Item 387 | First Year - FY1997 | Second Year - FY1998 |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Assistance to Local Welfare/Social Service Boards for Administration of Benefit Programs (46000) | $104,473,366 | $104,473,366 |
| Benefit Programs Administration (46003) | FY1997 $104,473,366 | FY1998 $104,473,366 |
| Fund Sources: | ||
| General | FY1997 $35,709,580 | FY1998 $35,709,580 |
| Federal Trust | FY1997 $68,763,786 | FY1998 $68,763,786 |
Authority: Title 63.1, Chapters 1, 6, 6.2, 13 and 14, Code of Virginia; P.L. 104-193, Federal Code.
A. The amount for Benefit Programs Administration, including the Food Stamp program, shall be expended under regulations of the Board of Social Services to reimburse county and city welfare/social services boards pursuant to § 63.1-92, Code of Virginia, and subject to the same percentage limitations for other administrative services performed by county and city public welfare/social services boards and superintendents of public welfare/social services pursuant to other provisions of the Code of Virginia.
B. Pursuant to the provisions of §§ 63.1-93, 63.1-96, 63.1-96.1, 63.1-98, 63.1-99.1, 63.1-122 and 63.1-123, Code of Virginia, all monies deducted from funds otherwise payable out of the state treasury to the counties and cities pursuant to the provisions of §§ 63.1-122 and 63.1-123, Code of Virginia, shall be credited to the applicable general fund account.
C. Out of the federal fund appropriation for Benefit Programs Administration, up to $10,000,000 the first year and $10,000,000 the second year shall be set aside for allowable local salary costs which exceed available general fund reimbursement and up to $4,000,000 the first year and $4,000,000 the second year shall be set aside to reimburse local governments for allowable costs incurred in administering public assistance programs.
D. Included in this appropriation are funds to reimburse local social service agencies for eligibility workers who interview applicants to determine qualification for public assistance benefits which include but are not limited to: Aid to Families with Dependent Children; Food Stamps; and Medicaid.
E. The Department of Social Services, in cooperation with the Department of General Services, shall identify and study space needs, cost guidelines, and state reimbursement policies for office space in local departments of social services. A report shall be submitted to the Governor and the Chairmen of the Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committees by November 1, 1996.
F. Effective July 1, 1997, and subject to federal approval, local social services departments shall share in 40 percent of the minimum reinvestment required by the United States Department of Agriculture to reduce Food Stamp error rates. No less than 40 percent of the total funds reinvested will be used to support error reduction activities in local agencies.