Revised 12-15-11
1. Direct deposit authorization or debit card. The resource specialist discusses with the resource parent the options for foster care maintenance payments that include:
(1) a MasterCard debit card.
(A) When the Mastercard debit card option is selected the Bridge resource parent automatically receives the card by mail and the resource specialist asks the resource parent to use caution not to assume it is "junk" mail and throw it away upon receipt or at the end of the month.
(B) When the Bridge resource parent receives other types of OKDHS payments by debit card, the maintenance payment is added to the existing card; or
(2) direct deposit.
(A) When selecting direct deposit as the form of payment for the foster care maintenance payment, the Bridge resource parent completes the Direct Deposit Enrollment Form found at InfoNet/Finance Division/Electronic Payment System/Oklahoma Direct Deposit Enrollment Form.
(B) When the Bridge resource parent receives other types of OKDHS payments by direct deposit, the maintenance payment is also direct deposited.
2. Overpayment notice. When the local county office receives a payment for an overpayment, Form 04FC010E, Notification of Overpayment in Foster Home, is completed and immediately submitted to OKDHS Finance Division with the payment. Children and Family Services Division (CFSD) Foster Care Section is notified by the resource specialist of the payment plan or when the resource parent is non-responsive. The resource specialist:
(1) completes a payment agreement in KIDS/Financial Management/Resource History screen/Repayment Agreement; and
(2) documents each payment in the repayment agreement whether it is paid in cash or is deducted from the maintenance payment.
3. Status of foster care maintenance payment.
(1) When there is an issue with the foster care maintenance payment, the resource specialist reviews the financial management screens in KIDS or Finance ASA400 to determine the reason.
(2) When the reason for the foster care maintenance payment issue is not determined and assistance is needed, the resource specialist contacts CFSD Foster Care Section.
(3) When the Bridge resource parent has questions relating to the availability of funds on the debit card or when the debit card is lost, the Bridge resource parent contacts the MasterCard Help Desk at 1-888-401-9843. Five free calls per month to the Help Desk are allowed but each call after costs $.85 per call.
(4) The Bridge resource parent may access MasterCard debit card account information any time, without charge at www.eppicard.com.
4. Death of a Bridge resource parent. The resource specialist notifies CFSD Foster Care section of the Bridge resource parent's death, including the resource parent's name, resource number, and date of death.
(1) When the surviving head of household (HOH) wants to continue fostering as a Bridge resource parent, a new contract is signed with the surviving HOH and a new contract number is issued.
(2) When the surviving HOH does not want to continue as a Bridge resource parent, the surviving HOH may have access to the debit card or direct deposit funds.
(3) When there is only an HOH 1, the resource specialist obtains:
(A) the name of the estate;
(B) documentation showing the name of the estate's personal representative; and
(C) the address where the monies are mailed.
(4) The resource specialist provides needed information to CFSD Foster Care or Finance Sections.