Interim Assistance Overview
The following sections describes a high-level overview and eligibility criteria of the Interim Assistance Reimbursement (IAR) Program:
History
Public Law 93-368 provides for reimbursement to counties for Interim Assistance payments made to SSI/SSP applicants whose applications are subsequently approved for SSI benefits. Individual authorizations must be signed by the applicants or their representatives and forwarded either manually or electronically to Social Security Administration (SSA).
The IAR provisions of the Social Security Act permit Interim Assistance Counties to recover from an individual’s initial retroactive SSI payment. Interim Assistance is the amount the county gives the individual for meeting basic needs while the individual’s SSI application is pending or SSI benefits are suspended or terminated and subsequently reinstated.
Santa Clara County elected to participate in the program to receive reimbursement for Interim Assistance as described in Public Law 93-368. Participation in the Interim Assistance Program allows the county to collect the General Assistance (GA) paid to (or on behalf of) a client who is found eligible for SSI/SSP benefits.
The SSI Advocacy program was established in 1985 by the Board of Supervisors to assist disabled General Assistance (GA) clients. The ultimate goals are to obtain SSI and/or RSDI approval and assistance in obtaining Interim Assistance Reimbursements. [Refer to SSI Advocacy Program].
Note: “Interim Assistance Reimbursement” (IAR) is also known or referred to as “Interim Assistance Program” (IAP) or “Interim Assistance” (IA).
Participation in the IAR Program
Participation in the IAR program allows the county to recoup the amount of GA assistance received during the Interim Assistance period, once SSI is approved. The GA amount the county may collect is LIMITED to payments made to the individual or on the individual’s behalf, for basic needs (expenses covering needs essential for everyday living. e.g.,food, clothing, and/or shelter).
Eligibility Criteria
The following GA applicants/recipients will be required to meet IAR requirements as a condition of aid:
- Any applicant/recipient who has applied for SSI.
- Any unemployable applicant or recipient whose physical/mental incapacity/disability:
- Is expected to last for at least 12 months,
- Has already lasted at least 12 months, or
- Is expected to result in death.
- Any applicant/recipient who is 64 years and 10 months of age or older.
- Any applicant/recipient who is legally blind (central visual acuity of 20/200 or less, with best possible correction).
Inter-County Reimbursement
In 1989, the State of California with SSA agreement revised the IAR authorization to allow for reimbursement between California counties known as Inter-County Reimbursements. The County that receives the IAR check is responsible for disbursing the funds including completing the accountability report, sending the other IA County their share and sending the Notice of Action and the excess of the IAR check to the client within the 10 working day requirement.
Related Topics
"Automated" Interim Assistance Reimbursement (IAR) County
Social Security Administration Referral Process
Social Security Administration's SSI eIAR Web Application