PM 11-02-07-e
Figure a budget for each spouse. Include the Grant Adjustment and $25 income exemption for each spouse.
First, determine the budget for the spouse with the greater income. If his or her income is less than needs, both spouses are eligible for an AABD grant. Budget each of their incomes against their respective needs.
If the spouse with the greater income has income in excess of his or her needs, budget the excess income along with the 2nd spouse's income, against the 2nd spouse's needs. If the excess income plus the 2nd spouse's income is greater than the 2nd spouse's needs, neither spouse is eligible for AABD cash. Determine their AABD medical eligibility.
If the excess income of the first spouse plus the 2nd spouse's income is less than the 2nd spouse's needs authorize AABD cash for both. The spouse with the greater income is authorized as an AABD zero grant case. Enter this excess income on their case as Needs Code 467, DINC, which will make their income equal to their total needs. Enter zero grant reason 9 in Item 34. On the second spouse's case, budget their spouse's excess income as Income Code 551, Voluntary Contribution from spouse.
Example 1: (Both eligible for Cash) Mr. G is 68 years old and receives regular Social Security of $645 per month. Mrs. G is 65 years old and receives $625 per month. Their AABD needs are identical and the needs for each is $655. Since Mr. G's income of $645 is less than his portion of the needs determined (1/2 of $1510 = $755), both Mr. and Mrs. G are eligible for an AABD cash grant.
Example 2: (Both Ineligible for Cash) Mr. G is 68 years old and receives regular Social Security of $790 and his wife Mrs. G is 65 years old and receives Social Security of $780. Their AABD needs are identical and the needs for each is $655. Since Mr. G's income is in excess of his needs, ($790 - $655 =$135), the excess income and Mrs. G's income of $780, is budgeted against her needs. Since the excess income plus Mrs. G's income ($135 + $780 = $915), is greater than her needs, neither spouse is eligible for AABD cash. Determine their AABD medical eligibility.
Example 3: (Zero Grant and Cash) Mr. G is 68 years old and receives regular Social Security of $675 and his wife Mrs. G receives $630. Their AABD needs are identical and the needs for each totals $655. Since the excess income of the first spouse ($20) plus the 2nd spouse's income ($630) is less than the 2nd spouse's needs ($655) authorize AABD category 01 assistance for both. Mr. G is authorized as an AABD zero grant case. Enter the excess income on their case as Needs Code 467, DINC, which will make their income equal to their total needs. Enter zero grant reason 9 in Item 34. For Mrs. G, budget Mr. G's excess income as Income Code 551, Voluntary Contribution from spouse.
Note: We can never divert/budget SSI income (so if a client's only income is SSI, we do not use this policy. If both spouses have regular Social Security and SSI, the amount we divert/budget against the other spouse's needs can never be greater than their non-SSI income.
Example 4: Mr. H is 68 years old and receives regular Social Security of $433 and SSI of $320. Mrs. H receives SSI of $320.Their AABD needs are identical and each totals $649. Mr. H's income exceeds his needs by $104 ($753 - $649). Since his excess income is less than his non-SSI income, the entire $104 can be diverted to Mrs. H. His excess income plus her income ($424) is less than her needs. Approve Mr. H for category 01 assistance which is zero grant status. Enter his excess income as Needs Code 467, DINC, which will make his income equal his needs. Approve Mrs. H for an AABD grant of $225. Budget her husband's excess income of $104 as Income Code 551.
