Section 17-676-21 - Social security benefits(a) All social security benefits, shall be counted as unearned income. Social Security benefits may include, but are not limited to: (1) Retirement benefits at age sixty-two;(2) Disability benefits to individuals who are unable to work because of physical or mental handicaps;(3) Survivor's benefits to the spouse of a deceased wage earner; or(4) Children's benefits to children of a deceased or disabled parent.(b) In the financial assistance programs, the amount of social security benefits actually received, which may reflect recoupments, shall be the countable benefit amount. Medicare premium deductions, even if actually deducted from the payment, shall be considered countable income.(c) In the food stamp program, the Social Security benefits, prior to any deductions for Medicare premiums, garnishments, or voluntary withholdings, shall be considered countable income. Any benefits withheld due to recoupment for an overpayment of social security benefits shall be excluded.[Eff 3/19/93; am 08/01/94; am and comp 11/09/06] (Auth: HRS § 346-53) (Imp: HRS § 346-29; 7 C.F.R. §273.9(b); 45 C.F.R. §233.20 )