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5302 Volume III | Chapter 5

CONSIDERATION OF EXCESS RESOURCES Applicants In handling applications and reapplications for assistance, the following policy should be used for excess resources: 1. Consider ineligible an applicant who has cash or a cash asset available for conversion into cash, the value of which exceeds the allowable limit. Consider him ineligible as long as he retains the asset. 2. If the applicant chooses to use rather than retain the asset, consider him ineligible until he has used the excess down to the allowable maximum. This is sometimes referred to as a spend down . In the discussion of this explain to the applicant: a. The intent of the state statute is that each individual should use his income and resources for his maintenance as far as they will go. The statute also contains a prohibition against the transfer of property, real or personal, in order to qualify for assistance. b. The agency will expect him to use the excess amount reasonably for ordinary living expenses, the purchase or repair of a home, or other expenditures which he deems essential to meet his needs or those of his dependents. c. There is no required time during which an amount of excess cash is expected to provide for the applicant s needs. The period is expected to be reasonably related to the amount of cash but not subject to agency budgetary standards. 3. When the applicant has had cash prior to the date of application or the applicant has been rejected because of excess resources, the worker will ask him to supply the following: a. The amount of the cash or the value of the cash assets and the approximate date of its receipt. b. The way in which the applicant has used the excess cash or the asset with excess value. The purpose in asking for this information is to determine: The amount he still has on hand, if any; MISSISSIPPI RESOURCES: CONSIDERATION OF EXCESS RESOURCES

Revised 05 - 01 - 06