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VIII. COUNTABLE UNEARNED INCOME

A. General Information

Unearned income is all income that is not earned income (e.g., Social Security benefits, Veteran’s benefits, alimony and support, annuities, in-kind support and maintenance, rentals, etc.)

1. Explore potential benefits for each B.U. member at each application/ recertification. Document discussion in the case record. If it appears there is a potential for benefits even though a/b denies receipt, explore the possibility.

2. Count benefits to which the a/b is entitled if he has waived, renounced, or delayed receipt and the amount of entitlement can be verified. If entitlement cannot be verified, refer to MA-2300, Applications, Verification Requirements for Applications.

3. In determining eligibility in a Private Living Arrangement, and in step one of Long-term Care budgeting, if a benefit amount is reduced to recoup an overpayment, verify and use the entitlement benefit to which the client is entitled.

In step two of LTC budgeting, count the benefit amount the a/b is actually receiving after the recoupment of an overpayment.

4. Benefits are not available for a child when the representative payee other than the caretaker refuses to use them for the child's needs.

a. Notify the Social Security office or other agency immediately so that a change of payee may be made.

b. Flag the case for review in one month. A change of payee action should not take more than one or two months.

B. RSDI Benefits

1. At application and review, explore potential benefits for each B.U. member. The potential depends on the situation of children as well as the work history of parents or specified relatives. Even if the a/b denies that anyone receives the benefit, explore the possibility. The a/b is required to apply for all benefits to which he is entitled.