(1) There is created in the Department of Human Services the State Family Pre-SSI/SSDI program. The department shall provide aid under this section to families that are eligible for temporary assistance for needy families under ORS 412.001 to 412.069 and 418.647 and that include a needy caretaker relative who is unable to maintain substantial gainful activity due to a disability or combination of disabilities that meet the criteria of section 216 of the Social Security Act.
(2) The department shall assist families receiving aid under this section in qualifying for federal Supplemental Security Income and Social Security disability benefits, including obtaining necessary medical records and evaluations. The department shall contract with nonprofit legal services organizations, or lawyers lawfully admitted to the bar of any state, to represent recipients in any administrative appeal.
(3) The department shall adopt rules for determining the amount of aid granted under this section that is not less than the combined total of 43 percent of the Supplemental Security Income payment in effect at that time and the amount of aid the child would receive under ORS 412.006 if the caretaker relative did not receive aid.
(4) Participation in the State Family Pre-SSI/SSDI program shall be voluntary. The department shall provide information to potential participants in the State Family Pre-SSI/SSDI program about the opportunities for employment while receiving Supplemental Security Income benefits and about employment resources available to State Family Pre-SSI/SSDI program participants. The information must be in a format accessible to the potential participant.
(5) Participants in the State Family Pre-SSI/SSDI program must cooperate with the department in establishing eligibility for Supplemental Security Income or Social Security disability benefits. The department by rule may establish policies for monitoring and encouraging full engagement in the State Family Pre-SSI/SSDI program, including activities that promote family stability. The department shall offer participants the opportunity to participate in any suitable activity in the job opportunity and basic skills program under ORS 412.009. [2007 c.861 §8]
Section: Previous 412.001 412.005 412.006 412.009 412.010 412.014 412.015 412.016 412.017 412.020 412.024 412.025 412.026 412.028 412.029 NextLast modified: August 7, 2008