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Financial Management


Published: 2015

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The Oregon Administrative Rules contain OARs filed through November 15, 2015

 

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DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES,
CHILD WELFARE PROGRAMS




 

DIVISION 310
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT


Erroneous Payments Based on Error or Fraud

413-310-0200
Purpose
These rules describe SOSCF's procedures for handling payments made by SOSCF which are in error or result from fraudulent acts committed by service providers and subcontractors of service providers contracting with SOSCF, persons working under personal service contracts with SOSCF, or SOSCF employees.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 418.005

Stats. Implemented: ORS 293.235 – ORS 293.245

Hist.: SCF 6-1995, f. 12-22-95, cert. ef. 12-29-95; SOSCF 23-2000, f. & cert. ef. 9-6-00
413-310-0210
Definitions
(1) "Fraud": Intentional acts, claims, statements, or payments resulting in misrepresentation and/or willful withholding of material facts for the purpose of deceiving.
(2) "Unintentional Error": Errors in payments or billings made without intent to deceive.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 418.005

Stats. Implemented: ORS 293.235 - ORS 293.245 & 42 CFR 433

Hist.: SCF 6-1995, f. 12-22-95, cert. ef. 12-29-95; SOSCF 23-2000, f. & cert. ef. 9-6-00
413-310-0220
Unintentional Error
In instances of unintentional error, SOSCF will report the details of the inappropriate payment to SOSCF Collections Unit for review. The Collections Unit will establish an account receivable and collect from future payments or prepare a billing invoice.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 418.005

Stats. Implemented: ORS 293.235 – ORS 293.245 & ORS 293.265

Hist.: SCF 6-1995, f. 12-22-95, cert. ef. 12-29-95; SOSCF 23-2000, f. & cert. ef. 9-6-00
413-310-0230
Fraud or Willful Deception
(1) Any employee who becomes aware of what appears to be a payment based on incorrect or fraudulent information shall notify his/her supervisor immediately. The worker and supervisor having responsibility for payment will determine whether the payment was based on incorrect information.
(2) If it appears that fraud may be involved, a referral for investigation will be immediately forwarded to the SOSCF Assistant Administrator of Management Operations who will notify the Administrator.
(3) In instances involving potential fraud, it is not appropriate to follow the chain of command since that can interfere with the investigation.
(4) If the investigation of the referral can best be accomplished by an audit, the Assistant Administrator of Management Operations will refer all or part of the investigation to the SOSCF Management Operations Audit Unit.
(5) The client, claimant, or payee shall not be contacted unless directed by Management Operations or a law enforcement agency to do so.
(6) The Audit Unit will begin the investigation immediately. If sufficient documentation establishes fraud, referral will be made to the appropriate agencies.
(7) The Audit Unit investigation is intended to either clear any suspicion of wrongful action or, if needed, result in subsequent referral for recovery of improperly expended funds and possible prosecution.
(8) At all times the civil rights and personal liberties of a person who is suspected of fraudulent activities or willful deception to obtain services or payments will be protected.
(9) When incorrect information has been provided which affects the payment or when a client or provider is unwilling to resolve the incorrect payment problem, the division may terminate services, or terminate the contract. The decision whether to terminate service or the contract will be made by the regional administrator or assistant administrator responsible for the program.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 418.005

Stats. Implemented: ORS 293.235 – ORS 293.245

Hist.: SCF 6-1995, f. 12-22-95, cert. ef. 12-29-95; SOSCF 23-2000, f. & cert. ef. 9-6-00
413-310-0235
Referral to Other Agencies
(1) The Chief Financial Officer of the Department of Human Services (DHS) Financial Services Section will be responsible for coordinating the investigation of fraud committed by an agency employee or designated non-state employee who has been entrusted with the custody of funds or property or has been an accomplice to financial fraud.
(2) SOSCF Assistant Administrator of Management Operations will be responsible for coordination of the investigation of fraud committed by an individual or organization external to the agency, such as a client. Examples include fraudulent reporting and eligibility fraud.
(3) Those coordinating the investigation are responsible for notifying the following parties, as appropriate:
(a) The Director of DHS;
(b) DHS Collections Unit (to collect from future payments or prepare invoice for contracted providers);
(c) DHS Communications (to handle all media inquiries);
(d) DHS Human Resources/Organization Development (when SOSCF employees are involved);
(e) DHS Internal Audit Director;
(f) Department of Justice (for administrative recovery);
(g) Department of Justice Medicaid Fraud Unit (for funds established by Title XIX of the Social Security Act);
(h) Oregon State Police (when criminal intent is suspected);
(i) Secretary of State Audits Division (within 30 days of the beginning of the investigation);
(j) Department of Administrative Services Risk Management (within 30 days of the beginning of the investigation).
Stat. Auth.: ORS 418.005

Stats. Implemented: ORS 293.235

Hist.: SOSCF 23-2000, f. & cert. ef. 9-6-00
413-310-0240
Employee Responsibility
(1) It is the responsibility of each employee of the division to be alert to the possibility of incorrect payments.
(2) It is the responsibility of all supervisors to insure that each employee is aware of this responsibility and that proper internal controls are enforced to limit agency risk.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 418.005

Stats. Implemented: ORS 293.235 - ORS 293.245

Hist.: SCF 6-1995, f. 12-22-95, cert. ef. 12-29-95; SOSCF 23-2000, f. & cert. ef. 9-6-00

Uncollectible Accounts Receivable

413-310-0300
Purpose
These rules describe the actions which will be taken by the State Office for Services to Children and Families Accounting Services Section when "writing off" accounts receivable balances owed to the agency.
Stat. Auth.: HB 2004

Stats. Implemented: ORS 293.235 & ORS 293.240

Hist.: SCF 6-1995, f. 12-22-95, cert. ef. 12-29-95
413-310-0310
Criteria for Determining Amounts Owed
(1) The State Office for Services to Children and Families will follow ORS 293.235, 293.240 and the criteria established by the Secretary of State and the Attorney General of the State of Oregon for determining and certifying accounts owed as uncollectible.
(2) Accounts to be written off are submitted to the Secretary of State subject to the following requirements:
(a) The debt must exceed $5 plus any interest or penalties thereon;
(b) The agency must ascertain, after appropriate inquiry that the debtor has no money or other assets that can be credited to his obligation;
(c) The agency must determine that one of the determinations listed in OAR 413-310-0320 is applicable to the debt;
(d) The agency will assign the debt to the Department of Revenue upon approval for write-off by the Secretary of State.
Stat. Auth.: HB 2004

Stats. Implemented: ORS 293.235 & ORS 293.240

Hist.: SCF 6-1995, f. 12-22-95, cert. ef. 12-29-95
413-310-0320
Determinations for Write Off
One of the following determinations of uncollectibility must apply to each debt submitted for write off:
(1) The cost of collection is not economically feasible.
(2) The debtor is dead and his/her estate has no assets from which money could be collected.
(3) The debtor is an inactive or dissolved corporation and there are no assets from which money could be collected.
(4) The debt has been filed and discharged as a result of the debtor's bankruptcy proceeding.
(5) The SOSCF has not been able to locate the debtor or any of the debtor's assets in Oregon.
(6) The SOSCF, after repeated attempts, has been unsuccessful in collecting the amount due. Expenditures for further attempts would not be justified.
(7) The legal adviser to the SOSCF has reported that the debt is legally uncollectible or that collection is not economically feasible.
(8) The SOSCF has obtained judgment liens and has exerted every effort to collect for the past 10 years without significantly reducing the money due.
(9) After assigning the account to the Department of Revenue under ORS 293.250, the department has determined the account to be uncollectible or the costs of collection to be economically unfeasible.
Stat. Auth.: HB 2004

Stats. Implemented: ORS 293.235 & ORS 293.240

Hist.: SCF 6-1995, f. 12-22-95, cert. ef. 12-29-95
413-310-0350
Recovery of Overpayments – General
These rules describe SOSCF's procedures for handling the collection of overpayments to contracted providers of child care and treatment services, and for granting Administrative Reviews and hearings in contested cases. Contested case hearings of SOSCF are conducted in accordance with the Attorney General's Model Rules OAR 137-003-0501 and the following, entitled "Model Rules of Procedure for Contested Cases"; Hearing Officer Panel Rules.
[Publication: The publication referenced in this rule is not printed in the OAR Compilation. Copies are available from the agency.]
Stat. Auth.: ORS 418.005

Stats. Implemented: ORS 293.250 - ORS 293.260

Hist.: SOSCF 34-2000, f. & cert. ef. 12-14-00
413-310-0355
Definition
"Overpayment" is defined for purposes of these rules as a payment for child care or treatment services and for related services to a family made by SOSCF, on behalf of a client, that either is paid to an ineligible provider or that exceeds the amount authorized by terms of the contract, SOSCF policies and rules, or law. An overpayment includes payments where a service provider is paid:
(1) Beyond an authorization date or contract end date;
(2) In excess of what is authorized;
(3) For services not provided;
(4) For services not meeting policy criteria;
(5) Under circumstances of Erroneous Payments Based on Error or Fraud described in OAR 413-310-0200 through 0240.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 418.005

Stats. Implemented: ORS 293.250 - ORS 293.260

Hist.: SOSCF 34-2000, f. & cert. ef. 12-14-00
413-310-0360
Policy
(1) In instances of overpayment as defined above, SOSCF will initiate action to recover money inappropriately paid out.
(a) When an overpayment is discovered, notice will be sent to the service provider in writing stating that deductions will be made from future payments and that if the provider is no longer receiving payments from SOSCF, the provider is directed to refund the overpayment. The notice will direct the provider to call a specified person(s) in the DHS Accounting Services office at a listed phone number to establish a repayment schedule or to discuss details of the issue, including contesting the SOSCF claim of overpayment.
(b) If the provider is no longer receiving payments from SOSCF, or the overpayment amount is larger than remaining payments, and if satisfactory resolution is not reached through the personal contact described above, a billing process will be initiated.
(c) In the billing process, an invoice along with a letter explaining the circumstances of the overpayment and payment options is sent to the service provider. This letter gives 30 days to make repayment in full, or to request to make mutually agreeable installment payments, or to appeal for a review or hearing as described in paragraphs (3) and (4) below.
(d) If after the 30 days, a satisfactory response is not received, SOSCF will send a second notice with a copy of the invoice and explanations, again asking for payment in 30 days. If satisfactory response is still not received, SOSCF will send a final notice requesting payment in full by the end of 30 days. The final notice will state that if payment is not received in full by the end of the 30 days, the case will be referred to the Department of Revenue for collection in accordance with ORS 293.250 - 293.260, or to a private collection agency.
(2) With the first billing notice (see (1)(b) & (c) above) to the service provider that an overpayment is to be repaid, SOSCF will include information on appealing the SOSCF claim for repayment in an Administrative Review by the SOSCF Administrator or designee, as well as a Contested Case Notice informing the provider of rights to a hearing as described in OAR 137-003-0505, failing resolution in the Administrative Review.
(3) The service provider will have 30 days following notice of an overpayment (see (1)(a) above) to request an Administrative Review by the SOSCF Administrator or designee. This Administrative Review will be a required step prior to the provider requesting a contested case hearing described in (4) below.
(4) The service provider will have 30 days following the conclusion of an Administrative Review and issuance of a decision to appeal the finding in a contested case hearing before a hearing officer from the Hearing Officer Panel of the Oregon Employment Department. The proceedings shall be conducted pursuant to OAR 137-003-0501 to 137-003-0700.
(5) A contractor may request an Administrative Review or a hearing before a hearing officer from the Hearing Officer Panel to contest the finding that an overpayment exists for the following reasons:
(a) To contest the finding that an overpayment exists;
(b) To contest the extent and amount of the overpayment to be repaid; or
(c) To contest the terms for repayment.
(6) Upon receipt by SOSCF of a formal request for an Administrative Review or for a hearing as described in (3) and (4) above, any withholding of otherwise appropriate contract payments may be discontinued pending the outcome of the review or hearing.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 418.005

Stats. Implemented: ORS 293.250 - ORS 293.260

Hist.: SOSCF 34-2000, f. & cert. ef. 12-14-00

Trust Accounts

413-310-0400
Purpose
These rules describe how the Department establishes and maintains trust accounts for children who are in its custody. The Department is authorized by ORS 416.030, 416.820, 418.032, and 419B.400 through 419B.406 to accept and disburse funds on behalf of children who have been placed in custody of the Department. The Department maintains a Trust Account in which all money for a child is deposited. Money received may be court ordered, voluntary, donations, Social Security Administration, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans' benefits, Railroad benefits, Indian benefits or any other source available for the child.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 416.820, 418.032 & 419B.400 - 419B.406

Stats. Implemented: ORS 416.820, 418.032 & 419B.400 - 419B.406

Hist.: SCF 6-1995, f. 12-22-95, cert. ef. 12-29-95
413-310-0410
Definitions
(1) "Application": Process of matching the cost of care with a child's Trust and Agency Maintenance Account, withdrawing available money up to the cost of care, and transferring the money to the Department's Other Funds account.
(2) "Care": Services provided to meet the needs of a child, i.e. food, shelter, clothing, medical care, schooling, protection, supervision, etc.
(3) "Collected Support Arrearage": The amount of child support arrearage collected by the Department of Justice, Division of Child Support (DCS), or, the Department of Revenue which is passed on to the Department for posting to the child's Trust Account.
(4) "Collectible Unreimbursed Assistance (CUA)": The unpaid portion of child support established by court order or administrative order by DCS to be paid by the obligor as child support.
(5) "Financial Accountings": A detailed accounting of all money spent by the Department on a child's behalf and the amount of Trust and Agency money, by funding source, reimbursed to the Department for these items.
(6) "Legal Custody":
(a) A person or agency has legal authority:
(A) To have physical custody and control of a child;
(B) To supply the child with food, clothing, shelter, and other necessities;
(C) To provide the child with care, education, and discipline; and
(D) To authorize medical, dental, psychiatric, psychological, hygienic, or other remedial care or treatment for the child, and in an emergency, where the child's safety appears urgently to require it, to authorize surgery or other extraordinary care.
(b) Legal custody includes temporary custody of a child under an order of temporary custody or commitment from a juvenile court pursuant to ORS 419.B.231 through 491B.237 and 419B.328 through 419B.337.
(7) "Paid Placement": The home or facility utilized by the Department to provide care for a child where there is a cost to the agency.
(8) "Pre-Adoptive Status": Trial placement of a child with a prospective adoptive applicant.
(9) "Child Support Program (CSP)": A section within the Division of Child Support, Department of Justice responsible for receiving and recording support money paid by an obligor and the transferring these money to the proper representative payee.
(10) "Special Account Money": A sub-section of a child's Trust Account to receive money intended for a child's extra personal needs. This money may come from family, friends, the student's own earnings, etc.
(11) "Support Arrearages": The amount of unpaid support which has been established by court order or voluntary agreement for the purpose of maintaining a child(ren).
(12) "Division of Child Support (DCS)": A division in the Department of Justice responsible for enforcing the support obligation of parents whose children are receiving public assistance.
(13) "Termination of Custody": Relinquishment of Department custody as a result of a court order, emancipation through attaining legal age, marriage, retraction of voluntary commitment or legal adoption.
(14) "Unreimbursed Assistance (UA)": The total expenditures made by the state on behalf of a child less any amount reimbursed from the child's Trust Account.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 416.820, 418.032 & 419B.400 - 419B.406

Stats. Implemented: ORS 416.820, 418.032 & 419B.400 - 419B.406

Hist.: SCF 6-1995, f. 12-22-95, cert. ef. 12-29-95
413-310-0420
Policy
A Trust Account will be established automatically when a child is placed in Department custody. This account will include both a maintenance and a special sub account in which all revenue received on a child's behalf will be recorded.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 416.820, 418.032 & 419B.400 - 419B.406

Stats. Implemented: ORS 416.820, 418.032 & 419B.400 - 419B.406

Hist.: SCF 6-1995, f. 12-22-95, cert. ef. 12-29-95
413-310-0430
Maintenance Account
(1) All money received for the purpose of care of the child and interest earned thereon will be deposited into the child's maintenance account. Money may be received from an individual, state, federal or private agency and is used to support that child while in Department care. The maintenance account will provide sub accounts to segregate money and interest earned by source as follows:
(a) Court Ordered Support;
(b) Social Security Administration (SSA);
(c) Other Sources;
(d) Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
(2) An application will be made against the child's Trust Account for the maintenance costs the Department has expended for that child. Any balance remaining in the account shall be used to offset the cost of other expenses paid by the Department for that child. These expenses include but are not limited to clothing, school expenses, medical needs, etc.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 416.820, 418.032 & 419B.400 - 419B.406

Stats. Implemented: ORS 416.820, 418.032 & 419B.400 - 419B.406

Hist.: SCF 6-1995, f. 12-22-95, cert. ef. 12-29-95
413-310-0440
Special Account
Money received for a child that has been identified for a specific purpose other than maintenance shall be deposited into the Special Account (i.e., child's earnings, restricted money gifts, inheritances, restricted money brought with the child when entering Department custody, interest earned on the special account money, etc.). All donations not specifically designated for a special purpose will be considered for the care of the child and will be deposited in the child's maintenance account.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 416.820, 418.032 & 419B.400 - 419B.406

Stats. Implemented: ORS 416.820, 418.032 & 419B.400 - 419B.406

Hist.: SCF 6-1995, f. 12-22-95, cert. ef. 12-29-95
413-310-0450
Trust Action-Trust Disbursement Request, CF 198
(1) A CF 198 will be used to withdraw funds from the child's Trust Account. Blank CF 198s must be:
(a) Maintained under lock and key;
(b) Copies of used CF 198s must be kept on file;
(c) All voided CF 198s must be sent to Central Office, Accounting Services.
(2) In cases where the "payee" is not the Department, or being returned to the source, the CF 198 must be signed by the caseworker or the caseworker's supervisor. All other transactions may be signed by the Trust Clerk or other designee. CF 198s which do not have a full signature will not be processed. They will be returned to the sender for proper authorization. (Initials do not constitute a full signature.)
Stat. Auth.: ORS 416.820, 418.032 & 419B.400 - 419B.406

Stats. Implemented: ORS 416.820, 418.032 & 419B.400 - 419B.406

Hist.: SCF 6-1995, f. 12-22-95, cert. ef. 12-29-95
413-310-0460
Obtaining Money on a Child's Behalf
(1) Federal Benefits -- (SSA, SSI, RRB, VA, etc.):
(a) The local branch office will make application for the Department to become Representative Payee on behalf of a child in substitute care placement. Application for Social Security Administration benefits (SSA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veteran's benefits (VA), Railroad Retirement benefits (RRB), military allotments or other similar recurring benefits must be filed with the payor organization on behalf of the Department using the Department branch address. The signature on the application for these benefits will appear as: "branch manager name," branch manager, for the director, Department of Human Services.
NOTE: The Department shall remain Representative Payee for a child until Department custody is terminated, even if the child does not remain in a paid placement.
(b) The first check received following application may be a "lump sum" covering several months which may or may not include time that the child is in the custody of the Department. A letter of explanation from the payor organization will accompany or follow this first check. If this information is not received, the branch office shall contact the local benefit office.
(c) Upon receiving the first regular monthly benefit check, or award letter stating the benefit amount, the branch office shall initiate action to establish a Direct Deposit by completing the appropriate worksheet(s) (CF 297, Social Security Benefits (SSA or SSI); CF 298, Veterans Benefits; or CF 299, Railroad Benefits). Before submitting the worksheet to the cashier in Central Office, the branch office shall enter the benefit information on the IIS system using the ICMC screen. Upon receiving the work sheet, the Central Office cashier will review the transaction to insure that the correct benefit number, amount and "D" for direct deposit were entered.
(d) The cashier in Central Office will complete the Authorization for Direct Deposit of Social Security (SF1199) or Civil Services, Railroad Retirement and Veteran's Affairs (SF1199A) and submit it to the bank which will process and forward the forms to the appropriate payor agency for action.
(e) All federal benefit checks received by the branch office are to be credited into the Maintenance Section subaccount of the appropriate Trust Account and deposited directly into the local bank. SSI benefits are to be recorded as current month receipts and all other Federal Benefits are to be identified as prior months' receipts.
(2) Court Ordered Support (Child Support Program (CSP)):
(a) Court ordered support payments are generally collected by the Child Support Program (CSP), Division of Child Support, Department of Justice. Money collected through CSP is transmitted daily via computer tape to the Department's IIS Fiscal System. These amounts will appear as a "70" receipt code on the IFDD Screen;
(b) Each branch must review the Trust Accounts every year to identify children who have had support money collected through CSP to insure that the appropriate application against the cost of care has been made. When Lump Sum arrearage money is received from CSP, and the fiscal subsystem can not make automatic application, the Trust Clerk will be responsible for preparing a CF 198 to reimburse the Department for any unreimbursed cost of care.
(3) Voluntary Payments:
(a) This includes money sent voluntarily by the family, relative or friends directly to the branch office for support of a child in the Department's custody. This money is to be identified as support for the child and is to be credited to the maintenance account in the child's Trust Account;
(b) Money may also be sent which is designated for a specific purpose (e.g., to purchase a bicycle for the child, child's earnings, etc.). This money is to be credited to the special account of the child's Trust Account.
(4) Interest:
(a) Trust Accounts accrue interest monthly based upon earnings made by the State Treasurer's Office on investment of all trust money held;
(b) Interest is posted to each Trust Account, by source, based upon the daily balance in each account. Interest earned on Maintenance Account Sources is available to reimburse cost of care. Special account interest is available for the child's needs or special purposes as identified by the donor.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 416.820, 418.032 & 419B.400 - 419B.406

Stats. Implemented: ORS 416.820, 418.032 & 419B.400 - 419B.406

Hist.: SCF 6-1995, f. 12-22-95, cert. ef. 12-29-95
413-310-0470
Use of Money Available for a Child
(1) Maintenance Account:
(a) Money in the maintenance account is available to provide for the current needs of the child. The following transactions may be processed against the child's maintenance account;
(b) Retroactive Lump Sum Benefits. The Department may use retroactive lump sum benefits either from federal benefits or support to offset the cost of care as follows:
(A) Federal benefits may be applied retroactively back to the initial date of paid placement;
(B) Retroactive support benefits may be applied back to the date of the court order ordering support or date of substitute care placement whichever date is later;
(C) For the Department to be reimbursed from arrears maintenance money prior to July 1, 1984, a Financial Accounting as outlined in Section G or H must be completed and a CF 198, payable to the Department must be processed;
(D) If the lump sum benefit is not equal to the Department's cost of care, the application is to be applied back as far as possible. If the lump sum benefit is greater than the Department's cost of care, the balance will be left in the maintenance account to cover future costs.
NOTE: The Social Security Administration provides a publication, "Your Duties as a Representative Payee," which is available upon request through your local Social Security office. A copy will be kept in the branch office for reference.
(c) Trust Fund Applications. Following each check run the amounts paid by the Department for the child's cost of care are automatically compared to the balance in the child's trust maintenance account. If the cost of care exceeds the balance, the entire trust maintenance balance will be applied. If the cost of care is less than the maintenance balance, the cost of care will be deducted from the account with the balance remaining for future use. The application shall not exceed the cost of care:
(A) Foster Care: Payments generated from the CF 308, Plan/Service Authorization are made at the end of every month and the application will be for the same month that the payment references. (For Example: A 308 may generate a foster care payment dated 5/31/85 for May 1985 care. The foster care application on 5/31/85 will deduct amounts from the maintenance account to reimburse the Department for May 1985 care);
(B) Purchase of Care Payments: Applications for Purchase of Care payments are made for the prior month. Invoices for purchased services are received for payment at the first of every month. Payment is then made to the provider for the prior month's care. Money available in the maintenance account is deducted for the month the payment was made. (For Example: Cost of care for May 1985 is billed to the agency on June 1, 1985 and payment is made in June. At that time the cost of May care is compared to the balance in the maintenance account and the application is made to reimburse the Department for May 1985 care);
(C) Trust Application Registers: A trust application Register is received in Central Trust Section daily. This report is reviewed to insure that the applications against the Maintenance Accounts were appropriate and accurate.
(d) Misapplications. If a payment is made under the wrong case number in error, the application will also be made to the wrong Trust Account. When this happens a reverse application must be made by Central Office. To initiate a reverse application the branch must prepare a memo to the manager of Accounting Services stating the circumstances of the misapplication, month(s) involved, amount(s), incorrect case number, correct case number, name of the payee, payee number and child's name;
(e) Manual Maintenance Payments. Children in the Department's custody who have been moved from a paid placement to an unpaid placement may have monthly needs met from their Maintenance Account. The caseworker must determine that a financial need exists and document this need in the child's case file. (Also see SSI Regulations -- Guidelines -- Limitations in E.3. e, f, and g below.) The caseworker must complete a CF 198 any month money is to be forwarded to the non-Department paid home or facility. The maximum amount to be forwarded shall not exceed the month's benefit or the foster care rate established by the Department for the child, whichever is the lesser.
NOTE: Court ordered support may not be used for this purpose.
(2) Special Account:
(a) Money Received for a Special Purpose. Money deposited in the special account is designated for a specific purpose with the exception of interest earnings prior to 4-1-82. When money is expended for the specified purpose, documentation is to be maintained in the child's case file. Money from the child's special account shall not to be used to offset the cost of care:
(A) Money Transferred to the Department With the Child: When a child enters Department custody and brings an amount of money with him/her, it must be deposited in the child's special account unless specified by court order or other documentation that the money is available for maintenance of the child;
(B) Inheritance: If a child in Department custody receives an inheritance, and a conservator is not appointed, these funds are to be deposited in the child's special account unless there is evidence that the money is available for the maintenance of the child.
(b) Restitution. When a child is mandated by a judge to repay for damages caused to a person or property only the child's earnings deposited in his special account may be used;
(c) Special Account money does not include:
(A) Any portion of a child's benefits or support money. Any benefit or support (OAR 413-310-0460) received, which is in excess of the monthly maintenance costs, may not be deposited into the special account. Excess benefits/support must be left in the maintenance account to meet the current, future and past cost of care needs of the child. If any such items are found in the special account, they must be transferred to the maintenance account with any accrued interest;
(B) SSI Weatherization. In Late 1979 and early 1980 the Social Security Administration awarded an additional month's benefit to SSI recipients to be used on behalf of the recipient to acquire items in preparation for winter weather. This additional benefit should have been credited into the maintenance account. If the benefit is found to be credited to the special account it must be transferred to the maintenance account with any accrued interest;
(C) Interest Earnings (other than special). Prior to April 1982, interest earned on both the maintenance and special account balances was posted to the special account only. When preparing financial or final accountings and it is discovered that interest earned on the maintenance account balance was posted to the special account and the money remains in the special account, that amount of money must be transferred to the maintenance account.
(3) SSI Regulations -- Guidelines -- Limitations:
(a) Asset Limitation:
(A) Eligibility for SSI benefits is to be terminated any time a child's assets (Department Trust Account) reach the following balance on the first day of a calendar month:
(i) Prior to 1-1-85 -- $1,500;
(ii) Beginning 1-1-85 -- $1,600;
(iii) Beginning 1-1-86 -- $1,700;
(iv) Beginning 1-1-87 -- $1,800;
(v) Beginning 1-1-88 -- $1,900;
(vi) Beginning 1-1-89 -- $2,000;
(B) Exceptions to the limit are:
(i) Lump sum benefits received from Social Security Administration for back SSI benefits. The agency is allowed six months to reduce the trust balance below the asset limitation.
(ii) Funds in a separate irrevocable Trust Account;
(iii) Court ordered support (see subsection (d) of this rule);
(iv) Any SSI money received after reaching the limitation must be returned to the Social Security Administration until the aset limitation is reduced below the limitation and SSI has completed a re-evaluation and reinstated the grant.
(b) Trust Accounts with a Balance of $1,000 or more. To monitor accounts approaching the SSI limitation, Report CPO313FI "Client Trust Account Monitoring Report" is produced monthly for each branch. It lists all trust accounts with a balance of $1,000. Each of the listed accounts are to be reviewed by the branch for the following:
(A) Expenditures made by the Department for which reimbursement was not made;
(B) Medical payments made by the Department for the child's medical needs. If medical payments have been made but not charged to the Trust Account, money is to be drawn on the child's account by preparing a CF 198 payable to the Department. (Contact the central trust clerk for detailed medical expenditures on specific cases);
(C) Child is no longer in Department custody and a final accounting is to be made and money disbursed to the source or the child. (See OAR 413-310-0500, Clearing a Trust Account).
(c) Appointment of a Conservator. A conservator should be chosen for any child receiving SSI benefits when a large inheritance is received or when a Trust Account has money in excess of $1,000. A conservator may be a parent, relative, lawyer or other person who will establish an irrevocable trust on the child's behalf. The irrevocable trust must not allow access to any money until the child reaches 18 years of age. Excess money should then be drawn from the Department Trust Account, by preparing a CF 198, payable to the conservator. The Department Trust Account should not be drawn below $500;
(d) Support Not Considered Income for SSI. Court ordered support to satisfy the state debt incurred when a child is in a Department paid placement will not be considered income to a child for SSI benefit determinations;
(e) Placement with a Relative. When a child is placed with a relative and is receiving SSI benefits, the Social Security Administration must be notified by the branch office so benefits can be reduced by 1/3. These reduced benefits may be forwarded by the branch to the relative if required to meet the child's current needs. (See subsection (1)(e) of this rule, Manual Maintenance Payments);
(f) Pre-Adoptive Status. When a child is placed in pre-adoptive status, the Social Security Administration must be notified by the branch office so SSI benefits can be reduced by 1/3. Monthly assistance for the amount of the Social Security benefit may be forwarded to the pre-adoptive parent if required to meet the child's current needs. (See subsection (1)(e) of this rule, Manual Maintenance Payments);
(g) Placement with Parent. When a child is placed with the parent(s) on a trial basis, Social Security Administration must be notified by the branch office. A complete redetermination of SSI eligibility will be made based upon the parent's income plus any maintenance money which may be sent to the parent through the Department. If the redetermination finds the child eligible for SSI benefits and the money is required to meet the child's current needs, the Department may forward the SSI benefits to the parent(s). (See subsection (1)(e) of this rule, Manual Maintenance Payments).
Stat. Auth.: ORS 416.820, 418.032 & 419B.400 - 419B.406

Stats. Implemented: ORS 416.820, 418.032 & 419B.400 - 419B.406

Hist.: SCF 6-1995, f. 12-22-95, cert. ef. 12-29-95
413-310-0480
Transfer of Money Between Maintenance and Special Trust Sub Accounts
(1) The only instance in which money may be transferred between the maintenance and special subaccounts is when money was credited to the wrong account in error.
(2) Transfer of funds from one account to another is made by completing a CF 198 and providing an explanation for the transfer in the comments section of the CF 198.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 416.820, 418.032 & 419B.400 - 419B.406

Stats. Implemented: ORS 416.820, 418.032 & 419B.400 - 419B.406

Hist.: SCF 6-1995, f. 12-22-95, cert. ef. 12-29-95
413-310-0490
Financial Accounting
Financial accountings are required on all cases where a client was in a paid placement. This is required even if no money was received into the child's Trust Account from any source during placement with the Department. All paid placement cases are referred to DSC, (except for Good Cause), and DCS will pursue collection of support on the Department's behalf.
(1) Priority for Completing Financial Accounting:
(a) Requests from Central Office:
(A) Challenged tax withholdings (within 3 workdays);
(B) Potential Lawsuits and/or DCS Requests (within 10 workdays);
(C) Other (within 15 work days).
(b) Transfer of Cases from One Branch to Another (within 30 days);
(c) Current Closures (within 90 days);
(d) Prior Closures:
(A) Closures since 3-1-82 (all);
(B) Closures prior to 3-1-82 (accounts with cash balance only).
(e) Current Active.
(2) Restriction on Cost-of-Care Computations. When preparing a financial accounting for a child who was placed in Hillcrest, MacLaren, or the camps, the cost of care will not be considered for time prior to April 1, 1982, unless there was a court order requiring support at time the child was placed in Hillcrest, MacLaren, or a camp.
(3) Distribution of Financial Accountings:
(a) Retain one copy in the branch preparing the financial accounting;
(b) Forward original to the Central Trust Unit;
(c) Forward one copy to the branch or training school to which the case is transferred.
(4) Financial Records Retention, Pre-adoption or Adoption Status:
(a) For children in foster adoption or pre-adoption status or whose adoption has been finalized, it is necessary to retain all financial records until the financial accounting has been completed.
(b) When the adoption is finalized, all financial documents must be removed from the record and held in a separate file in the branch. This file is to be retained for seven (7) years after the Trust Account reaches zero (0).
Stat. Auth.: ORS 416.820, 418.032 & 419B.400 - 419B.406

Stats. Implemented: ORS 416.820, 418.032 & 419B.400 - 419B.406

Hist.: SCF 6-1995, f. 12-22-95, cert. ef. 12-29-95
413-310-0500
Clearing a Trust Account
(1) When a child whose custody from the Department is terminated, the funds available in the Trust Account shall be disbursed and the account "zeroed out" using the following guidelines.
(2) Prepare Closing Financial Accounting. In order to insure proper disbursement of Trust Account balances when a child leaves the Department's custody, a closing financial accounting must be prepared. Starting with the first month and working forward, monthly expenditures will be reimbursed with maintenance money in the following priority:
(a) Court ordered support;
(b) Social Security;
(c) Other:
(A) Voluntary support;
(B) Veterans;
(C) SAIF;
(D) Civil Service Annuities;
(E) Military Allotments;
(F) Railroad;
(G) Other.
(d) SSI.
(3) If a child has had interim financial accountings prepared, the closing financial accounting will only have to cover the period of time not covered by the interim accountings.
(4) Maintenance Account. Where there is any balance in the Maintenance Account it must be analyzed to determine whether the balance represents money received while the child was in care and whether it should have been used to offset the cost of care:
(a) Manual Application for Cost of Care:
(A) If it is determined that part or all of the Maintenance Account balance should have been used to offset the cost of care, a CF 198 shall be prepared made payable to Department FC (Foster Care) or PC (Purchase of Care). If PC (Purchase of Care) include provider number and explain in Comments section of the CF 198 the period of time covered and amount of money applicable to each provider;
(B) If a balance still remains, the Department shall be reimbursed for any medical expenditures which were made on behalf of the child. (See OAR 413-310-0470).
(b) Manual Disbursing of Maintenance Account Balance. When it is determined that part or all of the balance in the Maintenance Account does not belong to the Department for cost of care, determine the source of the income and proceed as follows:
(A) SSA and SSI. Conserved funds are to be disbursed back to the payor organization when Department custody of the child terminates:
(i) Payor Organization: The Trust Clerk shall determine the type of Social Security funds and prepare a letter or CF 296 showing money received, disbursed, and the amount to be refunded. Include child's name, claim number, and explanation of the refund. The Trust Clerk should then complete the CF 198 payable to the Social Security Administration, in care of "Claim Number". Send the letter and the CF 198 to Central Office Trust Section. When the check is issued, the Department will send the letter and check to the appropriate agency;
(ii) Child or His/Her Guardian: The Department may not disburse excess benefits from SSI or SSA to the child or guardian without written authorization from the organization. If an extreme financial hardship will be placed upon the child or guardian, the branch office should contact the local benefactor organization by telephone or letter stating the circumstances, claim number, child's name, and amount of excess benefits. When written authorization is received to release benefits to the child or child's guardian the branch office will then initiate a CF 198, payable to the appropriate person. Send a copy of the written authorization and the CF 198 to the Department Central Trust Clerk.
(B) Support Money:
(i) If the balance represents support received after the child left custody it will be necessary to determine if those payments are for arrearages covering a period when the child was in care. Arrearages can be verified on the Department's SMUX Screen. If the above information is not understood or is confusing, contact the Department's Central Trust Clerk for assistance;
(ii) If the Department is not entitled to the current child support, the funds must stay in the account until returned to CSP. This occurs after DCS has been notified by the appropriate branch updating IIS showing that the child is no longer in Department custody. DCS will take the necessary steps to change the court order and CSP will enter the new order redirecting the support into their system. Since the Department is due maintenance money for any costs of care incurred during the last month that the child is in paid placement, the branch must notify the Central Trust Unit of costs outstanding. The Central Trust Unit will then notify CSP of the outstanding costs and they will retrieve the excess support and send it to the new obligee.
(C) Other Support. Money received as voluntary support intended for maintenance of the child in an out-of-home care placement shall be disbursed to the parent/guardian or the child when Department custody of the child is terminated. A letter of explanation shall accompany the money.
(5) Special Account. Balances in the Special Account are to be paid directly to the legal guardian or child as directed by the branch office. A letter of explanation shall be sent to the person(s) designated to receive this money.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 416.820, 418.032 & 419B.400 - 419B.406

Stats. Implemented: ORS 416.820, 418.032 & 419B.400 - 419B.406

Hist.: SCF 6-1995, f. 12-22-95, cert. ef. 12-29-95
413-310-0510
Unclaimed Trust Account Balances
(1) In accordance with the Uniform Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act of l957 (ORS 98.302 - 98.436) the Department will:
(a) Identify each account which has been "unclaimed" and abandoned five years from the date Department custody was terminated;
(b) Every year from June 30 until November 1, unclaimed Trust Account balances will be cleared and disbursed to the Department of State Lands after completing the following:
(A)(i) Review the account to determine if the balance represents money received while the child was in care and whether it should have been used to offset the cost of care;
(ii) If it is determined that the balance should have been used to offset the cost of care, follow instructions under OAR 413-310-0500.
(B) Determining whether the balance represents child support or federal benefits, and whether appropriate actions were taken at the time Department custody was terminated per instructions under OAR 413-310-0500, Clearing a Trust Account;
(C) When money remains in the Trust Account, a notice must be sent to the client's last known address stating that there is a Trust Account balance with the Department. Allow the client 30 days from the date of the notice to respond.
(c) If the notice is returned because the child has moved leaving no forwarding address, or the 30 days has elapsed without a response, the branch is to dispose of the balance in the following manner:
(A) Balances of $3 or less are to be disposed of by preparing a memorandum entitled "Unclaimed Trust Balances," which includes: the child's name; eligibility; branch; case number; person letter; and date case closed and submitting it to the Department's Central Trust Clerk for processing. These minor balances which result primarily from final interest postings will be reversed from the client's Trust Account and added back to the next Monthly Interest Distribution;
(B) Balances over $3 shall be sent to the Department of State Lands. Prepare a CF 198, payable to "Department of State Lands" in care of the child's name. In comments record date case closed and that this is an unclaimed balance. A Department of State Lands Form 2A listing the details of the accounts being transferred must accompany the 198s and be sent to the Department's Central Trust Clerk. Separate 2 A's are to be prepared for:
(i) Accounts which have balances under $10;
(ii) Accounts which have balances of $10 or more.
(C) Department accounting will prepare the Form 1A, 3A, and accumulate the trust checks which are to accompany the Form 2A's to the Department of State Lands.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 416.820, 418.032 & 419B.400 - 419B.406

Stats. Implemented: ORS 416.820, 418.032 & 419B.400 - 419B.406

Hist.: SCF 6-1995, f. 12-22-95, cert. ef. 12-29-95


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