Factors of Eligibility for Minor Parents 400-19-45-25

 

Minor Parent Household 400-19-45-25-05

(Revised 6/1/10 ML #3218)

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(N.D.A.C. 75-02-01.2-31(2))

 

An individual is considered a minor parent when the individual has a marital status of never married, is under age 18, and is a mother or father to a child in the case.

 

When a minor parent and child reside in the home of the parents, either the minor parent or the minor parent's parents can apply for TANF. However, refusal on the part of the minor parent's to provide the required information about their income will result in denial or termination of assistance.

 

When the minor parent’s parents are receiving or requesting TANF, the minor parent and minor parent’s child(ren) must be included in the household when determining TANF eligibility. Income and assets of the entire household are used to determine eligibility.

Note #1: If eligibility is denied due to excess assets, a separate case can be established for the minor parent and minor parent’s child, with the minor parent’s parents (MP) included as ineligible.   In this case, the assets of the minor parent’s parents are disregarded.  However, minor parent budgeted would apply. (See Section 400-19-45-25-20, Budgeting for Minor Parents Under Age 18 Residing With Parents or a Caretaker.)  

 

Note #2: If the household fails due to excess income, a separate case cannot be established for the minor parent and the minor parent’s child as the minor parent’s parents (MP) must be included and their income considered in determining the minor’s eligibility.

 

A minor parent who has a legally or non-legally responsible caretaker in the home is considered a child (and not a caretaker) when determining whether or not to count the earned income of the minor parent.   

Note: The legally or non-legally responsible caretaker within the 5th degree of relationship to the minor parent must be included in the case, as either eligible or ineligible.

 

When a minor parent resides with a caretaker within the 5th degree of relationship and attends elementary or secondary school full-time, the earned income of the minor parent is disregarded.  

 

When a minor parent does not reside with a caretaker within the 5th degree of relationship, the earned income of the minor parent is countable in determining the TANF Benefit.