10-148-12 Me. Code R. § 5

Current through 2024-25, June 19, 2024
Section 148-12-5 - AMOUNT AND DURATION OF SUBSIDY
a. The amount of assistance may vary, depending on the circumstances of the permanency guardian (including, but not limited to, income, indebtedness, family size, special needs, etc.), the special needs of the child, and the availability of other resources. The amount of long term, limited period, or one-payment assistance, or any combination thereof, may not exceed the cost of caring for the child if the child had remained in the custody of the Department in a family foster home.
b. The permanency guardian may apply for third party benefit payments on behalf of the child. If such benefits are available for the child, the guardian shall notify the Department of the application for and receipt of the benefits.
c. In no instance shall assistance continue past the time when the child attains the age of eighteen (or until the child is age 21 where the state determines the child has need of educational benefits or has a physical, mental or emotional handicap which warrants the continuation of permanency guardianship subsidy).
d. If the permanency guardian and child move to another state, payments will continue according to the agreement between the permanency guardian and the Department as long as the child continues to be eligible based on the annual review.
e. Guardianship payments will terminate if the Department determines that the permanency guardian is no longer legally responsible for the child or if the Department determines that the child is no longer receiving any support from the permanency guardian.
f. The permanency guardian is responsible for immediately notifying the Department's Adoption Program Specialist in writing of any changes in the needs of the child, the circumstances of the family, or other benefits available for the child's support, that may affect his or her eligibility for assistance or the amount of assistance required. The permanency guardian shall notify the Department's Adoption Program Specialist in writing within 10 days of the change.

10-148 C.M.R. ch. 12, § 5