Zero benefit status is authorized when:

  • there is a deficit of less than $1 because the client is not eligible for a monthly check, but is eligible for SMIB Buy-in as excess income is less than the SMIB premium;
  • a client outside of the City of Chicago receives P3 Medical Assistance;
  • the client is eligible as a Disabled Adult Child;
  • the client is eligible as a Disabled Widow/Widower; or
  • the client's entire monthly check is being recouped.

To authorize zero benefit status, complete the current Form 552 as follows:

  • Item 2 - Complete.
  • Item 3 - Enter TA 31.
  • Items 4, 6 - Complete.
  • Item 33 - Enter TAR that describes the reason for the action.
  • Item 34 - Zero benefit reason code entered centrally or by the Family Community Resource Center based on the case situation.
    • Code 1 - Recoupment of an Overpayment (monthly benefit must be $0).
    • Code 4 Centrally entered when ineligible for cash, but eligible for food stamps according to BENDEX/SDX information.
    • Code 5 Client outside of the City of Chicago receives P3 Medical Assistance.
    • Code 6 Code used for cases which, except for the Social Security benefit increase of 1977 and/or 1978 and/or 1979 and/or 1980 and/or 1981, would be eligible for cash benefits. These cases are eligible for Medicaid on the same basis as if they were receiving cash benefits.
    • Code 7 Client eligible as a Disabled Adult Child.
    • Code 8 Client eligible as a Disabled Widow or Widower.
    • Code 9 Client not eligible for a cash payment but eligible for SMIB Buy-in as excess income is less than the SMIB premium. Surplus income in Item 92 must be less than the SMIB premium.

      If Item 34 is coded 9, enter the SMIB/HIB Status Indicator (see WAG 27-60-09).

  • Item 39 - Complete, if required.
  • Item 60 - Complete, if required.
  • Items 90, 91 - Complete, if required.

Ending Zero Benefit Status

To remove a case from zero benefit status, complete Form 552 as follows:

  • Item 2 - Enter the effective month and year (4-digit date).
  • Item 3 - Enter TA 31.
  • Item 33 - Enter the correct TAR.
  • Item 34 - Delete the zero benefit reason code.
  • Item 80 - Complete as needed.
  • Items 90, 91 - Complete, if required.