Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee
Title 1240 - Human Services
Subtitle 1240-01 - Family Assistance Division
Chapter 1240-01-17 - Timeliness Standards
Section 1240-01-17-.11 - APPLYING FOR AFDC AND APPEARING POTENTIALLY ELIGIBLE FOR SSI - AFDC

(1) Parent or Other Relative Applying for AFDC and Appearing Potentially Eligible for SSI - AFDC. When the parent or other relative who is making application for AFDC appears to be potentially eligible for SSI, the applicant will be asked whether application has been made for SSI. If application for SSI has not been made, a brief explanation of the program will be given and it will be suggested that application for SSI be made. Whether or not the aged, blind, or disabled person states that he has made or will make application for SSI, if the person wishes to be included in the AFDC aid group and is otherwise eligible as caretaker or second parent, he is included and all of his income and resources are taken into consideration. When notification of approval for SSI is received, the person will be removed from the AFDC aid group promptly. No advance notice is required since the person will be receiving assistance in another category.

(2) Parent or Other Relative Included in SSI Determination and Wishing to Apply as AFDC Needy Caretaker. When a parent or other relative applies for AFDC after the other parent or the spouse of the other relative has applied for or received SSI benefits, the county department will let him/her know that he/she can make application for the children and for himself/herself to be included as needy caretaker, but that he/she cannot be considered in AFDC as long as he/she is included in the SSI determination. The worker will assist him/her in understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each provision and in making a choice. If the parent or other relative wishes to relinquish SSI involvement and be included in the AFDC budget, the worker will, on receipt of the notice from the SSI office, make the necessary change in the AFDC budget and payment, including Medicaid, to include the parent or other relative as a needy caretaker.