450-1 APA AND SSI LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

450-1 APA AND SSI LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

The case worker must determine whether an individual or couple lives independently, in another's household, or in an assisted living home. APA and SSI also have special payment standards for individuals who are institutionalized in certain types of institutions for a full calendar month. (Refer to chapter 470 for policy on institutionalization.) Both APA and SSI use different payment standards depending on the individual's or couple's living arrangement.

Except for individuals who reside in assisted living homes, APA and SSI policies for determining living arrangements are identical. If an APA applicant or recipient also receives SSI benefits, the case worker must use the APA need and payment standards that correspond to the living arrangement determined appropriate by Social Security: Living independently (SSI "A" living arrangement); living in another's household (SSI "B" living arrangement); or living in an institution (SSI "D" living arrangement). See manual sections 450-4 and 452-5D for the policy on APA payments for individuals residing in assisted living homes.