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Revision 24-3; Effective Sept. 1, 2024
To calculate the dependent allowance for spousal cases, subtract the dependent's income from the base amount below and divide the remainder by three. This base amount equals 150% of the monthly federal poverty level (FPL) for a family of two. Mandatory payroll deductions also apply to a dependent's earned income.
Dependent family members must be:
- living in the institutionalized person’s home before the person entered a facility; and
- unable to support themselves outside the person’s home because of medical, social or other reasons.
They may be either spouse's minor or dependent children, dependent parents or dependent siblings including half-brothers, half-sisters and siblings gained through adoption.
Note: College students capable of supporting themselves do not meet the definition of a dependent.
The base amount of 150% of the FPL for two for calculating the dependent allowance is:
| Date Range | Amount |
|---|---|
| July 1, 2024 to Present | $2,555 |
| July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 | $2,465 |
| July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 | $2,289 |
| July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 | $2,178 |
| July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 | $2,155 |
| July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 | $2,114 |
| July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019 | $2,058 |
| July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018 | $2,030 |
| July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017 | $2,003 |
| July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016 | $1,992 |
| July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015 | $1,967 |
| July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014 | $1,939 |
| July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013 | $1,892 |
| July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012 | $1,839 |
Deduct the entire dependent allowance even if it is not made available to the dependent.
The community spouse can appeal the dependent allowance amount based on undue hardship caused by financial duress. Only hearing officers can set higher diversion amounts for cases of undue hardship. Review cases of undue hardship every six months to monitor for changes in circumstances.
Related Policy
General Information for Co-Payment, H-1000
Dependent Allowance, H-1600
Spousal Co-Payment, J-7200