free income tax programs in yakima wa for seniors

More on how Medicaid counts income.Ĭountable assets include cash, stocks, bonds, investments, credit union, savings, and checking accounts, and real estate in which one does not reside. Income is counted differently when only one spouse applies for Regular Medicaid The income of both the applicant spouse and the non-applicant spouse is calculated towards the applicant’s income eligibility. More on how the spousal income allowance is calculated. This is the Maximum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance. However, in 2022, in no case can a spousal income allowance put a non-applicant’s monthly income over $3,435. In Washington, a non-applicant spouse can further increase their spousal income allowance if their housing and utility costs exceed a “shelter standard” of $687 / month (effective 7/1/22 – 6/30/23). If a non-applicant spouse’s income is under $2,289 / month, income can be transferred from their applicant spouse, bringing their income up to this level.

The MMMNA is a spousal impoverishment rule and is the minimum amount of income a non-applicant spouse is said to require to avoid poverty. However, the non-applicant spouse (also called a community spouse) may be entitled to a Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance ( MMMNA) from their applicant spouse. The income of the non-applicant spouse is disregarded and has no impact on the applicant’s income eligibility. When only one spouse of a married couple applies for nursing home Medicaid or a Medicaid Waiver, only the income of the applicant is counted. Covid-19 stimulus checks and Holocaust restitution payments do not count as income and have no impact on Medicaid eligibility. Examples include employment wages, alimony payments, pension payments, Social Security Disability Income, Social Security Income, IRA withdrawals, and stock dividends. To clarify, this income can come from any source. The amount of the allowance may vary based on the setting in which the applicant lives and their marital status.Īny income that a Medicaid applicant receives is counted. After paying Medicare premiums and a spousal income allowance (if applicable), they may only be entitled to a monthly personal needs allowance. †A program beneficiary may not be able keep all of their monthly income. *All of a beneficiary’s income, with the exception of Medicare premiums, a personal needs allowance of approximately $75.36 / month, and potentially a spousal income allowance for a non-applicant spouse, must go towards nursing home costs. IMPORTANT: Not meeting all the criteria does not mean one is ineligible or cannot become eligible for Washington Medicaid. Alternatively, one can take the Medicaid Eligibility Test. The table below provides a quick reference to allow seniors to determine if they might be immediately eligible for long term care from a WA Medicaid program.

Various long-term care benefits, such as personal care assistance or adult day care, may be available. More on Waivers.ģ) Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind, Disabled – This is an entitlement program Anyone who meets the eligibility requirements is able to receive benefits. Intended to delay and prevent the need for nursing home care, services are provided at home, adult day care, in an adult family home, or in assisted living. Services are provided only in nursing homes.Ģ) Medicaid Waivers / Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) – This is not an entitlement program There are only a select number of participant enrollment slots. Further complicating eligibility is that the eligibility rules differ for a single individual versus a married couple and that Washington offers multiple pathways towards eligibility.ġ) Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid – This is an entitlement program Anyone who is eligible will receive assistance.

These programs have varying eligibility requirements and benefits. There are several different Medicaid long-term care programs for which Washington seniors may be eligible. The American Council on Aging now offers a free, quick and easy Medicaid eligibility test for seniors.

What is the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program.

Miller Trusts / Qualified Income Trusts.

Free income tax programs in yakima wa for seniors