780-2          SPECIAL RULES IN DETERMINING PAYMENTS

780-2 A.      PREGNANT WOMAN CASES

In a Pregnant Woman case, only the pregnant woman is included in the assistance unit, and only her income and expenses are used in the payment calculation. The needs, resources, and income of all household members who would be required to be included in the mandatory filing unit if the unborn child were born must be considered in determining eligibility. See ATAPAlaska Temporary Assistance Program MS 770-2.

780-2 B.      DEDUCTIONS FROM INCOME

Work incentive deductions (i.e., earned income and child care deductions) are allowed against earned income in computing the payment amount, unless an individual, without good cause, refuses or terminates employment, reduces earnings, or fails to timely report changes in employment status. See ATAPAlaska Temporary Assistance Program MS 760.

Child support payments made by an assistance unit member are allowed as a deduction from earned or unearned income. This deduction is applied to the total of earned and unearned income, after any work incentive deductions have been subtracted.

780-2 C.      SHELTER ALLOWANCE

Thirty percent of the Need Standard is designated for the assistance unit to pay shelter expenses. The assistance unit is allowed all or part of the shelter allowance to the extent that they incur such costs.

The shelter allowance is calculated before any other deductions and before the ratable reduction is applied.

The shelter allowance calculation does not apply to:

• Child only case; or
• The 185% or Need Standard Income Eligibility Tests.

780-2 D.      TWO-PARENT SEASONAL BENEFIT REDUCTION

For the benefit months of July, August, and September, when work opportunities are best in Alaska, ATAPAlaska Temporary Assistance Program benefit payments are reduced by 50 percent for two-parent families. See ATAPAlaska Temporary Assistance Program MS 720 for policy on the two-parent seasonal benefit reduction.