Separate Household Test for Elderly and Disabled Person

[63-402.16, 63-1101.10]

An individual who is 60 years of age or older and his/her spouse who are living with others, may be a separate household if the individual is unable to purchase and prepare meals separately because he/she suffers from:

• A disability considered permanent under the Social Security Act; or
• A non-disease-related, severe, permanent disability (for example, injuries from a car accident), and
• The total nonexempt gross income of the others with whom the individual lives (excluding the income of the individual's spouse) does not exceed 165% of the federal income poverty guidelines.  Refer to CalFresh Program Monthly Allotment and Income Eligibility Standards Charts

This test is not automated. SSBSs must complete a manual budget. It does not have to be completed monthly, but should be completed:

• At application.
• At recertification.
• When household composition changes.
• When the household reports a change in the income of the other people in the home.

This test is applied to total gross income of others with whom a disabled elderly person and spouse live when the disabled elderly person is unable to purchase and prepare meals separately due to disability.

If the income of the others in the home is below the limit, the elderly and disabled person and spouse may be considered a separate household.