU identified for the SSI claimant or recipient. Refer to the chart below for assistance regarding each variation.

Type of Title IV-E Assistance: Income Category: Reference:
Section 477 (Independent Living Initiatives) Not income; Considered a social service SI 00815.050
Foster Care Payments Income Based on Need (IBON) SI 00830.410C.1; SI 00830.170
Adoption Assistance (Applicable Child) Unearned Income SI 00830.415B.2
Adoption Assistance (Non-Applicable Child) IBON SI 00830.415B.2; SI 00830.170
Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payments IBON SI 00830.415B.2; SI 00830.170
Other Adoption Assistance Funded Wholly by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Assistance Based on Need (ABON) SI 00830.415B.4; SI 00830.175