In a household where both parents are not continuously present, the worker must determine if both parents are present to the extent that the income and resources of both parents must be used in the eligibility determination and the needs of both included in the unit. This policy applies when the non-custodial parent has sufficiently frequent contact with the child(ren) so that the normal parental roles of providing guidance, physical care, and maintenance have not been interrupted. In addition, this policy applies when there is joint physical (shared) custody where the physical custody of the child(ren) is split between both parents. This can be either on a scheduled basis as included in a divorce decree or on an informal basis agreed to by both parents.
{5/8/05}