Circumstances may require temporary absence of either the child or the parent/caretaker relative from the home. Temporary absences do not affect eligibility as long as the individual intends to return to the home within 90 days.
A temporary absence versus a permanent absence can be defined by where the absent household member intends to reside.
- Temporary Absence – the individual is absent from the home but intends to return to the household within 90 days or less. Household composition should not change. Support for or dependency of the individual continues.
- Permanent Absence – the absent individual does not intend to return to the household. The absent individual is removed from the household. Support for or dependency of the individual is not expected to continue.
When an individual is permanently absent, the individual is no longer eligible for benefits in the household. See MAGI Family MO HealthNet (MHN) Policy sections, 1885.015.00 Removing a Person and 1805.030.10 MAGI Household Composition.