|
Eligibility & Procedural Guidelines For All Active AAP Clients
Nature of
the Program: The
AAP is not an entitlement program,
however, while less than 20% of all funds available come from
governmental sources, the AAP is required to verify and report on
the eligibility of our clients.
Eligibility:
You are eligible for the
program only if your have a confirmed
diagnosis of HIV/AIDS from your doctor, can verify that you make
less than $16,269.00
annually ($1,355.75 per month)
from all sources to provide for your basic living
expenses and have resided in the desert
community for one year before
application.
Voucher
Distribution: Vouchers
are distributed at the offices of the AAP only from
9:30 AM to 12:00 PM and
ONLY on the 1st and 3rd
Tuesday’s of every month. (Calendars are provided, but it
is up to you to remember the dates, mark your calendars and come
into the office during those times). A
valid photo ID and your signature are required each time you
pick up your vouchers.
Mailing
Vouchers: If you are
unable to pick up your vouchers in person, they can be mailed to you
if you call in and make arrangements with the staff.
You can call and leave a message with your
address the day before voucher distribution, the day of distribution
and until Noon on the Wednesday following distribution.
Vouchers will be mailed only to the local address on file, and then
only 6 times during the year, unless
there are extraordinary special circumstances which are verified and
approved by the staff.
Authorizing
Someone to Pick Up Vouchers:
If you are unable to pick up your vouchers in person, you may
authorize someone else in writing (giving them a note) to pick up
your vouchers and deliver them to you. You may authorize another
person to pick up your Vouchers only 6
times during the year, unless there are extraordinary special
circumstances which are verified and approved by the staff. If
approved a permanent note is put in your file and that person can
always pick up your vouchers unless you notify our office otherwise.
Not Allowed
to Pick Up Vouchers:
If you are in the hospital or out of town
for extended periods of time on vacation, dealing with personal
issues or family matters, we will assume that you are
receiving proper nutrition there and
vouchers will not be available then.
You may call the office and have your vouchers put on voluntary hold
for up to six months so that when you return you will be placed at
the top of the waiting list as opposed to the bottom.
If you fail to notify the office
and/or miss 4 consecutive voucher
distributions you will be placed on inactive status and
placed at the bottom of the waiting list when you ask to be
reconsidered for the program.
Recertification & Surveys:
All clients are asked to recertify on an annual basis and fill out a
minimum of one informational survey a year in order to recertify
your eligibility and for government reporting purposes. Clients are
generally given at least a minimum of 3 weeks to comply with these
requests and failure to return surveys or recertify by the deadlines
will suspend your eligibility until you have completed the necessary
paperwork. You will then be placed on the waiting list and allowed
reentry as space allows.
Disqualification:
If you fail to report changes in your financial circumstances and/or
fail to report any sources of support that exceed the eligibility
requirements of the program or relocate to an area other then that
we serve, you will be permanently disqualified and shall be
liable for reimbursement of all benefits received during the period
you were ineligible.
It is to your
advantage to keep us informed
and should you return to work, you can place yourself on a 6 month
work leave to secure your position should your ever reapply.
Your
Cooperation is Needed:
Demand for our services continues to increase and there is almost
always a waiting list of eligible individuals waiting to be served.
Tighter reporting, enforcement of eligibility guidelines and
additional restrictions on the program require that you make every
effort to cooperate with requirements of the program. If you have
any questions or issues please call the office and discuss them with
the staff.
Thank you.
6/2005 |
