WAG 03-04-03-b: Eligible Students of Higher Education

PM 03-04-03-b.

Follow the steps below to determine if a student meets the special student eligibility requirements:

The following information further clarifies the special student eligibility requirements:

• working in a paid job an average of 20 hours per week or, if self-employed, working an average of 20 hours per week and earning at least the federal minimum wage (see WAG 25-06-08);

  Example: Ms. S works 10 hours the first week in February. The following week she works 30 hours. The third week, Ms. S is only able to work 15 hours. She then works 25 hours the last week of the month. Ms. S meets the student eligibility requirement of working an average of 20 hours per week.

• approved to participate in a state or federal work-study program for the school term and expecting to work in a state or federal work-study program during that time;

  Example 1: Bob, a full-time student at a local college, applied for FS 8/30/04. He has been approved to work in a state work-study program that will begin October 1st per his statement. Bob meets the special student eligibility requirements for the school term. No special verification is required.

  Example 2: Qiana, a full-time student, takes internet courses from DuPage College. She is approved for a federal work-study program but the school has no slots available. She does not meet the special student eligibility requirements. 

• responsible for the care of a unit member under age 6 (only one adult may claim this exemption);

  When there is more than one adult in the home, the student must provide the majority of child care to meet this requirement.

  Example: Mr. W is a full-time student attending college. Mrs. W is unemployed and is at home during the day with their year old daughter. Since Mrs. W provides the majority of childcare, Mr. W does not meet the requirement and is considered an ineligible student.

The following 2 criteria require special verification:

• Physical or mental impairment

  If physical or mental impairment is not evident, ask the person to provide a physician's statement verifying the condition, or proof of the receipt of permanent or temporary disability benefits. 

• Lack of adequate child care for unit member age 6 - 11 (see PM 03-04-03-b).

  Determine if there is a lack of adequate child care based on information provided by the unit. If the client claims that an adult living in the home is incapacitated and cannot provide care, ask for written proof of the incapacity.

  • Example 1: The FS unit consists of Mr. J, his 21-year-old son T, and 8-year-old daughter K. Mr. J is a half-time student. He states he is unable to work because he is responsible for the care of his daughter. His son receives Social Security disability. Do not consider T as available in the home to provide child care. Mr. J meets the requirement.

  The requirement may also be allowed when another adult in the home is not incapacitated, but is not available to provide the care.

  • Example 2: Mrs. D, her spouse and their 7 year old daughter are applying for food stamps. Mrs. D is a full-time student and attends classes during the day. Her spouse is employed full-time and attends classes 3 nights a week. Ms. D cannot go to school and meet the requirement of working an average of 20 hours per week because child care is not available in the home. Exempt Mrs. D for "responsible for the care of a dependent unit member age 6 through 11" since child care is not adequate to allow her to meet both requirements.