HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978-03-27 175 AF ORDINANCE.. .. \ 175 AF
Introduced by Councilor Zand2iew, Meech 27, 1978
_:• , CITY OF BANGOR
(jIjLL) (Drbh ate, amenSi� Chapter u, Article 21, Phalic Welfare Department
...of. the City.of..Baogon... %e13sre.%odea. aid.Regulatio s. .......... ................
Be N ordained by de City Conon of the City ofBamaor," fWlsus: Chapter II, Article 21 of
the Ordinances of the City of Bangor be amended by adding the fallowing:
itl��: �sita/_:Yy(l3G
Sec. 5 Declaration of Police. The City of Bangor administers a program
of general assistance available to all
persons who are qualified to receivegeneral assistance in
accordance with the standards of eligibility as set forth herein.
Applications will be,accepted from anyone who expresses the desire
to receive assistance and relief will be furnished to those who
qualify within 24 hours of the date of the submission of the
application.
Assistance in the City of, Bangor will be provided for periods not
to exceed on month. In order to be eligible for assistance the
applicant musmeet all eligibility requirements of these goide—
lines. Eligibility for assistance will be redetermined in
accordance with Section 5-9 of these guidelines. It is the policy
of the department not to make grants of cash directly to the re—
cipients.
Firm support will be given to.the major values of our society to
prevent dependency and mal—adjustment. Every effort will be made
to r cogpiye,, Pcov}age dignity, self respect, and self reliance.
One of the goals of the general assistance program will be to assist
each applicant to achieve self maintenance and adequate social
function end the incentive to work will be encouraged. An impor—
tant focus of attention in general assistance will be the
strengthening nfihmily life, especially for the care and protection
of children, and to secure the rights of arq• child to bound, healthy,
and normal developsmant.
F
I ,*
175AF
ORDINANCE
-
( TITLE,) Amendine Chanter II Article u
. In City Connell Maroh
27 lyes to
Public Welfare Department a TSH City Of
tfered
Weifare
vmittee
Bangor, Welfare RIlea And Aegulatione
Consider April 24,1978'
ntrofuce]Md=/vtmfW - .��.
k���(/
rk
In City Council April 24,1978
IN CITY COUNCIL
Consider next Meeting
:.➢n1e 26, 1998 -
Q/ ^ A•
.Mvertise Public Nearing
C dei , t ting.
City k.
ci clmix
IN CM COURCIL My StI978
00midee done 12th meeting
IN CITP COMM JULY 191I976
PASSED AS AMEN® SEB AMENDMENT -
ATTACHED-- VOTE SIX YES ONE NO g NOT'PRECENT
City Clerk _
S00
S
OULAS VOTING YES ROUNTAN, CRSS MCNERNAN, -,
SILL6liVOTING, NO FSNfISCAN
L�Cgpn.o.
IN CITY COUNCIL JUNE 12,1976
Cl2Y ERR
CONSIDER NEXT MEEEING PDBLIO
HEARING ON REGULLAT�IOONS
CC°
The general assistance progran will place me restriction on the Individual
rights of any application will there be any discrimination on the
account of race, sex, religion, and political affiliation. Rhe Public
Welfare Department will take all reazonal steps to ensure that each client
is made aware of his rights and responsibilities order the general assistance
program. More will be fair treatment of all applicants with each applicant
individually evaluated. Any client shall have the right to request a "Fair
Hearing" in accordance with these guidelines of arp decision concerning his
right to assistance.
As far as reasonably possible decisions on all applications for assistance
will be made forthwith. Complete records will be maintained: although any,
information given by clients must be recognized as privileged and confiden—
tial. Notice with reasons will be given on all decisions concerning the
clients right of assistance.
frolic Welfare Director will post a notice in his office of the times and
days that general assistance will be admindstfred. In addition he shall
maintain an up to date copy of these guidelines an bis office for easy
access to any, member of the public.
5.1 Definitions. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein will
have their common meaning. Words and phrases having Special
definitions will be defined when they first appear in the Guidelines,
except as follows:
a. Ate. A person who has expressed by means of a written
application form, either directly or through an authorized
representative, a desire to receive general assistance.
b. AA li ation. An action by which a person indicates in writing
to the Public Welcome Department of his desire to receive general
assistance.
c. Application Form. A document in a form prescribed by the
Director of public Welfare formalizing in writing the applicant's
desire to receive general assistance.
d. Gere Records. Official files of forms, correspondence, and
narrative records pertaining to the application, determination
of eligibility, reasons for decisions end actions by the
caseworker or the Director of Public Welfare, arca kinds of
assistance given each applicant.
e Claimant. Any applicant or recipient who has requested a fair
hear g.
f. Destitute. In distress and standing in need of immadiate
relief.
g. Director of Public Welfare. The municipal official designated
to receive applications, make decisions concerning client's
right to assistance, and to prepare records and communications
concerning grouting of assistance. Me Director of Public
Welfare may delegate such tasks to other employees of the
Welfare Department (caseworkers.).
h. Minor Child. AV person who bas not attained the age
of 18 years.
i. Real Rstate. Iavl and structures attached to it.
j. Aecioie=t. A person to whwc the Director of Public Welfare
r his authorized assistance has decided to give general
assistance.
k. Resident. Applicant and dependent children for whom assistance
is requested must be maintaining and plan to continue to
maintain a residence in the City of Bangor and 2. a person who
is voluntarily living in the City with intentions of msintain—
ing his or her Mme here on a permanent basis, and not for a
temporary purpose.
Because no municipalities have a durational residence requirement,
sour individual madding in this city according to the above
definition, would be a resident. Since a person residing in this
city temporarily or visiting here would not be eligible but would
still be eligible from his own municipality, his application for
and/or receipt of assistance should be directed to his town city
of residence.
,A Migible Person. Means a person who is qualified to receive
general assistance according to the standards of eligibility
established by the swdeipal officers.
Oq. gnereeder Assistance. Means a temporary immediate need
assistance to persons who are unable to provide or obtain the
basic necessities essential to maintain themselves or
their family from any other source.
n"f• Notice. Notice shall constitute that relief shall be furnished
r denied within 24 honrs of the submission of an applicant's
benefit request.
pJ. Household. A collective body of persons, who may or may not
be related by blood or marriage, living together within one
deciding unit and subsisting in common for their mutual
economic and social benefit.
P Stazder3 of Need. The stipulated total needs of a family
determinetl by the iMieencv formula which when unsatisfied
by relrvant resources Make the person or family "needy" for
general assistance purposes.
5.2 Confidentiality of Inforvation. Under 22 MRSA 84508, records, papers,
files and communications relating to an
applicant or recipient of general assistance are confidential and no informa—
tion relating to a person who is an applicant or recipient of general assist—
ancy, my be disclosed to the general public, unless expressly permitted by
that person.
Information supplied to the municipality by the State Department of Human
Services, under 22 MRSA 914.96, concerning recipients of categorical
assistance, is to be held confidential by the municipality. pians of
Information whether in State or municipal records, concerning public
assistance clients Is punishable by law as a misdemeanor (22 MRSA 842).
The general assistance administrator should also be aware of laws concern—
ing the confidentiality of recoxds concerning narcotics prescriptions
(22 MRSA §Z3L4)and records concerning birth, marriage, and death (2MRSA 82706).
5.3 Maintenance of Records. The department is required by statute to keep
complete records of general assistance granted
in the City of Bangor. In addition to general statistical records concern,
the number of persons given assistance and the cost for such support, a
separate case record is established for each individual or household
applying for general assistance.
Me purpose for keeping complete records of general assistance is
three—fold:
a to provide a valid basis of accounting for expenditure of
municipal funds;
b. to support decisions concerning the applicant's eligibility;
c. to secure availability of fnfarsation if a client seeks
admindstrative or judicial movies, of the caseworker's
decision.
When verification of cireumstanees affecting eligibility is needed,
information recorded will be limited to what is necessary to insure
validity of the decision concerning assistance. Although narrative
recording may be helpful to reflect the unique circumstances of each
client, the record should include only enough material to cover
adequately the particular situation giving rise to the narrative entry.
MInIban information to be maintained In ease records by the
caseworker is the following:
d.. completed application for assistance;
e. gxov:Ms for approval or denial of application;
f. A narrative social history recording the need
for relief, the results of home visits, collateral
information, referrals, Changes in status, etc.;
g. complete date concerning the type end amount of
assistance granted.
5.4 Applications - Procedure.
5.4.1 Right to Apply. Any person has the right to apply far
general assistance. He may as so by
appearing In person, or if incapacitated, through a duly
authorized representative, before the caseworker by express-
ing a desire to receive general assistance and by completing
a written application fame together with other forms as cony,
be regbired by the Public Welfare Director.
5.4.2 Caseworker's Responsibilities at Time of Application When appli-
cation is
made for general assistance, the caseworker shall inform the appli-
cant of:
Q
a. The standards of eligibility for general assistance in the
City of Brogan{
b. the applicant's right to review and the nature of the
review process;
C. the applicant's responsibility for reporting all facts
material to a proper determination of eligibility and
the penalties for false representation (It is unlawful
for any applicant or recipient to knowingly and will-
fully make a false written representation to the case-
worker in order to receive general assistance; (See 22
IVSA 84491)
d. the �oint responsibility of the caseworker and the
applicant for exploring facts concerning eligibility,
needs and resources, abd the applicant's responsibility
for presenting records or documents in his possession
or readily available to has to support his statements;
e. the kinds of verification needed;
f. the fact that an investigation An be undertaken by the
Public Welfare Department as to the applicant's income,
resources, and assets;
g. The applicant's responsibilities for noti*-ingthe
caseworker of any change in circumstances that will
affect his eligibility;
h. any other programs of assistance or service of which
the caseabbker may be aware if the applicant appears
ineligible for general assistance, or of which the
applicant may avail himself in addition to or he lieu
of receiving general assistance.
L The City of Sanger's rights and remedies for reimbursement
from the applicant's relatives pursuant to 22 MRSA §4467, which
In part states as follows:
"The father, mother, grandfather, gran thee, children and
grandchildren, by consanguinity, living within the State and of
sufficient ability, shall support persons chargeable to proportion
to their respective ability. A town,...., having incurred expense
for the relief of such pauper, may, complain to the Superior Court
The court may .. assess and apportion a reasonable sum upon
(such Kindred) as era found to be of sufficient ability for the
support of such pauper... The court may assess and apportion such
kindred a ram sufficient for the future support of such pauper,
to be paid quarterly, until further oMeri... "
J. the applicant's personal responsibilities for reimbursement
to the City of Bangor under 22 N U 94500A, which states:
"A municipality or the State which has incurred expenses for
the support of an indigent person may recover the full amount
expended for such support either from the person so reli.evel or
from any person liable for his support, their executors or adminis.
trators, in a civil action
5.5 Resooreibilities of each Applicant am Recipient. Each applicaht and
recipient has a
responsibility at the time of application and continuing thereafter:
a. to provide accaratet complete and current information
concerning his needs, resources and assets, azul the
whereabouts and circumstances of responsible relatives:
b. to notify the caseworker when a change in Ms needs, resources aai
assets will affect eligibility for general assistance;
c. to apply for and utilize W other available benefits
or resources that will roduce or ellMtnete the need for
general assistance.
d. to reimburse the City for the costa of relief grarted
in the event he becomes of sufficient ability to pay
the same;
e to use all monies available to him for necessities first
before requesting general assistance or purchasing luxury
items.
5.6 Recognition of Dignity and Rights. Any initial interview or
any later proceedings$
including aqy investigation of the applicant's eligibility:
shall be conducted in a manner that will not violate the
privacy: personal dignity or individual rights of either
the Caseworker or the client and/or his family and personal
acquaintenances.
5.7 Actions on application. Unless an application is withdrawn,
the caseworker must make a decision
concerning the applicant's eligibility and if eligible commence
furnishing relief within twenty—four (24) hours after the date
of submission of the signed and completed application together
with all other forms required by the Public Welfare Director
5.8 .Withdrawal. An application is considered withdrawn if:
a. the caseworker is unable to complete the interview,
i.e., if the applicant refuses to cooperate with the
caseworker; or
b. the applicant dies before general assistance is
fianished; or
c. the applicant avails himself of another service which
makes him ineligible under these Guidelines; or
d. the applicant requests, in writing, that his application
be withdrawn; or
e. the applicant falls to complete or sign the application
or any other form required by the Public Welfare
Director. -
5.9 Redetermination of eligibility. The application form will
show the duration of the
limited periods of entitlement. Written Notice of Termination
or Suspenaion of benefits with opportunity for hearing will be
given shculdJ a decision be made to discontinue assistance
during this limited period of entitlement. '
5.10 Migibility Rules and Regulations The following measures are to
be employed by the caseworker
upon receipt of the written application in determining eligibility
to receive assistance from the City of Bangor.
A. Age. Age shall be a factor in considering eligibility to receive
assistance. No person under the age of IS years, unless emancipat
� or a member of a household otherwise qualifying under these
Guidelines, will he eligible to receive assistance.
B. Residents. Residence is a factor in determining whether the
municipality is responsible for providing assistance. The
municipality has a statutory duty to give assistance to resigned,
(see definition) of the municipality who are in need. hlurther
the municipality has a statutory duty to give assistance to
persona who are ron-reBident9 (see definition) and are living in
the municipality. A municipality Shall rot give assistance to
any person who by definition is a resident of another municipality
C. Idcuid ASSete. No person awning assets easily convertible into
cash including, but not limited to bank deposits, stocks, bonds,
certificates of deposit, or other marketable seeurity, or life
usurence with a cash surrender value, will be eligible for assis-
tance. In those cases where the need for relief Is determined to
exceed the cash value of such liquid assets assistance may be
granted for any remaining difference.
D. T ableAssets. Ne person awning tangible assets other than
too sl oi'trad8 or ordinary household goods which are easily
converted into cash including, but not limited W color television
recreaction vehicles, motorcycles, boats, motors, or ester
vehicles within the limitations provided in Subsection a. below
shall be eligible £or assistance.
a. No person owning a motor vehicle shall be eligible for
assistance. However, the ownership of one vehicle under
the value of $1,000.00 by an applicant or a dependent
will net make the applicant ineligible for assistance i,
those situations where the vehicle is essential in ones
employment or necessary to obtain medical treatment.
b. An applicant or recipient is allowed personal property
not is®e3iately convertible to cash with equity value
not in excess of $500.00. An applicant or recipient
with one or more dependents is allowed peraonal property
not 100mediatel9 convertible to cash with equity value not
in excess of $1,000.00.
E. Cilttf' Abs�h' 4A psewn must be a citizen of the United States or
a lawlUlly admitted alien to be eligible for assistance.
F. other ReSourceS. It is required net a parson will avail himself
o ot�ssible resources prior to or in conjunction with
Us application for assistance. Possible other resources would
incluse, but not be limited to Social Security Berefits, supple
mental Security Income, Unemployment Compensation, P.A. Benefits,
public Assistance Grants, any other payment or n nefit,privste;
or publics for which the applicant might be eligible. The
possibility of contributions from responsible relatives most
also be investigated, if there is a strong possibility that such
contributions could or would exist..
G . Insurance. Na person owning any, type of insurance shall be
eligible for assistance except if permitted by these Glaidelines.
Any applicantion for assistance will not be denied where insur-
ance is available to the applicant or his dependant on a non—
contributory basis or the extent minimum autembdle liability
coverage required as a condition of employment or needed to re—
tain employment.
H. Real Property. No person owning real property shall be eligible
for assistance except as follows:
e The Public Welfare Department may provide assistance upon
receipt of the initial application to persons owning real
estate other than their home. However, continued eligibi—
lity for and type of assistance will depend upon the appli—
cant making a reasonable effort to dispose of such real
propeAy at a fair market value.
b. Where the applicant owns real property in which he makes
Us home he shall be eligible to receive assistance pro—
vided that the cost of mortgage payments, taxes, and In—
urance do not exceed the amounts available for housing
under these Guidelines.
a. All real property of any, recipient whether occupied by
the recipient or otherwise will be subject to remedial
action by the City for reimbursement of the amount of
assistance granted.
1. Registration with Maine Bealoyment Seca2ity Commission. Every
member of the applicant's householdreceiving assistance from
the Public Welfare Department must register with the Maine
Deployment Security Commission within one week after initial
receipt of assistance. Failure to so register may be grounds
for denial of additional relief. Tnds requirement will not
apply to and recipient or his dependent, who are:
a. gainfblly employed; or
b. 17 years of age or order; o
c. 18 years of age and older who are regularly attending
a high school or other educational program on a full time
basis for the purpose of obtaining a high school diploma; or
d. Unable to work due to illness or disability; o
e. required in the home because of illness or disability of
another member of the household; o
I, over the age of 18 years and caring on a full time basis
for a child under the age of 6 years, provided that said
recipient is not compensated by the child's parents or by
other sources for such services; or
g. 62 years of age or older.
IC
J?. hoplovment.
M person who is gainfully employed shall be eligible
for assistance except as provided in these guidelines.
A person who is gainfully employed will be eligible for
assistance where the household incase and assets are
insufficient to mast necessary expenses as provided in
these Gaidelineat
Any applicant orrecipient refusing an offer of enployment,
a referral to suitable employments or voluntarily terminating:
or otherwise dutentf.onally causing his employment to be
terminated, without good cause, shall be ineligible for
assistance for a period of thirteen weeks from the date
of such refuoal or voluntary termination of employment.
The Director shall determine whether or not there was
good came for such mussel, after considering all
pertincnt factors, including, but rot limited to, the
ability ani physical capacity of the person to perform
the employment, transportation difficulties to and from
place of employment, working conditions at the C.place of
employment which may or may Out affect 9the eligibility for
assistance of any member of the applicant's household
WW is rot capable of working, including at least:
A. A dependent minor child;
B. An elderly, ill or disabled person; and
C. A person whose presence Is required in order to provide
care for any child under the age of 6 years or for ary
ill or disabled member of the household.
Ary applicant or recipient, or member of his household who
is able to secure and maintain gainful employment and who
has not made a diligent effort to Sind such employment,
shall not be eligible for assistance. Registration with
Madre keployment Security Comnission shall not alone
be necessarily deemed. as sufficient showing of the required
diligent effort.
The department may request applicants or recipdants, male
r fdmale to work for the municipality as a condition for
receiving general assistance. Such work may be paid for at
municipal wage rates. The hours worked per week will but
exceed the value of assistance received. Such work, if
offered, shall be considered as available employment.
SW.
Utility Deposits — Rental D eedts —Hack brills. No welfare
JJ rands atoll be expenned y the W are Department Por
utility deposits or back bills. However, at the discretion
of the department, they may guarantee the currentbill to
prevent on eviction or a �,ility shutoff.
Hotel roams. NO wel£ae funds shall be expended for hotel
rooms ,there the costs exceed our rental allowance. However,
an acception would be where no shelter facilities are
available.
11
(1(y Verification reeufred. It is the responsibility of the person or
6family requesting assistance to provide enough
information to verify they are destitute. This verification shall
include receipts for household expeniltures.
5.11 IPDMMCY WYSDNIA _ MIGIBIISTY RW)20LtQdFddfS
The laws of the State of Maine require all municipalities to assist
these persons, otherwise eligible, in casae where they are ^ in distress
and standing in need of immediate relief". For purposes of treating all
applicants fairly and equally, and discouraging frivolous use of income: assets,
and other available res, the following formula will be used by the case-
worker in considering the applicant's eligibility.
A- maximum escort available for the household from the general
assistance program in any one month.
B- basic standard for general assistance for the tovseheld. This
figure shell be computed by designating $90.00 for the headof the _
households and adding the multiple of the additional members in the
in the household by $35.00. In the cases where medical assistance
is necessary, the basic standard will be determined by multiplying
the number of members in the household by $40.00.
C= household income
D• household shelter expenses.
All standard of need determinations for general assistance will be
computed onmonthly basis. For purposes of this formula, income will include
All earned income plus income from other sources lees all deductions for liquid
assets and liquidated tangible assets. The applicant's household income will
be computed in accordance with the. following definitions:
A. Warned Incase: Income in cash or in kind earned by the applicant
Or recipient or members of his household through
wages, salary, commissions, or profit, whether self-employed o
as an employee. Ramal income and profits from produce sold are
this category. Witherespect to self-employment, total profit is
arrived at by subtracting business expenses from gross income. When
income consists of wages, the amount computed will be that available
after income taxes, social security, and other payroll deductions
s required by state, federal, or local law, are deducted. Wages
that are trusteed, or income similarly unavailable to the applicant
or his dependents will not be considered.
B. Income from Spouse, - Sunpnrt from Relatives: If husband aryl wife
are both employed,
income actually available to the applicant or recipient and dependents
e to be included. Contributions from relatives will be considered
as income only if actually receired by the applicent or recipient.
179
ye. Income from other Assistance or Social Insurance programs: State
Catergori.—
cal Benefits: OAS02. payments, Social Security Benefits, V.A.
Benefits, Unemployment Insurance Benefits, and payments from other
governmental or private sources will be considered as income.
61 Court Ordered Su000rt Payments: Alimony and child support payments
Will be considered Income only if
it is actually received by the applicant or recipient.
.. Income from Other Sources: Payments Press pensions and trust funds
will be considered income only if it
is actually available to the applicant or recipient from members
of their household, whether or net they are related by blood or
marriage (for example, boarders or lodgers), will be considered
Income.
p Earnings of s Child: Me earnings of any child under the age of
1 years will not be considered as income under these guidelines
unless that child in fact makes regular and substantial contribu—
tion to the support of his family.
4 Retroactive Benefits: Any amount received as retroactive or back
payments or benefits from any source shall,
upon receipt, be considered as part of household income. The
amount a retroactive or back payment or benefit, if in
excess
of $150.00, for the purposes of future eligibility for
general assistance under these Guidelines, shall be divided into
three equal parts to be in ed in household income as if each
thiM xas r carver on the Pin t day of three consecutive months
following such receipt.
Q. ffi¢ludable income: Fbr purposes of this definition, relocation
payments under governmental housing programs,
the bonus value of food stamps, earnings of Children under age
L, and the monetary value of products from home gardening shall
not be included.
�. Potential Income: Potential income is defined as income that
_ could be received if action were taken to
obtain it, e.g.; Social Security, Workmen's Compensation; Un—
employment Compensation, APDL; SSI; ate.
Such income, although not available until
received most be taken into coigFpp`Motion when detexming
assistance available under the Poreble.
13
Y�. Treatment of all other income. The full amount of all income,
not defined as earned 'lnoome,
whether in kind or in cash, which is available for use in the house—
hold on a regular basis will be considered in deterring need under
the indigency formula.
Special instructions for treatment of certain types of income in kind.
Agreement for housing. If an individual or family has provided
living accomodattons to a person or family
stranded general assistance may not duplicate this service.
Living in the household of another. When an application is
received from an individual
r family that is living in the household of another, under our
guidelines, certification must be made of the entire household arca
the income and assets of all mwmbers of the household counted in
determining eligibility under the standard of need provisions.
Other unrelated person living in the home. When any other individual
r living in the applicants
hone, under our guidelines, certification moat be made of the entire
household and the incoinea,d assets of all members of the household
counted in determining eligibility under the standard of need
provisions.
For the purposes of this formula, the housing allmmce includes a payment
far rent, heating teal, water, electricity and gear plus any other housing
needs. Housing under these guidelines will be actual rust, net to exceed the
following schedules: -
to
HOUSIG ALHAN WS — INCLUDING MT 8 UTILITIES
No. in
Household
Jen
Feb
Mcr
Aor
May
Jon
Jeal
&1Z
I
Oct
Nov
Dec
•1
140
140
140
140
140
140
]40
140
140
140
140
140
2
150
150
150
150
150
150
150
150
150
150
150
150
3
157
157
157
157
157
157
157
157
157
157
157
157
4
164
164
164
164
164
164
164
164
164
164
164
164
5
171
171
171
171
171
171
171
171
171
171
171
171
6
178
178
178
178
178
178
168
178
178
178
178
178
7
185
185
185
185
185
185
185
185
185
185
185
185
MUS➢G ALHOMANCM — MT NOT INCLUDHU
M. in
Household
Jan
Feb
14ar
Aor
Me
J'un
Jul
&A
She
Oct
Nov
Dec
*1
177
177
157.
137
117
117
117
117
117
137
157
177
2
187
187
167
147
127
127
127
127
127
147
167
187
3
194
194
174
154
134
184
134
134
134
154
174
194
4
201
201
181
161
141
141
141
141
]41
161
181
201
5
208
208
188
168
148
Lie
148
148
l4e
168
188
208
6
215
215
195
175
155
155
155
155
155
174
194
215
7
222
222
202
182
162
162
162
162
162
162
202
222
8
9
ww10
a Able bodind persons will not be eligible under our guidelines to have tbeir rent
pati if they have voluntarily caused their employment to be terminated.
*If you now occupy a four bedrom apa ent or mors, please inform your caseworker.
a Due to the low number of available units wlth four bedrooms or more, a schedule
could act be developed.
The following are examples of situations using this formulas
1. Families with income in excess of the standard X need: A family of 6
persons having total household income of $392.00 and actual household shelter
expenses totalling $100.00.
265—(392-100) 65. 927 (a tussive income).
2. Family with income less tban the standard of need: A family of 6 persons
having total household income of $392.00 ani actual household shelter expenses
totalling $170.00. - -
265-.392-170)165-222x„3 (Meets standaml of need).
5.16 BASIC TOTAL RiidN➢ BMTS OR BASIC MAINTAIMME CASTS
A budgeted avoant for food, clothing, personal care, and, other family consumptives.
In this saaount is addei a housing allowance.
PRB-ADVSD BASIC MAINfAINANC6 COST CHART
Number of nelsons
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
a
9
10
5.12 AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE
Basic Total Reouirements
$90
125
16D
195
230
265
300
335
370
405
15
The basis of eligibility for assistance Rum the Bangor Welfare Department is
that the applicant applicants have a need under the Standard of Need Deficit. Such
determination shall be made by use of an i digeney fommla.
Eligibility under all other emergency provisions shall be determined by these
regulations and the case record shall specify the section under whdoh assistance is
provided.
NotK ith-staxding the above sections it is not intended that, Bangor Welfare
pregrambe other than to satisfy the specific emergency need of a recipient for a
specified period of time.
Asaistance granted will be on the basis that there is no available resource.
Verification of income and expenditures will be required to establish that
there is no available resource and the caseworker may authorize assistance to
meet the individuals or household needs included in the basic maintainance cost
chartR housing allowance where it is determined the applicantapplicants are
destitute.
16
M
Number in the household Maximum Food Order (Weekly Basis)
1 $13
2 20
3 27
4 34
5 41
6 48
7 55
8 62
9 69
Nothing herein shall prohibit or prevent the Welfare Department,
aan alternative, from purenasing Food Sts for the recipient in
amp
mounts equal to the amounts available for maximum food order.
General allowance for other family consumptives shall include
household supplies, including, but rat limited to breams, light
bulbs, fuses, k1tchen utilities as well as an allowance for news—
papers aro some recreation. Personal care items shall include, but
not be limited to,Ccoup, toilet paper, toothpaste, combs, haircuts,
and dry cleaning, but shall not include 'psmetica. Monthly allowances
for personal care items and other family consumptives shall be computed
in accordance with the following schedules:
PAASOUL O IMS
Number in Household Maximum Amount, of eller
2 $5
3-5 7
6-10 9
Number fn HouseholdMaximum Amount of Order
2 $5
3-5 7
6.10 9
In addition to food, household supplies, personal care items,
and other family consumptives, medical, dental aro eye services,
clothing and burial expenses may be provided if absolutely necessary.
Medical, dental and eye s mites will be provided on an emergency
basis. Ftxcept in unique situations approved by the Public Welfare
Director, the caseworker will not approve dental expenses other than
tooth extractions.
The caseworker may assist tre applicant or recipient and his family in
the purchase of adequate clothing. In most clothing will be
a postponable item. Exceptions to this maxim may arise in the event that
school clothes are needed in the ball; where lire or other crisis has
destroyed the applicant or recipient's clothing, where umisually cold weather makes
antra clothing an immediate necessity; or if special clothes are needed for the
applicant's employment. Before assistance will be made for clothingr the caseworker
most be satisfied that the applicant has taken maximum advantage of all church
and civic organizationso r other resources in the community that make low cost or
Inca clothing available.
18
TABM PFR081d1'AGW FDR DEfHtM KM FIRST MOMH MAKIMOM ASSTSTA= AVAI14B18
28 Dav Month'R 29 Day Month $ 30 Dav Month % 31 Dav Month
1 —
1A0
1 —
100
1 — 100
1 —
100
2 —
96
2 —
97
2.'-
97
2 —
97
3 —
93
3 —
94
3 —
94
3 —
94
4 —
90
4 —
90
4 —
90
4 —
91
5—
86
5—
87
5—
87
- 5—
n
6—
83
6—
83
6—'84
6—
84
7—
79
7—
W
7—
W
7—
81
8 —
75
8 —
76
8 —
77
8 —
78
9—
72
9—
73
9—
74
9—
75
30 —
68
to —
'�69
10 —
70
10 —
71
u —
65
u —
66
U-
67
U —
68
12 —
61
]2 —
62
]2 —
64
u —
65
13 —
58
13 —
59
13 —
6o
13 —
62
14 —
54
]4 —
56
14 —
57
1k —
58
15 —
50
15 —
52
15 —
54
15 —
55
16 —
47
16 —
49
16 —
50
16 —
52
17 —
43
17 —
45
17 —
47
17 —
49
18 —
40
18 —
42
18 —
44
18 —
46
19 —
36
19 —
38
19 —
W
19 —
42
20 —
33
20 —
35
20 —
37
20 —
39
21 —
29
21 —
31
21 —
34
21 —
:$6
22 —
25
22 —
28
22 —
30
M —
33
23 —
22
23 —
25
23 —
27
23 —
29
24 —
]8
24 —
21
24 —
24
24 —
26
25 —
15
25 —
18
25 —
20
25 —
23
26 —
11
26 —
14
26 —
17
26 —
20
27 —
8
27 —
11
27 —
14
27 —
17
28 —
4
28 —
7
28 —
10
28 —
13
29 —
4
29 —
7
29 —
10
30 —
4
30 —
7
31 —
4
19
Section $.13 Assistance cateroories.
9. Standard of need deficit. Under this Section iadividuals
amY dies th t have a need under the standard of need
provisions will be considered needy for general assistance
purposes end thereby eligible to receive basic necessities
essential to maintain themselves or their families.
1� Emergency Shelters. Under this section the Welfare Department
as perm tted to provide shelter for persons that are
stranded, homeless or victims of family viclencp pending a
permanent plan.
In determining eligibility for this service priority will
be given Seeger residents. Individuals and families who
by definition (See 22 MRSA, Paragraph 4497) are residents
of another municipality may request admission to the Shelters,
each admissions shall regaire either the municipality of
residence or the individual themselves to as mce the cost of
welfare for the first 30 days plus make a COntributinn which
shall be set by the Welfare Department towards abater cost.
U. Transportation. The Transient or stranded individual who
finds no means of support here, or one
wishes transportation to the place be case from
may be helped by the department to relocate.
If the Transient or Stranded individual
has a destination other than the place they come from,
transportation mav be provided to the new destination.
20
D• Transients. Persona: who due to unforseeable circumstances, fall into
distress within the City while traveling mks be granted
Heergency teoporary assistance of lodging and food, either
through the Welfare Department or on referral to a private agency.
S. Catastrophes. Persons of families placed in need of ignediate assistance
through unforseeable circumstances such as, fires, floods,
sad hurricanes, may also receive Snergency Assistance to meet their
isnediats needs only in the Porn of food and shelter. In determining
eligibility for this service priority will be given Bangor residents.
Individuals and families that by definition ere residents of another mundcd -
polity may request admission. Sa b admission, if offered, shall require the
tam of residence or the individual themselves to pay :the cost of welfare
plus make a contribution towards shelter costs.
r. RuarBencv Hospitalization.
a. A person may apply for hospital benefits for himself or for a person
whom he is legally responsible. A legal representative may apply on
behalf of an individual. Eligibility An these situations will be limited
to the condition that the person or bousehold meet the eligibility rsquxne
meats of residence, age, Iou.etnld, own abode, assets, available resources
and need order the indigency formula. Me fall costs of hospitalization nay
be paid for those persons eligible for assistance.
b. In addition to the above, a hospital may apply on behalf of indigents as
outlined under 22 MRSA, Section 4483. Eligibility in this situation shall
also be to that:
1. The hospital has notified the Welfare Department within three (3) business
days of the emergency admission. Notification requires a telephone =11
confirmed by a certified letter.
2. The individual in such situations wants to make application to City
Wel£ars and;
(a) The person meats the eligibility requirements of residence, age,
household, own abode, assets, and need under the indigency Sormala.
(b) The person involved does not wish to apply for charity care that is
available for law income patients order the Hill Burton Act. Again, the
fall costs Of hospitalisation may, be paid for those persons eligible for
assistance. -
21
D. ghcessive Income. For various reasons, it might be necessary to assist a person
or family even though their monthly income is in excess of
total requirements. Reasons for this might include less of a check, delsy in
mail of receiving a check or the person may have spent all their inocews placing
themselves or their family in immediate reed. In these situations, either basic
necessities, or food and shelter may be provided. However, before Thwagency
Assistance is given to persons having excessive income, they must .agree to
reimburse.
H. Minor Children. For various reasons it might be necessary to assist minor
children whosanesds are net being met, due to parental
neglect or misuse of household income. Reasons for this might include wage
earner quitting employment, failure to register for employment and failure of
the responsible relative to provide necessary support.
I. gxceasive Assets. A person or family may be assisted even though they have excessive
assets. If immediate need cannot be established, the person or
£emily is denied assistance. Assistance under these circumstances cannot continue
unless the individual or family takes steps to turn the assets into available Texds
to oft—set any relief that might be necessary.
J. Burial. The Welfare Department shall provide for proper burial Of indigent persons
provided that the total of the burial cost does not exceed $525.00 and It
is determined that the burial costs cannot be paid in total from agy other source
or the estate of the deceased. The Welfare Department will apply any other mordes
available from other sources toward the total burial costs, which may not exceed
$525.00. The allowance for burials under these Guidelines shall include the
undertakers services, clergy, and personal attendants, casket, vault box, liner,
hearse, and obituray. The Welfare Department shall not pay for burials in Into
outside of the City or for single size lots. However, ami person qualifying for
assistance under this section may be buried in a lot provided by the City for
such purposes. The Welfare Department will also explore the possibility that '
there may be other sources of payment of part or all of burial. For example,
Social SecprJ.ty LumpSlms Death Henefitsp V.A., etc..
K. Emergency Assistance to Disabled Adult.
a. The purpose of this section is to provide emergency assistance to those single
adults who are in need due to physical disability. Under this section a person ie
considered disabled if they are unable to engage in.auy substantial, gainful activity,
due to a medically determinable pluudcal impairment.
22
(cont'd) b. Limitations.
1. No person will be eligible under this section Ciel those
situations where they have refused rehabilitative services.
2. If maintaining a hams at the time of application,
it is pelmissable to use up to the limits set oder the
Guidelines as a housing allowance.
L. Over -supplementation of Intal Requirement. For various reasons, it
m got be necessary to assist
a person or family when assistance, if granted, exceeds computed available
assistance. In these situations only food, fuel, end household items may
be provided, and such assistance granted would require a termination notice
Von providing the assistance.
M. Other Necessary. Expenses. Under this section any assistance that is
absolutely necessary and cava t be obtained
from any other source may be provided by the caseworker
worker with the approval
of the Director if such need for assistance were caused by conditions or
situations beyond the control of the client. It Is understood that assistance
granted ureter this section is to not exceed amounts listed in the basic total
.requirement charts.
NOT$ Assistance can be provided to parts of household under the category of
other env Under no circumstances will aid be granted
to parte of a household of a responsible relative that has sufficient
ability to support.
23
5.14.1 Right to Review. Any applicant or recipient has the right
in accordance with these Guidelines, after
notice of a decision by the caseworker, to request a review of
that decision whare he believes that proper consideration has
mot been given to all circumstances surrounding his desire for
assistance. Such requests may be made by the authorized repre—
sentative of incapacitated applicants or recipients.
5.14.2 Method of Obtaining Review.
A. Ta initiate the review process the claimark need only ma(Da
clear expression to the caseworker within ave (5) working days
after notice of the caseworker's decision on the application that
he is dissatisfied with the decision an] desires a review of the
same by the Public Welfare Director. As soon as it reasonably
possible, the Public Ifelfare Director shall review the acaseworker
decision, giving both the claimant and the caseworker fall
oppartumity, to present their positians an the case. The review
will be conducted informally in a msm:er respectful Of the rights
and dignity of all involved. Within forty, eight (48) hours after
such review the Director shall inform the caseworker and Claimant
of his decision. His decision shall be limited to a determination
as to (1) whether the caseworker's decision has been made in
accordance with these Guidelines, and (2) whether the claimant may
receive Emergency Assistance as provided herein.
B. Any claimant who believea that proper consideration has mot
been given to all circumstances surrounding his desire for
assistance by the Public Welfare Director pursuant to Subsection A.
above, may seek further review by a three member committee of the
Bangor City Council established for such purposes. To obtain a
review by the Council Committee, the claimant will need only make
a clear expression to the Poblic Welfare Director within five (5)
days after notice of the Director's decision that be (the claimant)
is dissatisfied with the decision and desires a review of the same
by the Council Committee. The Director shall immediately make
available a printed form requesting a review by the Committee and
will assist the claimant in completing it if necessary. on the
priated Tom the claimant will give the following information:
1. The decision on which review, is sought;
2. The reasons for the client's dissatisfaction and the
circumstances he believes entitle him to a different
decision.
3. The relief he seeks.
24
5.14.2 (Cont•d) The Public Welfare Director cannot deny or dismiss a request
for a heaping before the Council Committee On ess it has been expressly
withdrawn by the Claimant;
1. Gives written expression of withdrawal; or
2. Abandon the request (for example, by failing to complete the form
to request review or by failing to appear at the hearing).
takeUpon receipt of the request he Director shall arreops, forthe raview to
t
piece, within seven (7) days thereafter, takigg into consideration
the convenience anal needs of all concerned. The Director will infamn the claimant
Of the review procedure, together with the date, time ani place of the proceed—
ing.
All reviews by the Council Committee will be conducted in accordance with the
following:
I. The proceeding will be conducted privately and open only to:
a. the claimant, witnesses and legal counsel,
b. the Public Welfare Director and his caseworkers, the City Manager,
witnesses, camber of the City Council, other than Committee masbars,
and legal counsel.
2. The proceeding will be conducted informally, without technical rules of
evidence, but subject to the requirements of due process.
3. The review will be opened with a presentation of issues by the Committee
Chairman.
4. After the presentation of issues, the claimant shall present his position
with the aid of legal counsel or witnesses.
5. The public Welfare Director andlor his caseworkers shall then present their
position with the aid of legal counselor witnesses.
6. All participants shall be given an opportunity te:
a. Present oral or written testimony or documentary evidence;
b. Offer rebuttal;
c. Question witnesses on matters germane to the issue at hand;
d. Examine all evidence presented at the hearing.
25
5.14.3 (Gont'd) 9. The Committee's decision shall be determined solely
Won the evidence presented by all parties at the proceeding.
Said decision shall be in accordance with these Guidelines and the general law
relating to granting of general assistance.
Upon completion of the proceeding the cemmittee shall prepare a written
notice of its decision which will contain the following information,
1. A statement of the issue (a);
2. Relevant evidence presented by any participant at the proceeding;
3. Pertinent provisions of the general law and these Guidelines relating
to the Committee's decision
4. The Committee's decision and the reasons for it.
Copies of the notice of decision will be provided forthwith to the
claimant, the hearing record and the was record maintained by the Public
Welfare ninrector. The notice shall also state that if the claimant is
dissatisfied with the Committee's decision, he may seek judicial review
under Rule WBI Mains Rulas of Civil Procedure. To obtain .such review
he meat bring his action in most circmostances within thirty (30) days
of receipt of the Committee's decision.
_ Saigon, Abe ander OfMaime he.Ganeyb Meeimdf Nertb 19aea amd Swben Raven
IDUAR 0. BROWN
414 of F=Sorf Armu
FtN3L
.c wa.r � 24, 19I8
ar
Meager Welfare. Appeols,Ao®ittee '
By or city council
Merger, Maine o44W
RE: Proposed Welfare Guidelines Amendments
Dear Committee Members:
In conjunction with our discussion last week, I sabodt the following
as amendments to our Guidelines which you authorized last week.
On Pame 3. Item %. Resident, is emended to read: Any recipient o
applicant who pas lived in Bangor for a period of atleast 30 couseective
days, immediately prior to the date of his/her application for assistance,
receipt of out-patient treatment at or admission to a hospital or death
(22MRSA, Per. 4497) is a resident.
Oo Pate 3. Item L. Non-Rewhosident, is deleted and rewritten to read:
Any
30 consecutiveor recrmmdiatel haze or toved in thedate ngor for a Periodof hieAer application
of tion for
istance, receipt of Cat-patienty r o a ho
pstrereside at o admission to hospital'
assistance,
death (22 MRSA Par. 44p) is anon-resident.
On Pace 16.
read Amount^ f Assistance, the food budget should be emended to 11
es Pollows:
OOD
No. yin the Household Maximum Food order (Weekly Basis)
S15.W
2 24.00
3 33.00
4 42.00
551 00
6 0. W
7 69.W
8 78.w
9 89.00