An NPCR is a specified relative, other than a parent, who is the caretaker of the eligible children. A caretaker is defined as a specified relative exercising primary responsibility for care and control of the eligible child.
Determination of Needy or Not Needy:
IF AN NPCR IS FOUND TO BE NEEDY, HE/SHE HAS THE OPTION OF BEING INCLUDED OR EXCLUDED FROM THE ASSISTANCE GROUP UNLESS HE/SHE RECEIVES SSI, SSI-SP, OR SP. If an NPCR is found to be needy and is included in the assistance group, count the NPCR’s resources. If he/she is otherwise eligible and chooses to be included, complete a budget to determine eligibility and grant amount. He/she may be eligible for cash payment and MC+ benefits. An NPCR can choose to be included in the MAF assistance group (0905.010.00 Eligibility Requirements (MAF)), while choosing to be excluded from the Temporary Assistance cash group.
If the NPCR opts to be excluded, record this on the budget.
If the NPCR is undecided about being included in the assistance group, complete the budget to determine the amount of the assistance grant to assist the NPCR in deciding. Also discuss the time limits on receipt of Temporary Assistance. Time limits apply if the NPCR receives cash assistance for herself.
Determine if the NPCR is needy or not needy at each application, reinvestigation, when a change in circumstances occurs that might affect the determination of being needy or not needy, and at the NPCR’s request. Advise the NPCR to report all changes in the household that might affect determining whether he/she is needy or not needy.
Complete the following budget to determine if an NPCR is needy or not needy. However, when the NPCR’s spouse does not live in the home or the NPCR’s spouse is an SSI or SSI-SP recipient, consider the NPCR needy without completing the budget below.
If the NPCR receives SSI, SSI-SP, or SP, do not complete the budget below since the NPCR’s needs and income cannot be included in the Temporary Assistance assistance group.
- In preparing a budget, consider the needs and income of the NPCR, his/her spouse, and any of his/her or their children under age 18 who are household members. Exclude eligible children in the Temporary Assistance assistance group. Use the full need standard and do not apply the $30 plus 1/3 and $30 disregards. Allow all expenses of producing income. If this budget shows need, the NPCR is determined to be needy. If this budget shows no need, the NPCR is determined to be not needy.
When the NPCR is determined to be not needy, exclude the NPCR from the Temporary Assistance assistance group (both needs and income). The NPCR is not eligible for cash payment.
NOTE: If the NPCR’s spouse refuses to cooperate in determining if the NPCR is needy or not needy, consider the NPCR not needy.
- Once the above determination has been made, apply normal budgeting procedures with these provisions.
NOTE: Include the needs and income of an NPCR, who opts to be included in the Temporary Assistance assistance group, in the 185 percent income eligibility limit test. Exclude an NPCR, who is excluded in the Temporary Assistance assistance group, in the 185 percent income eligibility limit test.