(A) Minor mothers with a child born out of wedlock must live in the home of their parent or guardian to be eligible to receive AFDC benefits unless:
(1) the minor parent has no living parent or legal guardian whose whereabouts is known;
(2) no living parent or legal guardian of the minor parent allows the minor parent to live in his or her home;
(3) the minor parent lived apart from his or her own parent or legal guardian for a period of at least one year before either the birth of the dependent child or the parent's having applied for AFDC;
(4) the physical or emotional health or safety of the minor parent or dependent child would be jeopardized if they resided in the same residence with the minor parent's parent or legal guardian;
(5) there is otherwise good cause for the minor parent and dependent child to receive assistance while living apart from the minor parent's parent or legal guardian or another adult relative or an adult supervised supportive living arrangement.
(B) If a minor parent makes an allegation supporting the conclusion that subsection (A)(4) applies, the department shall determine whether it is justified. Circumstances justifying a determination of good cause as provided for in subsection (A)(5) include, but are not limited to, written statements from at least two corroborating persons showing that it is not in the best interest of the minor parent to live with his or her parents or legal guardian or in an adult supervised supportive living arrangement. When a minor parent and his or her dependent child are required to live with the minor parent's parent or legal guardian or another adult relative or in an adult supervised supportive living arrangement, AFDC must be paid, where possible, in the form of a protective payment. A minor parent applicant must be informed directly about AFDC eligibility requirements including his or her rights under this section. The applicant must be told of the exemptions and must be asked if one or more of the exemptions is applicable to the applicant. The department shall assist the minor in obtaining the necessary verification if one or more of these exemptions is alleged.
HISTORY: 1995 Act No. 102, Part V, Section 4, eff June 12, 1995.