Guidelines for Personal Needs Allowances (Replaces IL 07-15, IL 09-124, and IL 12-32)
The purpose of this Information Letter is to provide an overview of the Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) benefit, including instructions for specific circumstances regarding the disposition of resident PNA benefits. This letter serves to update contact information and replaces Information Letter (IL) 07-15, IL 09-1 24, and IL 12-32. Federal law mandates Medicaid recipients residing in a NF or in an ICF/IID receiving assistance from Medicaid retain a portion of their monthly income to cover “personal needs.” This benefit is referred to as a PNA. Since January 1, 2006, Texas set the minimum PNA monthly amount at $60. PNA is paid by two sources: $30 from the individual’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and $30 from the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) PNA. These funds belong to the resident for personal use and are not to be applied against the cost of medical assistance furnished by the facility. If individuals receive a Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI) benefit, also known as an applied income, they are not eligible to receive a PNA warrant from either SSI or DADS. The $60 amount is included in the RSDI benefit. If a $30 warrant is issued under these circumstances, it was issued in error and must be returned within 30 days to: Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services Personal Needs Allowance Mail Code W-300 P.O. Box 149030 Austin, Texas 78714-9030.
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