149 MASS CHANGES (FSM) |
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The state or federal government initiates mass changes that can affect all individuals or large numbers of individuals. Mass changes include the following:
• income eligibility standards;
• cost-of-living adjustments for Social Security, SSI, VA, and other federal benefits;
• other eligibility criteria based on legislation or regulations;
• utility standards;
• shelter deductions;
• dependent care deductions;
• standard deductions; or
• food stamp allotment amounts.
When mass changes occur:
• eligibility or benefits are adjusted automatically; and
• a Notice of Decision (NOD) is generated to notify individuals of the results of any changes.
If an individual requests an administrative appeal as a result of a decrease or termination in benefits, reinstate benefits to the pre-change level only if the appeal is requested within 15 days from the date on the notice of the action being appealed and the issue contested is that:
• eligibility or the amount of benefits was improperly computed; or
• a federal law or regulation was misapplied or misinterpreted.
References: RSA 161:4-a,IV, 7 CFR 273.12(e)