0905.012.20 Deeming Income From A Minor Parent's Parent (MAF)

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

Count the income of a major parent(s) in determining MAF eligibility, subject to certain disregards, if the individual(s) lives in the same household as the assistance group but is not a member of the assistance group.

A minor parent is defined as a parent under the age of 18, including the month turning 18. Major parent means biological or adoptive parent of the minor parent, not stepparent of the minor parent.

The deeming procedure is the same as for Temporary Assistance, except a grandparent's income may not be deemed to a grandchild in determining the grandchild's MAF eligibility. Therefore cases not eligible for MAF for the minor parent require a separate determination for the minor parent's child.

In determining the major parent's adjusted gross income (total gross income less overhead expenses), the income EXCLUSIONS applicable in determining the total gross income of a MAF participant also apply. Disregard any Temporary Assistance, GR, SAB, or BP grants the parent(s) receives. Count all other income.

In counting the major parent's income, apply the following disregards to the income:

1. Disregard 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 purposed of federal tax liability.
   • DO NOT include the major parent's spouse who is a stepparent or persons in the minor parent's assistance group as dependents.
2. Allow a $90 work expense standard for each employed parent. Only subtract this expense from the individual's earnings, not from unearned income.
3. Allow an amount equal to the 1996 AFDC full need standard (Temporary Assistance Consolidated Standard Expense) 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 need standard for three people.

   NOTE: Do not include the major parent's spouse who is a stepparent in this standard, as his or her income is not considered for deeming purposes.

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.

Show the remainder as unearned income on the minor parent's budget. If the assistance group is not eligible (due to no need), separately determine if the minor parent's child(ren) is eligible for MAF. A grandparent's income may not be deemed to a grandchild(ren) in determining MAF eligibility. Therefore, in this separate computation, the amount of deemed income cannot exceed the standard for one person. When computing the gross income (185% of need) limit test and the full need standard test, the deemed income shown as unearned income cannot exceed the full need standard for one person. When computing the net income limit test, the deemed income shown as unearned income cannot exceed the net income limit for one person.

In this separate computation, budget all of the minor parent's income, the minor parent's child(ren)'s income and deemed income (not to exceed the need standard for one person). If a deficit exists, the child(ren) is eligible for MAF based on need. If a surplus exists, the child(ren) is not eligible for MAF based on need.

If the minor parent or their child(ren) are ineligible for MAF, explore eligibility for the MC+ for Children program.