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If only 1 newly-married member is in an existing MFIP or RCA assistance unit, the spouse joining the assistance unit will be the Designated Spouse.

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If both newly-married members are part of the same OR different existing MFIP or RCA assistance units, they may choose, but are not required to choose, who is the Designated Spouse.

- If the newly-married members do not choose a Designated Spouse, the eligibility worker should use the current case information to determine which designation would most benefit the household. Things that may be considered include: which spouse has the most counted income, which spouse has recent work history and will the person’s personal situation allow the income to not be counted (see below). If neither spouse has income, the eligibility worker will select the 1st spouse to have counted earned or unearned income during the 12 consecutive months as the Designated Spouse.

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Failing to provide Social Security Number.

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Having a current fraud disqualification.

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Being a fleeing felon.

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Being a parole violator.

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Begin the month after the month of marriage.

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May include a period of program ineligibility of 30 days or greater.

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Are not altered or cancelled by eligibility switching between MFIP or RCA.

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Be active on MFIP, or RCA in the month of marriage.

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Have a verified marriage date of 12-01-18 or later.

- If verification of marriage is received in the month of marriage, do not count income of the designated spouse beginning in the month after marriage.

- If verification of marriage is received after the month of marriage, do not count income beginning the month after verification is received for any remaining months in the 12 consecutive month period after marriage.

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Have a combined gross income that does not exceed 275% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG). See 0017.11 (Determining New Spouse Income).

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Have the Designated Spouse selected.

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Be determined eligible ongoing for MFIP, or RCA as part of their initial approval.

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Have a verified marriage date of 12-01-18 or later.

- If verification of marriage is received in the month of marriage, do not count income of the designated spouse beginning in the month after marriage.

- If verification of marriage is received after the month of marriage, do not count income beginning the month after verification is received for any remaining months in the 12 consecutive month period after marriage.

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Have a marriage date on or after the date of application.

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Have a combined gross income that does not exceed 275 percent of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG). See 0017.11 (Determining New Spouse Income).

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Have the Designated Spouse selected.

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MANDATORY ELIGIBLE assistance unit members as well as optional members who opt in to receive MFIP for themselves. See 0014.03.03 (Determining the Cash Assistance Unit).

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MANDATORY INELIGIBLE assistance unit members who are ineligible due to:

- Being a recipient of SSI.

- Being an ineligible non-citizen.

- Failing to verify citizenship.

- Being in Post-60 month removal.