0210.010.00  Budgeted Expenses

The CONSOLIDATED STANDARD EXPENSE is a money amount representing a fair and equitable figure for all expenses for an average person or family to live in a manner compatible with decency and health.  It is used as the basis for several income tests to determine a family's eligibility for assistance.  The standard expense is allowed according to the number of persons in the household.  The type of living arrangements (i.e. room and board, two assistance groups in the same household, rent versus home ownership, etc.) have no bearing on the standard expense allowed.

Once compiled, this figure becomes an unidentifiable expense figure allowed.  No breakdown exists in the amount included for each item.  Do not allow other expenses (other than those related to the cost of producing income).

0210.010.05 185 Percent Income Eligibility Limit

The assistance group's gross income (less overhead expenses only) may not exceed 185 percent of the CONSOLIDATED STANDARD EXPENSE. See Consolidated Standard-Percentage of Need Table. Appendix B .  The family must meet this test at application, reinvestigation, and each budget adjustment.  Add the gross income of each person included in the Temporary Assistance cash assistance group, less overhead expenses only, and subtract from 185 percent of the full need standard for that assistance group.  Include income of the following in this test even though their needs are not included in the assistance group or in the 185 percent standard.

1. The gross income less overhead expenses of a parent sanctioned because of failure to meet SSN, case management, or cooperation in obtaining support requirements.
2. The appropriate amount of a stepparent's income.
3. The appropriate amount of the deemed income of a minor parent's parent(s).
4. The gross income less overhead expenses of a parent whose needs are excluded because of provisions at 0210.005.10 regarding fugitive felons, felony drug convictions and fraud convictions.

Gross income includes both earned and unearned income less any overhead expenses of producing the income.  Exclude the income outlined under Income Excluded in Section 0210.015.35.

EXAMPLE:  An assistance group of three has gross income of $432 with no overhead expenses.  $846 (standard for 3) x 185 percent = $1,565.  $1,565 less $432 = $1,133 deficit.  Thus the family meets the 185 percent income eligibility limit test.

0210.010.10  Eligibility Based On Need

Compare income to the full need standard to determine eligibility in the following situations.

1. At application or when adding a person when the person may not be eligible for some of the income disregards (i.e. $30 plus 1/3, student's earned income).
2. When determining if an NPCR is needy or not needy.

   EXAMPLE:  An assistance group of three has $432 earned income and child care costs of $80 per month.  $846 (standard for 3) less $262 countable income ($432 - $90 = $342 - $80 = $262) = $584 deficit.  Thus the family is eligible based on need.

0210.010.15  Percentage Of Need

FSD pays the highest percentage of need available to families receiving Temporary Assistance, unless the determined need is $9.99 or less. When an Temporary Assistance grant amount would be less than $10, no payment is made. Calculate percentage of need by multiplying this percentage by the consolidated standard amount of the assistance group. Subtract countable income from this amount to determine grant amount. In determining the grant amount, round the deficit to the next lower dollar. Use the percentage of need standard in budgets to determine the grant amount. Any Temporary Assistance payment made for the month of application (meaning both applications and reapplication) may only be made from the date of application through the end of the month. See Consolidated Standard-Percentage of Need Table. Appendix B .