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MS 2040 [1] Volume 2 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) MS 2040 – R. 6/15/26 – OMTL – 698 Irregular Household Members [Irregular household members are individuals in the household who are in and out of the home due to the nature of their employment, vacation, school, or hospital confinement. Household composition for irregular members is considered differently based on whether that member is a spouse or other household member. Treat irregular household members, other than a spouse, in the following manner: A. Do not enter the irregular household member as the head-of-household. B. In situations where it cannot be determined whether an irregular member can be claimed by the household, make the determination based on where the individual takes the majority of their meals. C. If a child involved in a joint custody arrangement receives an equal number of meals from each parent’s household, the parents must decide which household will apply for SNAP benefits for the child. If an agreement between the parents cannot be made, the child will be included in the household that applies first. If the other parent applies for the child while the child is already receiving benefits in the first parent’s case, advise the parent that they may request a hearing. During the hearing process, a hearing officer will make a decision on which household may claim the child for SNAP benefits. D. If the family member engaged in out-of-town employment, vacation, or hospital confinement is in the home sometime during the month, staff may include them in the household for that month. Example: A family member works away from home during the week but comes home every weekend. In this situation, because the individual is expected to return home during the month, the individual is considered a household member. Since this individual is considered a household member, all of their income is included when considering the household’s income. E. Establish the amount of income provided to the household by the family member who is not a part of the household, and consider this amount as income to the household. Example: A family member works away from the home and does not return to the household during the month, but gives money to the household. In this situation, the individual is not considered a household member, but the money received is considered income to the household. F. Spouses who are in and out of the household due to the nature of employment, vacation, hospital confinement, or school attendance, treat them in the following manner: