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month the child turns 22 they may have a separate AG, providing they purchase and prepare separately.

One exception to this rule is if the child is a foster child. The foster parent must choose whether or not to include the foster child in the AG. If the foster parent chooses to exclude the foster child from the AG, the income and resources of the foster child, including the foster care payment, are not counted in the eligibility determination. However, if the foster parent chooses to include the foster child in the AG, the income and resources of the child are counted in the eligibility determination. This rule also applies to foster adults. 3210.10.25 ELDERLY AND DISABLED INDIVIDUALS EATING WITH OTHERS (S)

A group of individuals living together who purchase and prepare meals together usually comprise a single AG. However, an individual age 60 or older who is disabled and is unable to purchase and prepare meals for himself may qualify for separate AG status. If it is obvious to the eligibility worker that the elderly and disabled individual is unable to purchase and prepare meals for himself, separate AG status is granted. When the inability to purchase and prepare meals is not obvious, the eligibility worker is to request a doctor's statement for verification.

In addition to inability to purchase and prepare meals, a financial determination is required for separate AG status. If the income of the remaining members with whom the elderly and disabled individual resides, excluding the income of the elderly and disabled individual and his spouse, does not exceed 165% of the gross monthly income standard for the remaining member's AG size, the elderly and disabled individual and his spouse qualify as a separate AG. Refer to Section 3445.30.00. 3210.10.25.05

DEFINITION OF ELDERLY OR DISABLED (S)

An individual is considered to be elderly or disabled when he meets one of the following criteria: • Is age 60 or older. • Receives or has been certified as eligible for SSI (not essential person benefits). • Receives or has been certified as eligible for Social Security disability or blindness benefits. • Receives or has been certified by the state to receive Medicaid as a blind or disabled individual (If the individual loses Medicaid because of an action by MRT, the individual will no longer be considered disabled; however, if the Medicaid terminates because of another reason such as excess income or insufficient medical expenses, the disability will continue for SNAP. If the SNAP eligibility ends, disability must be reestablished at reapplication.). • Receives State Supplemental Assistance based on disability or blindness criteria under Social Security. • Receives disability retirement benefits from a governmental agency based on permanent disability criteria under Social Security. • Is a veteran with a service connected or non-service-connected disability rated or paid as total, according to the Veterans' Administration.