Only one individual in each applicant/recipient group can be the specified relative to a child.
NOTE: There may be different specified relatives responsible for the care and control of different children in the same household.
Exception: When both parents, including adoptive parents, of a dependent child are included in the applicant/recipient group, both parents are named as specified relatives.
If the child is living with more than one relative who could be designated the specified relative, other than both parents (including adoptive parents), the CAO must name one individual as the specified relative.
Examples:
Donald, age 18, lives with his mother and stepfather. His mother applies for MA for the entire family. Because Donald does not live with both parents, the mother is named as a specified relative for TC. Donald's stepfather would be explored for other MA.
Holly, age 11, lives with her aunt and uncle. The aunt hands in an MA application for the entire family. Since Holly does not live with both parents, only one individual can be named as a specified relative and qualify for category TC.
More than one relative in the household may be a specified relative of a dependent child. Only one non-relative caretaker may be a specified relative of a dependent child.
Examples:
Diane lives with her father and step-mother. Her step-mother submits an MA application for the household. Both Diane’s father and step-mother are specified relatives for the MG27 category.
Francis lives with his aunt and uncle. His aunt submits an MA application for the household. Both the aunt and uncle are classified as specified relatives for the MG27 category.
Abby lives with her non-related guardians, Lisa and her husband Jerry. Lisa applies for MA for the household. Only one of Abby’s guardians can be the specified relative and qualify for MG 27.
Updated October 19, 2018, Replacing February 14, 2012