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Chapter: 2200 Standard Filing Unit Program: RAP 49 2260.0405.03 Definition of an Essential Individual (RAP) Under SSI regulations, an essential individual is an individual whose presence in the household is considered necessary to provide care and services for the eligible SSI individual.

The only essential individual recognized by SSI in Florida is the non-recipient spouse whose needs, income, and assets were considered in determining eligibility and computing the Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled (AABD) grant amount in December 1973. AABD was a state program prior to SSI.

Essential individuals do not themselves receive SSI; however, an amount is allocated for them in determining the eligible individual's SSI SFU. The income and assets of the essential individual are combined with those of the eligible individual in determining the SFU amount of the SSI individual.

In order to determine if an individual is considered an "essential individual," a contact must be made with the local SSA office. 2260.0406.01 Needs Included (RAP) Passage 2260.0406.02 discusses those RAP individuals whose needs must be included in the SFU. Passage 2260.0407.07 discusses those RAP individuals whose needs may be included in the SFU. 2260.0406.02 Whose Needs Must be Included (RAP) The needs of the individual for whom assistance is requested must be included in the SFU provided the individual meets all eligibility criteria. 2260.0407.01 Whose Needs May be Included (RAP) The individuals in passages 2260.0407.02 through 2260.0407.07 may have their needs included in the SFU. 2260.0407.02 Adult Refugee May be Included (RAP) A refugee adult age 18 or over who is not a full-time student in a secondary school or equivalent, may have their own SFU. 2260.0407.03 Refugee and Refugee Spouse May be Included (RAP) A refugee and refugee spouse living together, or if away from home, who meet temporary absence criteria, may have their needs included. If a refugee spouse chooses not to have needs included in the SFU, the spouse's assets and income must still be considered.

A refugee and refugee spouse can only be eligible in one SFU. They cannot choose to be included in separate SFUs.

The needs of a U.S. citizen or otherwise ineligible refugee or nonrefugee spouse living in the home, or if away from home, who meets temporary absence criteria, cannot have their needs included in the SFU budget. However, assets and income must be considered. 2260.0407.04 Minor Refugee Child May be Included (RAP) A minor refugee child under 18 years of age living with relatives or nonrelatives, or if away from home, who meets temporary absence criteria, may be included. The relative or nonrelative may choose to have needs, assets, and income excluded from the SFU. However, the American-born child(ren) of a refugee and a U.S. citizen legal parent are not eligible. Questionable cases should be cleared with Headquarters.