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declared as a dependent on the household’s most recent income tax forms.

429.3

Nursing Home Residents If a family member is currently in a nursing home and has been there for more than thee (3) of the 12 month application period, he/she should neither be included on the application, nor should his/her income be counted .

429.4

Divorce/Legal Separation If a man and woman can prove that they have been legally divorced or separated with the past 3 months, then income from the absent spouse may be excluded and the remaining spouse counted as a single person when applying for DEAP. Proof in the form of a divorce/separation decree, documented proof of a permanent residence for the absent spouse, verification of separation from a member of the clergy or an attorney, or verification from the local welfare agency will be accepted. If proof cannot be shown, the spouse must be counted as a household member and all income must be counted towards the total household income.

429.5

Foster Children The household may be given a choice to count foster children in the household. If they are counted then the stipend received for the children is also counted as household income. This is the only situation when a stipend is counted as income. Adoption assistance should be treated in the same manner.

429.6

Death of a Household Member If a household member died during the 12 months prior to the date of application, the deceased member should neither be counted as a household member, nor should his/her income for the twelve (12) months prior be counted towards the total household income.

430.

MISCELLANEOUS

431.

DEAP Benefits – Unallowable Payments DEAP benefits may not be made for the following energy related expenses: a) Water or sewage bill b) Direct rent payments c) Cable, telephone or Internet bill