Temporary Assistance/Case Management Manual

IM-31 March 28, 2022; IM-44 April 15, 2021; IM-23 March 29, 2020; IM-73 May 2, 2019; IM-41 March 15, 2019; IM-30 April 19, 2018; IM-30 March 29, 2017; IM-27 May 9, 2016; IM-22 March 20, 2015; IM-17 March 21, 2014; IM-26 March 11, 2013; IM-20 March 13, 2012; IM-16 March 14, 2011; IM-12 March 5, 2009; IM-22 March 7, 2008; IM-26 March 23, 2007; IM-88 September 10, 2004; IM-155 November 21, 2002

NOTE: The “minor parent’s parent” will be referred to as the “major parent”.

A minor parent is defined as a parent under the age of 18, including the month turning 18. The major parent is the biological or adoptive parent of the minor parent, not a stepparent of the minor parent. A Major Parent remains financially responsible for the Minor Parent until the month s/he reaches the age of 18.

When a minor parent requests benefits, the assistance group(s) and budgeting must be determined based on the family’s situation.

If a three-generation family [consisting of a dependent child(ren), a minor parent who is also a dependent child, and the major parent(s)] files together as one assistance group, consider all their needs and income as a single assistance group and do not apply the disregards described below.

1. If a minor parent is also a cash eligible child, other options depend on the household situation.
   If the minor parent who is also a cash eligible child is included in an assistance group with other brothers and sisters, only one case exists consisting of the minor parent’s caretaker, the minor parent, and his/her brothers and sisters. If they want assistance for the minor parent’s child, include that child.
2. If the minor parent, who is also a cash eligible child, is not included in an assistance group with other eligible brothers and sisters:
   • The minor parent can receive assistance for the dependent child with his/her parent’s income deemed to him/her; or
   • The minor parent’s caretaker can receive assistance for the minor parent and, at the caretaker’s option, for the minor parent’s child.

Discuss available options so the family can agree on how their income is budgeted. If the household members cannot agree on how the income is budgeted, the minor parent who is also a cash eligible child is responsible for deciding.

If a three-generation family does not file as one assistance group, the major parent’s income is deemed to the minor parent’s assistance group. Count the income of a major parent(s) in determining eligibility and grant amount, subject to certain disregards, if the major parent(s) lives in the same household as the assistance group but is not a member of the assistance group. 13 CSR 40-2.310(8) (F).

NOTE: Verification of the major parent’s income is necessary to establish eligibility and grant amount. If the household refuses to supply needed information, reject the application or close the case.

When a minor parent moves in with his/her parent(s), determine if the minor parent is included in an assistance group with his/her parent(s) or if the parent’s income is deemed to him/her.

When the major parent’s income is deemed to the minor parent:

1. enter the major parent’s income on the Income (FMX0) and Income Amount (FMX3) screens in FAMIS; and
2. enter deeming information on the TA/MA Information (TAINFO/FM8D) screen.
   • On the TA/MA Information (TAINFO/FM8D) screen prompt to select the major parent(s).
   • Enter the number of persons, including the major parent and their dependents, in the # of Persons field.

NOTE: DO NOT include the major parent’s spouse who is a stepparent or persons in the minor parent’s eligibility unit as dependents.

In determining the major parent’s adjusted gross income (total gross income less overhead expenses), FAMIS applies the same income EXCLUSIONS applicable in determining the total gross income of a Temporary Assistance participant. Any Temporary Assistance, GR, SAB, or BP grant the parent(s) receives is disregarded. All other income is counted.

In counting the major parent’s income, FAMIS applies the following disregards to the income:

1. 1. Earned income of the major parent(s) in an amount equal to 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for the major parent and their dependents in the household.
      • • Dependents are persons who are or could be claimed by the major parent as dependents for purposes of federal tax liability.

      No. of Persons	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
      2022 100% of FPL	1,133	1,526	1,920	2,313	2,706	3,100	3,493	3,886	4,280

   2. A $90 work expense standard for each employed parent.
   3. An amount equal to the full need standard for the major parent and any other individuals living in the home, (whose needs are not considered in the minor parent’s assistance group), who are claimed or could be claimed by the parent as dependents for purposes of federal income tax liability. If two adult parents and a sibling of the minor parent live in the same household as the minor parent and her dependent child, disregard an amount equal to the full standard of need for three people.
      

      No. of Persons	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
      Full Need Standard	393	678	846	990	1,123	1,247	1,372	1,489	1,606

   4. Amounts actually paid by the major parent(s) to individuals not living in the home but who are claimed or could be claimed as dependents for federal income tax purposes.
   5. Court-ordered alimony or child support paid by the major parent(s) for individuals not living in the household.

The remainder is shown as unearned income on the minor parent’s budget.

EXAMPLE: Ms. Smith is a minor parent living with her mother. Also in the household are her 2 sisters. Ms. Smith’s mother earns $3,000 monthly.

$3,000 – 1,920 (100% of the 2021 Federal Poverty Level for 3) = $1,080

$ 1,080 – $90 = $990

$ 990 – $846 (full need standard for 3) = $ 144

$ 144 is the major parent’s income deemed to the minor parent.

When a minor parent reaches age 18 or moves out of his/her parent’s home, the major parent’s income is not deemed effective with the next month’s grant.

EXAMPLE:  A minor parent reaches age 18 in February. FAMIS determines the March grant without budgeting the major parent’s deemed income.