La. Admin. Code tit. 67 § VII-1115

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024

Section VII-1115 - Economic Need

A. In determining an individual's financial need for services, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services will use a system based upon the current federal poverty guidelines. The economic need status of each consumer/recipient for the SPAS Program shall be considered in the initial determination of eligibility for services and at least annually thereafter. The consumer/recipient must provide verification of income.

B. The total monthly income of the SPAS applicant and/or spouse shall be considered in determining the amount of available income in the determination of eligibility for services. Current income received on a regular basis must be considered regardless of its source. Sources can include wages, fees, commissions, retainers, rent, interest, dividends, payment for service in cash or kind, benefits by way of pensions, compensation from insurance payments, fellowships, contributions from family or other individuals (including "free" room and board), public assistance payments, alimony and/or payments by roomers/boarders.

C. In determining the amount of available income to the consumer/recipient and/or spouse, the following are exceptions to be used:

1. court-ordered child support and/or alimony (use exact amount);

2. medical expenses, not covered by insurance, which are paid on a monthly basis, as documented by medical statements and/or canceled checks. Examples of monthly expenses are:

a. purchase of durable medical equipment;

b. repairs to durable medical equipment;

c. medication (not covered by insurance);

d. surgical supplies (not covered by insurance);

e. physician's bills (not covered by insurance);

f. hospitalizations (not covered by insurance);

g. unreimbursed personal assistance services paid by consumer/recipient;

h. payments withheld from wages for:

i. taxes;

ii. retirement;

iii. medical and/or life insurance premiums;

i. other unusual obligations to include any emergency needs, or any disability related expenses. Expenditure is to be documented as to total amount owed, for what, and amount of monthly payment.

D. Economic need will be applied using income minus allowed expenses cited above, if applicable.

E. Surplus. The monthly surplus must be applied toward the cost of services each month for the duration of planned services.

La. Admin. Code tit. 67, § VII-1115

Promulgated by the Department of Social Services, Rehabilitation Services, LR 17:611 (June 1991), amended LR 33:1148 (June 2007).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 49:664.6 and R.S. 36:477.