1626 Budgeting the Income of an Ineligible Parent | TANF

Georgia Division of Family and Children Services
TANF Policy Manual

Policy Title:

Budgeting the Income of an Ineligible Parent

Effective Date:

May 2023

Chapter:

1600

Policy Number:

1626

Previous Policy Number(s):

MT 52

Updated or Reviewed in MT:

MT-72

Requirements

A responsibility budget is completed to determine the amount of income to deem from an ineligible parent(s) of an AU member to the assistance unit (AU).

Basic Considerations

An ineligible parent is financially responsible for his/her child included in the AU.

The income of an ineligible parent is considered in determining the financial eligibility and benefit amount of the AU.

If the ineligible parent does not have sufficient income to meet his/her needs, income may be allocated from a spouse in the AU.

Refer to Section 1635, Allocation to an Ineligible Spouse and/or Child.

Procedures

Budgeting Procedures

Follow the steps below to determine the amount of income of the ineligible parent to deem to the AU:

Step 1

Determine the gross countable earned income of the ineligible parent.

Step 2

Subtract the $250 standard work deduction from the gross income countable earned of the ineligible parent.

Step 3

Determine the gross countable unearned income of the ineligible parent.

Step 4

Add the income determined in Step 3 to the income remaining after Step 2.

Step 5

Determine the number of individuals living in the home with the ineligible parent who are or could be claimed as tax dependents. (Include the unborn child of a pregnant individual).

Include in this number an SSI child or adult who is or could be claimed as a tax dependent.
Do not include the income of these individuals.
Do not include in this number penalized or disqualified individuals or individuals included in a TANF AU.

Step 6

Add the ineligible parent to the number determined in Step 5.

Step 7

Subtract the appropriate standard of need ( SON) for the number of individuals determined in Step 6 from the income determined in Step 4.

Step 8

Determine the amount of child support and/or alimony contributed by the ineligible parent to individuals not living in the home and subtract this amount from the income remaining after Step 7.

The child support and/or alimony does not have to be court-ordered but must be verified.

Step 9

Determine the amount contributed by the ineligible parent to individuals outside the home who are or could be claimed as tax dependents and subtract this amount from the income remaining after Step 8. Verify the amount of the contribution.

Step 10

If a surplus exists in Step 9, deem the surplus as unearned income to the AU.

If a deficit exists in Step 9, consider allocation to the ineligible parent if a parent in the AU has income.

Refer to Section 1635, Allocation to an Ineligible Spouse and/or Child.