SSI Methodology

Determining Net Non-exempt Income

The 250% WD income is determined according to the California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 22, Article 5, except as follows:

  • SSI requirements for treating In-kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) as unearned income are used.
  • All disability income, including worker’s compensation, of the working disabled individual is disregarded (i.e., federal, state or private disability income).
  • Impairment related work expenses (IRWE) are allowable deduction from earned income.
  • Spousal/parental deeming based on SSI methodology applies. A determination of whether spousal deeming is appropriate is required before deeming an ineligible spouse’s income to the 250% WDP applicant. The spouse’s net non-exempt income must be compared to the current SSI Standard Allocation prior to deeming. If the income is less than the SSI Standard Allocation deeming rules do not apply. If the income is more than the SSI Standard Allocation, deeming rules do apply.
  • One-third of child support received by an applicant who is a disabled child is disregarded before the remainder is treated as unearned income.
  • Allow a student deduction of up to $400 per month or $1620 per year from the student’s (working disabled) earned income.

In-Kind Support and Maintenance

ISM includes food, clothing or shelter received by the client. ISM is provided by someone having no legal responsibility for the client. There are two rules used to determine the dollar amount of ISM that an client receives:

  • The VTR is the value of one-third of the SSI payment rate, do not include the SSP portion. Example Example A client receives SSI of $300 and SSP of $50, the 1/3 value is $300/3=$100. 
  • The PMV is the value of one-third of the SSI payment rate, plus $20, do not include the SSP portion. Example Example A client receives SSI of $300 and SSP of $50, the 1/3 value is $300/3=$100+$20=$120. 

In-Kind Support and Maintenance - Sharing

Sharing is determined when the client cannot establish ownership interest or rental liability, and is living and eating with someone other than a spouse or child(ren).

  • A client is sharing if their prorated share of the total costs is met. A client who is sharing is not considered as receiving any food or shelter from inside the household.
  • Determining the Prorated Share Amount:
    • Complete the “Statement of Living Arrangements” (DHS 7044), and
    • Average the household expenses and contributions.

Example Example Client and one roommate have utilities, food, and rental expenses which total $800 per month. The client must meet his/her 1/2 share of $400 per month worth of the total expenses. The $400 would be his/her prorated share of the expenses. 

ISM Most Common Situations and Guidelines to Use VTR or PMV

Living Arrangement VTR: Count 1/3 of SSI (but not SSP) payment level as unearned income  PMV: Count 1/3 of SSI (but not SSP) payment level plus $20 as unearned income

Applicant lives in own home. For example:

  • He/She and spouse are living at home and have ownership of life estate interest or rental liability,
  • He/She pays prorated share, or
  • All members of the household are receiving public assistance income payments.  
  VTR does not apply.   Count PMV to the applicant if any combination of food, shelter, or clothing given by a person who is not a responsible relative.

Applicant and his/her:

  • Spouse
  • Minor child or
  • Ineligible spouse (or ineligible parent if applicant is a child) whose income may be deemed to the applicant.

Lives in the household of another who is not one of listed above.    

 Count VTR as unearned income to the applicant if the other person gives/pays for the applicant’s food and shelter. If VTR does not apply, count PMV as unearned income to the applicant if the other person gives/pays any other combination of the applicant’s food, shelter, or clothing.
Applicant lives throughout the whole month in the household of another person who is not his/her spouse, child, or ineligible spouse/parent.  Count VTR if the other person is giving/paying the applicant’s full and shelter costs. If no VTR, count PMV if the other person gives any other combination of food, shelter, or clothing. For example, the applicant shares expenses but does not pay prorated share.

Follow these guidelines when using the VTR and PMV method:

  1. Screen for the VTR method first, then go to the PMV method
  2. Apply the VTR method when the:
    1. Client lives in another person’s household for one full calendar month, and
    2. Receives both food and shelter from the person he/she lives with, and
    3. Lives with a person other than a spouse, child(ren) or someone he/she can deem income to.
  3. Apply the PMV method when the:
    1. Applicant/recipient receives partial or full support from someone who is not a legally responsible relative.
    2. Place of residence involves ownership interest or rental liability.
    3. Applicant/recipient is sharing food or shelter or does not receive both food or shelter.
    4. Applicant/recipient is living in another person’s household but not receiving food and shelter from that person.

Related Topics

250% Working Disabled Program