Assistance is calculated by adding the total household income for everyone 18 and older and then subtracting the allowable expenses from that number. The number you are left with is the amount of assistance you are eligible for.
Income
Wages
Salary
Child support
Alimony payments
TANF
SSI
SSDI
Retirement money
Savings accounts
Checking accounts
Liquid stocks and bonds
Allowable Expenses
Rent (up to certain amounts)
Electric
Food
$30 max phone (landline or cell)
Medications
Heat
Max $250 car payment
Mandated insurance
Child support payments
Childcare payments
Emergency vehicle / home repairs (max $300)
Gas
Emergency clothing
Unallowable Expenses
Pet food / grooming / vet bills
Vehicle payments / gas / insurance on a second vehicle
Internet
Trash pick-up
Eye glasses
Dentures
Fines
Legal fees
Moving costs
Non-emergency repairs
Rent-to-own
Credit cards
Private school or college tuition or other classes
Online gaming
Driver's education
Vacations
Phone charges to jails
Alcohol
Party / celebration expenses
Eating out
Tobacco products
Multiple phone packages
Storage Unit
Applying for Assistance
You must apply for assistance at agencies you are referred to within 7 days or assistance will be suspended until you do.
If you apply for additional assistance and have not searched for jobs or have an incomplete job search log, assistance will be denied until you provide a completed job search log or a doctor's note stating you are excused from looking for work or from working.