0905.012.55 NEED STANDARD

The need standard is the basis of several income tests used to determine a family's eligibility for MAF. The need standard is allowed according to the number of persons in the assistance group. The MAF need standard can be no lower than the July 16, 1996 Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) Consolidated Standard Expense. (Refer to Section 0210.010.00)

Effective July 1, 2004, the full need standard and net income limits for MAF are 75% of the federal poverty level (FPL) and the gross income limit is 185% of the 75% FPL.

Effective July 1, 2005, the full need standard is the July 16, 1996 AFDC Consolidated Standard Expense. The gross income limit is 185% of the MAF need standard, and the net income limit is 34.526% of the MAF need standard (currently the Temporary Assistance net income/grant amount limit).

Refer to Appendix D for the MAF and MC+ income limits.

0905.012.55.05 Gross Income Limit

The assistance group's gross income (less overhead expenses only) may not exceed 185% of the full need standard. The family must meet this test at application, reinvestigation, and each budget adjustment. Include income of the following in this test even though their needs are not included in the assistance group or in the 185% of need gross income standard.

1. The appropriate amount of a stepparent's income.
2. The appropriate amount of the major parent's income.

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 0905.012.70.

EXAMPLE: An assistance group of three has gross income of $1,200 with no overhead expenses. $846 (standard for 3) x 185 percent = $1,565. $1,565 less $1,200. = $365 deficit. Thus the family meets the 185 percent gross income limit test.

Refer to Appendix D for the MAF and MC+ income limits.

0905.012.55.10 Eligibility Based On Need

Compare income (minus overhead expenses, standard work exemption and childcare up to maximum allowed) to the MAF need standard (Temporary Assistance Consolidated Standard Expense) to determine eligibility in the following situations.

1. At application or when adding a person except the following situations:
   • When the applicant has received and was eligible for MAF+ in one of the four months prior to application; or
   • When the applicant is reapplying during the previously established eight-month period for the $30 disregard.
2. When determining if an NPCR is needy or not needy.

IBCA will not calculate this budget unless ELIG TEST is marked “Y”.

Refer to Appendix D for the MAF and MC+ income limits.

0905.012.55.15 Net Income Limit Test:

Effective July 1, 2005, net income must not exceed 34.526% of the MAF need standard for the size of the assistance group. The MAF net income limit is the same as the maximum Temporary Assistance grant.

Net income is determined by subtracting from countable income (gross minus overhead expense) any of the following that apply:

• standard work expense;
• childcare expense;
• the first $50 of monthly child support income;
• $30 and 1/3 of income disregard; and
• $30 disregard.

Refer to Appendix D for the MAF and MC+ income limits.