704.320 Optional Membership in a TAFDC Assistance Unit

A person may only be an eligible member of one assistance unit. The following persons may, at their option, be included in an assistance unit, if otherwise eligible:

(A) a grantee who is not the parent of the dependent child, provided the grantee is related to the dependent child as provided in 106 CMR 703.310;

(B) a minor parent, living with his or her dependent child and his or her parents. He or she may either:

(1) have his or her own assistance unit with his or her child; or

(2) be included with his or her child in the assistance unit of the parents.

However, the minor parent must be included in the assistance unit of the parents with whom he or she lives if that parent’s assistance unit includes a dependent child who is a sibling or half sibling of the minor parent.

The applicant or client must be informed of the advantages and disadvantages of being included in the assistance unit, where an option exists. Although being included in the assistance unit confers automatic eligibility for MassHealth, the income of any individual who chooses to be included in the assistance unit must be considered to determine eligibility and the grant amount.