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2. Broad-based categorical eligibility (referred to in Montana as ECE – Expanded Categorically Eligible) describes households in which all members receive or are authorized to receive non-cash assistance. In Montana, this is the TANF Information and Referral Services brochure. The following describes these in more detail: Traditional Categorical Eligibility (CE): Households in which all members are either eligible for or receive cash benefits from TANF, TANF Post Employment, Tribal TANF, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are categorically, or automatically, eligible for SNAP. These households, who have already gone through eligibility determination for those programs, bypass the income and resource tests and are deemed financially eligible. There is no asset/resource test for CE households. They then have their SNAP benefits determined. Categorically eligible households have their SNAP benefit allotment determined under the same rules as other households. A household’s SNAP benefit amount is based on the maximum benefit (which varies by household size) and its net countable income after deductions for certain expenses. While the household may be categorically eligible, its net income may be too high to actually receive a SNAP benefit. The exception is that all eligible households consisting of one or two persons are eligible for at least the minimum monthly benefit. Eligible households with three or more members passing the GMI and NMI tests that are not eligible for a benefit amount are denied or closed. Expanded Categorical Eligibility (ECE): Households in which all members receive or are authorized to receive non-cash assistance have expanded categorical eligibility. In Montana, the non-cash assistance is the TANF Information and Referral Services brochure. All ECE households, including households with an elderly or disabled household member, must pass a gross income test (GMI) of 200% of the federal poverty level but are not required to pass a net income test (NMI). There is no asset/resource test for ECE households except as noted. ECE households have their SNAP benefit allotment determined under the same rules as other households. A household’s SNAP benefit amount is based on the maximum benefit (which varies by household size) and its net countable income after deductions for certain expenses. While the household may be ECE, its net income may be too high to actually receive a SNAP benefit. The exception is that all eligible households consisting of one or two persons are eligible for at least the minimum monthly benefit. Eligible households with three or more members passing the GMI and NMI tests that are not eligible for a benefit amount are denied or closed. NOTE: When a household with an elderly (age 60 or older) or disabled individual does not pass the 200% gross income test, eligibility is determined under regular program rules without a gross income test and with a resource limit of $4,500. HOUSEHOLDS NOT CATEGORICALLY ELIGIBLE (CE) OR EXPANDED CATEGORICAL ELIGIBLE (ECE): The following households are not CE or ECE even if they meet the TANF requirements stated above: 1. The entire household is residing in an institution.