NPLS Paralegal, Bill McLaughlin was recently able to help a Pike County client and her minor child (who both receive TANF cash assistance and medical assistance) increase their monthly food stamp benefits as a result of their entitlement to an excess medical expense deduction that was not being allowed by the Pike County Assistance Office. 

Individuals who receive disability related medical assistance are entitled to claim an excess medical expense deduction from their monthly income for any amount of expenses over $35.00/month.  By allowing such a deduction, the household’s food stamp benefits would increase by almost $200.00/month since the client and child make frequent out of town trips for medical treatment in Philadelphia.

Although the County Assistance Officer (CAO) agreed the client and child met the disability standard, they refused to authorize the medical expense deductions since the client and child were receiving TANF related medical assistance which is not considered disability related medical assistance.

Mr. McLaughlin filed an appeal for the client and child and also contact DPW’s Bureau of Policy.  After reviewing the case, DPW Bureau of Policy agreed that the Pike CAO was erroneously denying the excess medical expense deduction and directed the CAO to allow for an excess medical expense deduction as long as disability related requirements are met.

The Bureau of Policy also agreed to correct their Food Stamp Handbook Policy (SNAP) to reflect that even though an individual or family may not be receiving disability related medical assistance such as TANF benefits, as long as there is sufficient medical evidence to determine disability and the individual pursues entitlement to disability benefits, then the individual would be entitled to claim an excess medical expense deduction.

By clarifying their policy, this will allow individuals and families statewide to potentially increase their monthly food stamp allotment.