TO: Commissioners; FS Directors

FROM:	Patricia A. Stevens, Deputy Commissioner, Division of Temporary Assistance

SUBJECT: Implementation of the LDSS-4826 and LDSS-4826A for SSI Recipients’ and Group Living Residents’ Recertifications

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 21, 2003

CONTACT PERSON: Eastern Regional/Food Stamp Policy Team @ 1-800-343-8859,  extension 3-1469

Beginning next week, the LDSS-4826: “Food Stamp Benefits Application” and the LDSS-4826A: “How to Complete the Food Stamp Benefits Application” will be sent with all CNS Food Stamp recertification call in notices to households which previously were mailed the LDSS-3035: “Application for SSI Recipients and Group Living Residents” and the LDSS-3035A: “How to Complete the Application for SSI Recipients and Group Living Residents”.  As was explained in 03 ADM-03 issued on February 28, 2003, the LDSS-4826 and LDSS-4826A are replacing the forms formerly sent to SSI livealones and group home residents for recertification.

The implementation of the new form for SSI recipients’ recertifications is earlier than previously communicated because supplies of the LDSS-3035 and LDSS-3035A have been depleted and they will not be reprinted.  Local districts should take the necessary steps to share the new forms with the group homes in their districts to ease the transition.  Please also note that households are informed in LDSS-4826A that they must be interviewed.  This is consistent with Food Stamp program policy as stated in 01 ADM-8 and 03 INF-10.

Local districts will receive supplies of the new LDSS-4826 and LDSS-4826A within the next few weeks.