Lost, Destroyed, or Stolen Checks 400-19-120-100

(Revised 7/1/12 ML #3334)

View Archives

 

 

(N.D.A.C. 75-02-01.2-71(5))

 

If the payee is reasonably certain that a check has been lost (TANF benefit not received within 7 days from the date mailed), stolen, or destroyed, the check can be reissued. To request the check be reissued, the TANF Eligibility Worker must submit the following information to State TANF Policy:

  1. The check number (obtained from the TANF Issuance History (ISHI) screen in TECS;
  1. The check date (obtained from the TANF Issuance History (ISHI) screen in TECS;
  1. The check amount; and
  1. The name of the TANF recipient.

 

Upon receipt, the information is forwarded to the Fiscal Administration Unit to begin the process of reissuing the check. Fiscal Administration requests a stop-payment order be placed against the check allegedly lost, stolen, or destroyed. Once Fiscal Administration completes their procedures, a new check will be issued with the next immediate issuance.

Note #1: In these cases, overpayments shall not be established. Instead, Fiscal Administration will make all the proper adjustments.

 

Note #2: If the original check is located after the stop payment order is in place, the recipient shall not cash the check. It must be promptly forwarded to Fiscal Administration for cancellation.

 

Canceled TANF Checks – If a recipient wants to return a check to the Department of Human Services, the TANF Eligibility Worker must complete SFN 773 – Cancellation of Warrants or Checks, and send it, along with the check to the Department of Human Services Fiscal Administration. The cancellation form includes the recipient’s name and address, case number, the amount of the check, and the reason the check is being returned. Do not set up overpayments. Fiscal Administration will make the proper adjustments.

 

Refund Checks – If an individual makes payment by personal check, cashier’s check, etc. (the check must be made out to the North Dakota Department of Human Services) towards an established overpayment, complete SFN 827, Credit Form and send the check or money order to the North Dakota Department of Human Services Fiscal Administration for processing. The form includes the individual’s name and address, the amount of the check, and the month the overpayment occurred or the program to apply the payment towards. Fiscal Administration will offset the overpayment in the automated computer system.

 

Electronic Payments Cards - If the recipient received benefits electronically, the benefits cannot be canceled because the card was lost, destroyed, or stolen. This is an issue between the recipient and U.S. Bank.

 

If an individual does not want the TANF benefit, the benefit cannot be canceled. The individual may cash out the amount of the benefit and return the funds by check or money order to the county. (See the Payment Corrections section in Section 400-19-120-25, Unrestricted Payment of TANF Benefits).