Page 445

Revised 09-01-10

PURPOSE Need is a basic eligibility factor for receipt of assistance benefits, and both the resources and income of recipients must meet the tests required by federal and state laws and regulations. Refer to Chapter 5, Resources, regarding Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility. Income eligibility and the amount of benefits for eligible families are determined by use of a budget as follows: 1. Gross income is tested against the gross standard of need (185% Requirements) for the size family involved. If the income is expected to meet and continue to exceed this standard, the family is ineligible. 2. If the income equals or is less than the gross standard, net income is tested against 100% of the standard of need for the size family involved. Refer to Chapter 6, Income to be Tested, for further discussion on income to be included in each test. Also, the system tests income in special situations to determine: 1. $90 work expense and dependent care expense. See Chapter 4, Earned Income Disregards. 2. The amount, if any, of the income of a stepparent, the parents of a minor mother, or the sponsor of an alien, to be considered available to meet the needs of the assistance unit. See Special Budgeting Procedures within this chapter. The worker must test to see whether or not a caretaker relative other than a parent is needy and wishes to be included in the budget. PROSPECTIVE BUDGETING Determining Eligibility Prospectively: Determining eligibility prospectively means that the worker will establish eligibility on all factors, including need, which is reasonably anticipated to exist in the month for which the benefit is paid. When the agency is aware of a change that will make the family ineligible for a future month or months, the benefits will be terminated beginning with the first month of ineligibility or as soon as

Volume III | Chapter 6

possible allowing for a ten-day advance notice if required. For example, benefits will be terminated when the agency is aware in June that an increase in RSDI benefits to be received in MISSISSIPPI [ BUDGETARY PROCESS: GENERAL PRINCIPLES ]

Revised 11 - 01 - 11