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11:01:02 AM [Visitor] Why is there a work activity requirement to receive xash assistance when therr is no work?
11:01:39 AM [Jim Ashmore] That is a federal law at this time.

10:58:54 AM [Marci Cook,GCBHS] With the $$$ increase on food, did the amount of Food stamps increase or will they be increasing to offset the cost of higher prices and simple things (eggs, milk, cheese)?
11:00:14 AM [Jim Ashmore] Food stamps are subject to federal rate adjustment. They typically go up in October.

10:53:53 AM [Marci Cook,GCBHS] My heart goes out to all of the workers at JFS and you guys do do a GREAT JOB!
10:54:59 AM [Marci Cook,GCBHS] My next question is about Cash Assistance. If you do not have an income, will you automatically qualify for Cash Assistnce and Medical?
10:56:26 AM [Jim Ashmore] Not automatically. There is a work activity requirement and there is a lifetime limit. Citizenship also comes into play.

10:49:47 AM [Marci Cook,GCBHS] A client who works making $27,000.00 annually with 3 children was cut off from Caresource. The children still receive Caresource, but she received a letter stating that her paperwork was not received back. Will she have to restart the process over? Also with all of the layoffs happening at JFS, what will be the quality and timeliness of being approved for Medicaid, Cash Assistance, or Food stamps? More people in need anl less workers to do the job.
10:53:08 AM [Jim Ashmore] It appears she will need to reapply for herself. As for your layoff question, we're doing our very best to continue to serve our clients.

10:43:15 AM [Visitor] ok my issue is with child support... in the begin of the month you guys fell behind in processing payment,, then on 12th i got a payment.. then on the 14th the order got changed to 96.00 a month.. well you guys still tokk out 133.33 on the 14th and the 21st... my questions are..... what is goin gto happen to this money it has not been processed and how much longer is going to take... and when will the order go into affect with my hubby check? is it his job to show them the letter?
10:44:58 AM [Visitor] them= work
10:47:06 AM [Jim Ashmore] Unfortunately, I am not subject matter expert in Child Support. There is a chat at 2 p.m. next Wednesday. Meantime, you can call 946-SETS.

10:38:35 AM [Visitor] If you get denied assistance and decide to request a hearing how long does that take ? Or if you reapply what happens
10:41:56 AM [Jim Ashmore] It can take six to eight weeks to be scheduled. You can re-apply at any time.

Question: What information is needed when you apply for cash assistance?
Answer: your Social Security card, proof of age and citizenship, proof of any income you receive, proof of assets, such as a bank account...  

10:21:12 AM [Marci Cook, GCBHS] I am seeking assistance. Our agency has a client who is covered under Medicare Part D and Medicaid. He is currently taking Ativan for anxiety. The Medicare Part D is with CareMark. When he went to pick up his meds, they were more expensive than usual. He was told that there is a glitch in the JFS system. Where should we go, who should we call, how should this be handled? We cannot reach a worker or get through on the 1070#
10:24:26 AM [Jim Ashmore] Unfortunately there is currently a problem with regular Medicaid consumers (not folks on Medicare). CareMark as a Part D insurance has not been known to be a problem. Issues with Part D have to be addressed with the Social Security Administration. Hope this helps.

10:00:45 AM [Visitor] I have a family of 2 children and struggling at this time. By the end of the month I barely have money for food. Dad is know longer in the home. I pay for private childcare that's eating me crazy. My gross income is 1314.00 a month. Do I qualifly for any programs?
10:01:15 AM [Jim Ashmore] Yes. Based on what you report above, it appears you may qualify for food assistance (food stamps) and medical coverage. You can perform a "quick check" here: https://secure.thebenefitbank.com/ums?task=locator

9:52:47 AM [Visitor] Good morning,
I was wondering, since our economy is suffering so right now, what is being done to offer some financial security to the individuals who receive services through HCJFS? The reason for my concern, I am a grandmother who has four daughter’s with children two of which have three children between the two of them and receive services from HCJFS, they receive absolutely no support from the children’s sorry dad’s. They are both trying to go to school and keep things together with school and will try and work when ever the opportunity presents itself when they are not running down to HCJFS trying to straighten out some mess down there which has caused a sanction on their case, almost all the time, this happens as result of someone with your Community Link Program as it seems these people keep their fingers on the trigger. It seems to me that this is a form of child neglect, because while you are sanctioning the program participants $336 per month for one child or, the $481 for two children, you are putting these children at risk for many families, this is just a recipe for DISASTER. We are talking paving the path to HOMELESSNESS for many. I would like to know, what is being done to offer more support for stability to help families break down the barriers that they already face, and be rid of the forces that hinder them from moving forward. This is no time for stripping people of what ever resources they currently have to survive month to month. Thank you.
10:01:15 AM [Jim Ashmore] Unfortunately, the financial security is not within our control. The rules associated with your examples would be mandated by state and federal law. However, if you believe your program eligibility has been determined inappropriately, please contact our Customer Service office at 946-2466.

9:38:23 AM [Visitor] why dont supervisors call you back
9:38:29 AM [Visitor] you can never talk to anyone
Answer: If you can't get a callback, please call Customer Service at 946-2466 or use the Contact Us form on www.hcjfs.org. We are sorry for any difficulties you may be encountering. PS: We forwarded your detailed question to Customer Service. They will call you back.

9:04:06 AM [Visitor] I would like to know at what point a person (adult or child) who is receiving Social Security Disability payments can qualify for Medicaid coverage. How is the income of other household members taken into this consideration? thanks.
Answer: If it's Social Security Disability, the person would potentially qualify for Medicaid immediately, regardless of age. However, income is a factor in that determination. As for the household income, we would need to look at the family composition, such as children and parents in the home.