The MSA assistance standard is the minimum amount of money the state of Minnesota believes a person needs in order to pay for his or her basic needs. This amount is used along with the money you get from SSI and other sources to figure out the amount of your MSA benefit. The amount depends on whether you are an individual or an eligible couple; and on whether you are living alone or living with others. The MSA assistance standard is adjusted each year for the cost of living.
For an person living alone, the MSA assistance standard is $759/month for 2012.
If you’re an individual living with others, the MSA assistance standard is $558. Notice that this is less than the SSI Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) for individuals ($698). So if you’re in this situation and you’re getting full SSI ($698), you won’t get any MSA unless you have some special needs expenses.
The MSA assistance standard for an eligible couple living alone is $1,139.
For an eligible couple living with others, the MSA assistance standard is $763. Again, this is less than FBR for a couple ($1,048), so there would be no MSA grant unless special needs expenses were in the picture.
People living in certain residential facilities get $84/month for personal needs and clothing.
Salaries, wages, tips, professional fees, and other amounts you receive as pay for physical or mental work you perform. Funds received from any other source are not included. (Contrast: unearned income.)
Monthly and annual income amounts used to determine financial eligibility for state and federal benefit programs.
Each year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issues the Federal Poverty Guidelines in the Federal Register. The current Federal Poverty Level for one person is $10,890 per year; for two people, it's $14,710. Add $3,820 for each additional person.
A state-run health care program that pays medical expenses for people who are disabled, young, elderly, poor, or pregnant. If you meet program requirements, MA will help pay for a variety of medical services including visits to the doctor, hospital stays, medical equipment, home care services, and prescription drugs. To apply for MA, visit your county human services agency.
An individual who receives benefits on someone else's behalf. Social Security conducts a careful investigation before appointing a relative, friend, or other interested party as the representative payee of individuals who need help managing their benefits. For children under 18, a parent or guardian is usually the representative payee.
A special needs expense that can be added to your MSA assistance standard to help you move from an institution into the community. Your total shelter costs (rent, utilities, and initial security deposit) must be more than 40% of your household gross income to qualify for a Shelter-Needy Allowance. In 2012, the Shelter-Needy Allowance is $200.
Wage replacement income for individuals who have worked and paid FICA taxes and who now have a disability meeting Social Security disability rules. SSDI provides a variety of benefits to family members when a primary wage earner in the family becomes disabled or dies. SSDI is financed with Social Security taxes paid by workers, employers, and self-employed persons. SSDI benefits are payable to disabled workers, widows, widowers, and children or adults disabled since childhood who are otherwise eligible.
One-time or regular monthly expenses that are added to your MSA assistance standard when it is used to calculate your MSA benefit amount. Examples include money spent on medically-prescribed diets, representative payee fees, and cost of home repairs.
Special needs expenses must be approved by your county human services agency. Be sure to keep your receipts!
A division within Minnesota's Department of Human Services that decides whether or not you meet the state criteria for "blind" or "disabled" status. SMRT uses a standard process to make disability determinations for people with disabilities who either aren't eligible for Social Security benefits (e.g., SSI, SSDI), have an application pending for Social Security benefits, or are in their five-month waiting period for SSDI.
An income benefit program for disabled individuals who are unable to engage in any Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). Eligibility for the program is based on financial need established by income and assets requirements. The maximum monthly SSI benefit for most individuals in 2012 is $698, $1,048 for most couples.
Funds received from sources for which no paid work activity is performed. Disability benefits such as SSDI, SSI, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance; VA benefits; Workers' Compensation; income from a trust or investment; spousal support; dividends, profits, or funds received from any source other than work are all usually considered unearned income.
