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A-2630.2 Division of Welfare and Supportive Services NON-NEEDY RELATIVE CAREGIVER and KINSHIP CARE Eligibility and Payments Manual Income Limits and Eligibility Tests 22 Apr 01 MTL 02/22 2630.2 Income Limits and Eligibility Tests

Determine the countable gross earned and unearned income of all adults and children in the household with a relationship (by blood or marriage) to the child(ren) for whom assistance was requested. Also include countable income of the child(ren) for whom assistance has been requested. (See manual section A-700.)

Exception:

 Earned income disregards and work expenses are not applied and

 TANF assistance is exempt

The gross income test is 275% of the Federal Poverty Level. See manual section C-140 for the TANF Need Standards Chart. Apply the Gross Income Test to the household size as follows:

 at initial eligibility;  when a change of countable income of related household members to the child(ren) is reported;  at the redetermination if new or increased countable income of related household members is reported; or  when an individual(s) joins the household who is related to the child(ren) and has countable income.

All adult household members whose income is countable in the gross income test, that did not sign the application form, are required to sign an Interface Consent, Form 2179- EE, allowing DWSS to interface with other federal and state records for eligibility and income verification.

If the total countable gross earned and unearned income exceeds the gross income test limit for the household size, the assistance unit is ineligible.

If the total countable gross income is at or below the 275% gross income test, consider only the child(ren)’s, income and resources to determine the TANF Kinship Care Payment. See manual sections A-500 Resources, A-600 Budgeting, A-700 Income and C-140 for the Payment Allowance.

2630.3 Eligibility Dates

At initial application or when the NNRC requests an upgrade to Kinship Care:

• Explain the Kinship Care program and requirements to the NNRC by reviewing and requesting them to sign the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Non-Parent Kinship Care Program, Form 2621; • Request verification(s) required to determine Kinship Care eligibility; • While Kinship Care requirements are pending, evaluate NNRC assistance. If eligible for NNRS, approve TANF under NNRC. Do not delay the approval of NNRC while awaiting Kinship Care verifications.