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.
If a minor parent is also a cash eligible child, other options depend on the household situation.
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:
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:
No. of Persons |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
2019 100% of FPL |
1,041 |
1,410 |
1,778 |
2,146 |
2,515 |
2,883 |
3,251 |
3,620 |
3,988 |
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 - 1,778(100% of the 2019 Federal Poverty Level for 3) = 1,222
$ 1,222 - $90 = 1,132
$ 1,132 - $846 (full need standard for 3) = $ 286
$ 286 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.
EXAMPLE: A minor parent reaches age 18 in February. FAMIS determines the March grant without budgeting the major parent's deemed income.