An interim assistance authorization (IAA) is a client’s written permission allowing the State to recover the cost of state funded-cash assistance the client receives while awaiting approval of their application for other maintenance benefits (OMB), such as Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI) or Unemployment Insurance.

If the client is later approved for these benefits, the State or its representatives can request repayment of the interim assistance from the client’s retroactive payment.

Interim assistance refers to state-funded cash assistance issued during the same period covered by the client’s retroactive benefit payment. These benefits include:

●	General Assistance (GA); and
●	Housing Support Program (HSP)

Interim assistance may be paid directly to the client or to a vendor (such as a housing provider) on the client’s behalf.

For more information about other maintenance benefits, see 0012.12 (Applying for Other Benefits).

Interim Assistance Authorization (IAA) Requirements
To be eligible to request reimbursement, a valid Interim Assistance Authorization (non-SSI) (DHS-1795A) (IAA) must be on file.

The IAA remains in effect through all levels of the appeal process and continue to be valid until one of the following occurs:

●	The client receives their first benefit payment; or
●	The application is denied and the client does not file an appeal.

Refer to specific policy guidance on when an IAA is required.

A valid IAA must include:

●	The type of benefit for which the client is being referred;
●	The signature and date of the client or their legal guardian;
●	If signed by a legal guardian, a copy of the court order appointing guardianship; and
●	Entry of the client’s signature date into MAXIS within 30 days of receipt.

Acceptable signature types include:

●	Electronic signature
●	Pen capture signature (stylus, touchscreen, or specialized signature pad)
●	Handwritten “wet ink” signatures

Note: Verbal consent is not accepted by SSA as a valid signature.

If the client is being referred to apply for SSI, see 12.12.03 (Interim Assistance Authorization for SSI).

For more information about interim assistance reimbursement, see 0012.12.05 (Interim Assistance Reimbursement for RSDI and OMB).

Refer to the sections below for policy specific provisions on when an interim assistance authorization is required for RSDI or other maintenance benefits (OMB).


MFIP, SNAP:
No provisions.


MSA:
No provisions.


GA, HSP:
GA and HSP are state funded public assistance programs that are subject to interim assistance reimbursement. Clients who are receiving GA and HSP and have a pending application for Retirement Survivors and Disability Insurance (RSDI) or other maintenance benefits (OMB) are subject to interim assistance reimbursement. Failure to complete the IAA when required makes the client ineligible for GA and HSP due to non-cooperation.

RSDI IAA REQUIREMENTS AT INITIAL APPLICATION
An applicant must sign and date an Interim Assistance Authorization (non-SSI) (DHS-1795A) (IAA) when they:

●	Have a pending RSDI application or are appealing the decision
●	Are referred by the agency to apply for RSDI
●	Report they are applying for RSDI
●	Qualify for GA under any of the follow bases of eligibility: - Permanent illness - Temporary illness - Placement in a facility/requires services in a residence - Unemployable - Developmental disability/mental illness - RSDI/SSI application/appeal pending - Advance age - Learning disabled

Do not approve GA and HSP benefits until a signed and dated IAA is received and entered into Maxis. If the client refuses to complete the IAA, deny the GA and HSP application for failure to cooperate. See 0010.18.01 (Mandatory Verifications Cash Assistance), 0010.21 (Verification Due Dates), and TE02.05.116 (PBEN Entry).

If good cause is granted for not referring the client to apply for RSDI under any of the GA bases listed above, the IAA must be entered in MAXIS. See TE02.06.08 (PBEN Good Cause Workaround).

Exemption from RSDI IAA Requirement:
Clients are exempt from completing an RSDI IAA if they meet any of the following criteria:

●	Receiving HSP under the Transition from Residential Treatment basis
●	Currently receiving SSI
●	Currently receiving RSDI
●	Countable gross income over the SSI Federal Benefit Rate (FBR). See 0017 (Determining Gross Income)
●	Married couple living in the same HSP setting, with combined income exceeding the SSI FBR for couples

RSDI IAA REQUIREMENTS AT RECERTIFICATION OR CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES:
A client must sign and date an Interim Assistance Reimbursement Authorization (DHS-1795A) when they:

●	Are referred by the agency to apply for RSDI
●	Report they are applying for RSDI and there is no valid IAA on file

If the client does not return the signed IAA or submits an incomplete form by the verification due date, issue a 10-day notice of adverse action to close GA and HSP. See 0010.21 (Verification Due Dates), and 0026.15 (Notice of denial, termination, or suspension).

If good cause was granted to not apply for RSDI at initial application, reassess whether the client should now be referred to apply. An IAA is not required at recertification if good cause still applies. See 0012.12 (Applying for Other Benefits) and TE02.06.08 (PBEN Good Cause Workaround).

Clients are not required to complete an IAA at recertification unless they are referred to apply for RSDI.

OMB IAA REQUIREMENTS:
A client must sign and date a Interim Assistance Authorization (DHS-1795A) (IAA) when they:

●	Are referred by the agency
●	Report they are applying for other maintenance benefits.

If the client does not return the signed IAA or submits an incomplete form by the verification due date, issue a 10-day notice of adverse action to close GA and HSP. See 0010.21 (Verification Due Dates), and 0026.15 (Notice of denial, termination, or suspension).

Exemption from OMB IAA Requirement:
An IAA is not needed for worker’s compensation. When a client has been awarded Workers’ Compensation, any GA and HSP received during the period covered by the Workers’ Compensation settlement or award is subject to recovery by the DHS Benefit Recovery Section (BRS). BRS has the authority to recover subsistence related to a workers’ compensation injury.