Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-01-04-.13 - INCOME ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS

(1) Food Stamps. The gross income and net income eligibility standards are used in determining the eligibility of households applying for food stamps. Households which contain an elderly or disabled member (as defined in 1240-01-08-.01) are subject to a net income eligibility standard for the appropriate household size. Households which do not contain an elderly or disabled member must meet both net and gross income eligibility standards for the appropriate household size.

(a) The income eligibility standards are used as the criteria in determining the eligibility of all households for food stamps. Participation in the program shall be limited to those households whose incomes are determined to be within the eligibility standards. To be eligible for food assistance, the total gross monthly income of all household members shall not exceed the maximum income standard for the appropriate household size with the following exception:

(b) For households which contain a member who is elderly or who is disabled (See definition of "elderly" and "disabled" in 1240-01-08-.01) the eligibility standards shall be based on net income.

(2) AFDC. Gross income as defined is tested against a Gross Income Standard which is 185% of the Consolidated Need Standard for the appropriate number of people. If the gross income is greater than this standard by any amount, the family/individual is not eligible for AFDC. If gross income is equal to or less than the Gross Income Standard for the appropriate number of people, then net income is computed and this amount is used to determine eligibility and amount of payment. If there is a deficit of $1.00 or more between the need standard and net income, then eligibility on this basis exists. Payment is the lesser of the deficit or a standard payment amount for the family size, except that no payment can be made in a monthly amount less than $10.00.

Notes

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-01-04-.13

Original rule filed August 15, 1980; effective September 29, 1980. Repeal and new rule filed December 10, 1981; effective January 25, 1982. Amendment filed March 3, 1982; effective April 4, 1983. Amendment filed March 28, 1983; effective April 27, 1983. Amendment filed September 29, 1986; effective December 29, 1986.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 14-8-104, 14-8-106, 14-27-104, 14-27-105; PL 97-35; 7 CFR 273.9(a); 45 CFR 233.20; PC 640, Public Acts of 1986.