Rule 290-2-28-.13 Basic Financial Eligibility Requirements

(1) The family's income and resources shall be considered in determining eligibility for cash assistance.

(2) Resources. The resource limit for the Georgia TANF Program shall be $1,000.00. (a) The resources of all individuals included in the family shall be considered in determining the family's resources. Resources including, but not limited to, cash, checking and saving accounts, credit union accounts, vehicles and non-earned income tax credit tax refunds shall be counted in determining eligibility.

(3) Vehicles. The equity value of one vehicle per family up to the amount of the food stamp program vehicle exemption shall not be counted as a resource to the family if the vehicle is used for work, training, or education preparatory to employment of job search. A $1,500.00 exclusion of the equity value of one vehicle is allowed if the family is not using the vehicle for work, training or education preparatory to employment or job search.

(4) Income. Income limits shall be based on the state's gross income ceiling and standard of need. To be determined eligible, the income of all family members must be below the gross income ceiling. Net income shall be compared to the state's standard of need. The state shall pay the deficit up to the family maximum. (a) The income of all family members shall be considered except as exempted in (c) below. Income including, but not limited to, wages, unemployment benefits, child support, contributions, and social security benefits shall be considered in determining eligibility. Deductions shall apply to earnings. (b) The income of other legally responsible persons in the home (such as the parents of a minor caretaker) shall be considered. (c) Income including, but not limited to, educational assistance, adoption assistance, SSI, the earnings of a child who is a full-time student, and state and federal earned income tax credit income shall be excluded from consideration in determining eligibility.

(5) Individual Development Accounts (IDA). Funds deposited in an IDA, up to $5,000.00, shall not be considered in determining eligibility for cash assistance. An IDA may be established as a trust by or on behalf of an individual for the following purposes: post-secondary education, first home purchase, and/or business capitalization. The individual may only contribute amounts that are derived from earned income as defined in section 911(d)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The funds may be matched by a not-for-profit organization.