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Chapter: 2400 Budgeting Income Program: TCA 25 Note: If a teen parent’s needs are not included in the benefits with her child because they are not eligible for Temporary Cash Assistance, e.g., is an ineligible noncitizen, Tier I standards can be budgeted if the teen parent has a shelter obligation. Exception: The teen parent is living with a parent, legal guardian or other adult relative.

In caretaker relative cases in which the caretaker’s needs are not included in the benefit (child only), use the amount the caretaker relative states that the child(ren) is required to pay. The relative's statement is sufficient.

For AGs in which there is a SSI parent, use the shelter obligation of the parent. The shelter obligation of the parent must be verified only if questionable.

Action should be taken on any reported decrease in a participant’s shelter obligation when sufficient information is provided to act on the change. 2420.0342 Budgeting Three Tier Payment Standards (TCA) The selection of the correct Tier (see Appendix A-5) is based on the circumstances expected for the assistance group for the month.

Example 1: Mrs. B. paid rent of $500 on August 1 and was budgeted Tier I. On August 15 she moved in with her parents and no longer has a shelter obligation. The September benefit must reflect the standards of Tier III, because she no longer has a shelter obligation.

If a change in shelter obligation results in prospective ineligibility, the case should be terminated effective the next month in which 10 days notice can be provided.

If an individual makes a change in shelter while the application is pending, use the appropriate Tier for any month the individual incurred a shelter obligation.

Example 2: Ms. C. applied on June 1 but due to her delay, she is not approved until September 2. She paid rent of $55 in June, July and August but moved on August 8 and no longer has a shelter obligation. The July and August benefits must reflect the standards of Tier I. September benefit must reflect the standards of Tier III. 2420.0343 Adding New Individuals to Benefit (TCA) When adding new individuals to an existing assistance group (AG), the eligibility specialist selects the appropriate Tier based on the existing assistance group's actual circumstances for the month. 2420.0363 Student Earned Income Disregard (TCA) The child who is under age 19 and attending high school or its equivalent on a full-time basis is a mandatory filing unit member. The child's needs, unearned income, and assets are included in the eligibility determination. "Student" refers to the minor child whose needs are included in the benefit. It does not refer to a parent or relative payee.

The earned income of a child is disregarded in the eligibility standard test and in the budget calculation if the child attends an elementary or secondary school (middle or high school) or its equivalent level. The child must be attending school full-time as defined by the institution. Eligibility for the disregard is not affected by the child's full-time or part-time employment. Verification of full-time attendance is required. The parent or relative must provide information on the gross income earned by the child; however, verification is not required. 2420.0400 DISQUALIFICATION (TCA) The following passages address disqualification periods.