The national income eligibility standards are based on the
federal income poverty levels established in Section 673(2) of the Community
Services Block Grant Act (42
U.S.C. 9902(2)). The net
income standard is the federal income poverty guideline for the 48 contiguous
states and the District of Columbia. The gross income standard is one hundred
and thirty percent of that amount. The income standards are adjusted annually
each October 1st. Activities described in this section relate to the
calculation of a household's income to determine eligibility and food stamp
benefit amount.
A.
Elderly/disabled households: Households which contain an elderly
or disabled member, as defined in
8.139.100 NMAC, definitions, must meet the
net income eligibility standards listed in Subsection E of
8.139.500.8 NMAC.
B.
Other households: Households
which do not contain an elderly or disabled member, as defined, must meet the
gross income eligibility standards for the food stamp program (FSP) (Subsection
E of
8.139.500.8 NMAC). If a household
is determined eligible based on gross income standards, deductions shall be
allowed in calculating net monthly income to arrive at a final eligibility
determination based on net income standards.
C.
Categorically eligible:
Households that are entitled to broad/based categorically eligibility must meet
gross and net income eligibility. Households that are categorically eligible,
due to receipt of financial assistance do not need to meet the gross or net
income eligibility standard. The food stamp benefit amount for all CE
households shall be based on net income limits. All categorically eligible one/
and two/person households are entitled to the minimum food stamp benefit
amount, except in an initial month if the prorated benefit is less than ten
dollars.
D.
Income of
ineligible or disqualified household members:
(1) The earned or unearned income of an
individual disqualified for intentional program violation (IPV) or for
noncompliance with the employment and training (E&T) work requirements
shall be attributed in its entirety to the remaining members.
(2) The earned or unearned income of an
individual disqualified for failing to provide or apply for a social security
number or because the individual is an ineligible alien shall continue to be
counted as income, minus a pro rata share for the disqualified or ineligible
member(s).
E.
Income of non/household members: The earned or unearned income of
an individual listed below shall not be considered available to the household
with which the individual lives:
(1)
roomers;
(2) boarders;
(3) foster children, if the household chooses
not to include them;
(4) live/in
attendants; and
(5) ineligible
students.
