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MAABD INCOME AND BUDGETING E-200 APPLICATION OF SOCIAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) BUDGET METHODOLOGY SSI budgeting methodology is used to determine eligibility for all MAABD eligibility groups. The methodology follows the same rules used by Social Security to determine Social Security benefits and allows states options to be less restrictive than the SSI program. E-205 HOUSEHOLD DETERMINATION Determine whether the customer is considered an individual or a member of a couple with an SSI eligible or ineligible spouse by applying the definitions in this section. NOTE: Sections E-205 through E-210.2 do not apply to Institutional >30 days or Home and Community- Based Waiver (HCBW) categories. When the applicant is applying for Medicaid under Institutional or HCBW, they are considered married, even if separated but not divorced. When the customer is considered an individual, only the customer's income is counted in the eligibility determination. Additionally, when the customer is considered a member of a couple, the spouse's income is counted for a specified time period. Spouses separated temporarily for economic (employment), emergency reasons (hospitalization), vacations or visits are NOT considered "separated" (ceased living together) for purposes of income consideration. The separation must be expected to continue. If the spouse expects to return to the household in the same month or the following month, they are included in the household. When income of the spouse must be considered the income will be verified. If unable to verify the spouse's income, document the circumstances and accept the customer's statement. E-205.1 Definition Related to Household Determination Assistance Based on Need (ABON) – Assistance which is:  Provided under a program which uses income as a factor of eligibility; and  Funded wholly by a State (including the District of Columbia, Indian tribes and the Northern Mariana Islands), a political subdivision of a State, or a combination of such jurisdictions. ABON is a payment made to an individual or household; therefore, Medicaid is NOT considered assistance based on need. SSI Eligible Spouse - The customer's spouse who meets the requirements in both a) and b) below: a. Is pending SSI, received SSI or would have been eligible for SSI: To determine if the spouse would have been eligible for SSI, the spouse: 1. Must have been aged, blind or disabled. Blindness and disability are established when the spouse has been determined eligible for any type of permanent disability/blind benefits (e.g., SSA, VA, or Retirement Disability Benefits), and 2. Must be determined financially eligible Division of Welfare and Supportive Services Medical Assistance Manual MAABD INCOME AND BUDGETING MTL 09/24 NOV 24 APPLICATION OF SOCIAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) BUDGET METHODOLOGY E-200