Potential income is defined as income based on entitlement or need which is usually determined by an administering agency as a result of an application for benefits by the individual. Potential income includes, but is not limited to, RSDI, categorical assistance, Railroad Retirement, veteran's or military service benefits, unemployment compensation, disability insurance benefits, and worker's compensation. Medicare, AEIC's, and EIC's are not considered potential benefits.
The worker must explore each individual's potential entitlement for benefits. The client is required to apply for any benefits for which s/he appears to be entitled within 60 days of the date the worker notifies the client of the requirement. The worker must not delay determination of eligibility for assistance and authorization of payment pending determination of entitlement for benefits. After the worker has determined the client's eligibility for categorical assistance s/he must notify the client in writing of the requirement to apply for a benefit for which the client appears eligible and inform the client of the number of days left in which to apply.
An unemployed parent who applies for medical assistance is required to apply for and accept any unemployment compensation to which s/he may be entitled. Individuals who have applied for or are receiving unemployment compensation are shown on N-FOCUS IUC interface.
A child who is a full-time student is not required to apply for unemployment compensation, even if s/he appears to be eligible for the benefit.
(12/27/97)