<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".13" citation="COMAR 07.03.16.13" title_num="07" subtitle_num="03" chapter_num="16" heading="Benefit Amount.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>The LDSS shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Determine the RCA benefit payment amount by deducting the net countable income, rounded down to the nearest dollar, from the allowable amount for the assistance unit size specified in Regulation .15 of this chapter; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Issue a benefit to the assistance unit if the assistance unit is determined to be eligible for $10 or more.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Net countable income for an assistance unit is determined by applying the allowable disregards in the following sequence:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>20 percent of the gross earned income or 50 percent of gross self-employment income to test for eligibility during the application process;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>After eligibility has been established, 40 percent of the gross earned income or 50 percent of gross self-employment income for recipients who have obtained unsubsidized employment;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Payments for the care of each child in the assistance unit or an incapacitated adult living in the home not to exceed:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>$200 monthly for employment of 100 hours or more per month; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>$100 monthly for employment less than 100 hours per month; and</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Verified payments of child support to an individual outside the assistance unit.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Child care and adult care payments as described in §B(3) of this regulation are allowed only if it is necessary for an assistance unit member to:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Accept or continue employment;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Seek employment;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Attend an assessment or training that leads to employment; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Pursue education that leads to employment.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>