MFIP:
People may remain in a unit while physically absent under certain conditions.

Any absence that ends on or before the 10th day of the month of return, should not affect eligibility for that month.


APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

An applicant must meet ALL of the following conditions in order to be counted as a unit member despite physical absence:

●	The absent member is absent from the home due to an illness or hospitalization.
●	The home is being maintained for the return of the absent member.
●	The absence is expected to last no more than 6 months from the month of departure.

If the absent member meets ALL of the above requirements, the absent member must also meet 1 of the following conditions:

Caregivers:

●	Child and caregiver lived together immediately before the absence AND the caregiver continues to maintain responsibility for support and care of the minor child AND the absence was reported at the time of application.
	OR
●	The absent member is a pregnant mother who is hospitalized or out of the home due to the pregnancy.
	OR
●	The absent members are the mother and child who are hospitalized at the time of birth.

Child:

●	Child and caregiver lived together immediately before the absence, AND the caregiver continues to maintain responsibility for support and care of the minor child AND the absence was reported at the time of application.
●	The absent members are the mother and child who are hospitalized at the time of birth.

PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS

A participant must meet ALL of the following conditions in order to continue to be counted as a unit member despite physical absence:

●	The minor child and caregiver must have lived together immediately prior to the absence.
●	The home is being maintained in anticipation of the absent member’s return.
●	The caregiver continues to maintain responsibility for support and care of the absent minor child.

If the absent member meets ALL of the above conditions, they must also meet 1 of the following conditions:

Caregiver:

●	Absence is due to illness or hospitalization and is expected to last no more than 6 months past the month of departure.
●	Absence is expected to last no more than 2 months from the month of departure AND suitable arrangements have been made for the care of the minor child, AND 1 of the following is the reason for the absence:

-	Death or illness of a relative.
-	Incarceration.
-	Training.
-	Employment search.

●	A caregiver and minor child are both absent from Minnesota for 1 of the following reasons AND the absence is expected to last no more than 1 month from the month of departure:

-	Death or illness of a relative.
-	Training.
-	Employment search.

Child:

●	Absence is due to illness or hospitalization and is expected to last no more than 6 months past the month of departure.
●	Child ran away and has been absent from the home for no more than 2 months since the month of departure AND no other person has made application for the child.
●	Child is absent due to non-IV-E foster care placement and the placement is not expected to last more than 6 months past the month of departure.
●	Minor child is absent due to vacation.

-	Minor is not with non-custodial parent.
	AND
-	Absence is not expected to last more than 2 months after the month of departure.

●	Minor child is absent due to visit or vacation with a non-custodial parent.

-	Home of the minor child remains with the caregiver.
	AND
-	Absence is expected to last no more than 2 months from the month of departure.

●	Minor child is absent from home due to incarceration and the absence is expected to last no more than 2 months from the month of departure.
●	A caregiver and minor child are both absent from Minnesota for 1 of the following reasons AND the absence is expected to last no more than 1 month from the month of departure:

-	Death or illness of a relative.
-	Training.
-	Employment search.

MINOR CHILD’S ABSENCE FOR EDUCATION AWAY FROM HOME

An applicant or participant child must meet ALL of the following conditions in order to be counted as a unit member despite their physical absence:

●	Child’s absence is due to verified attendance at school away from home.
●	The home is being maintained in anticipation of the minor child’s return during periodic school vacations.
●	The caregiver continues to maintain responsibility for support and care of the absent minor child.

SNAP:
See 0014.12 (Units for People With Multiple Residences).


MSA:
A participant absent from their own home due to hospitalization or entering a nursing facility can continue to receive the normal MSA benefit if they meet ALL the following conditions:

●	The participant or spouse owns or rents the home from which the participant is absent.
●	A physician certifies the absence is not expected to continue more than 3 months.
●	A physician certifies the participant will be able to return to independent living.
●	The participant incurs expenses tied to maintaining the home.

GA:
No provisions.


HSP:
County staff should track temporary absences. Reporting in advance is not required for emergency absences due to crisis, illness, or injury.

Continue payment for a resident who is temporarily absent up to 18 days per absence. Payments under this provision must not exceed 60 days per resident per calendar year.

In cases where a recipient is absent due to admission to a residential behavioral health treatment facility (Intensive Residential Treatment Services, Residential Crisis Stabilization, and residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment), nursing facility, or hospital, allow an additional 74 days per incident, not to exceed a total of 92 days in a calendar year.

In cases where a recipient is not expected to end their extended absence before exceeding the 92 allowable days, please complete this form to request authorization for additional payments. Please send this request by the 80th day of the extended absence. If payments past 92 days are authorized, DHS will provide additional instructions on how to proceed at that time.