Useful occupation is defined as activity that demands the time and attention of the
person for the ultimate benefit of others. The following are not considered as useful
occupations: Hobbies; activity which is essentially occupational therapy; work made
possible only by sympathy of others in assisting in the work or purchasing the product;
work not normally considered a necessary occupation, and if the individual ceased
doing it, no one else would replace him; work in a sheltered workshop; and work under an approved vocational rehabilitation
plan. Income from any such activity shall be considered in the determination of need.
Homemaking is considered as a useful occupation when it involves the ability to carry
out the responsibilities of home-management and decision-making and to provide essential
services within the home for at least one person in addition to oneself. It is not
an occupation which is carried on for pay such as would apply to domestics, maids,
and housekeepers hired by other people.
The following activities are important to the adequate performance of the occupation
of homemaking: shopping for food and supplies; planning and preparing meals; washing
dishes; cleaning house (sweeping, mopping, dusting, moving furniture); making beds;
and washing and ironing clothes. If the care of young children is within the homemaking
responsibilities, the following activities are involved: lifting and carrying infants
and when necessary, pre-school children; bathing and dressing young children; training
and supervising children; and accompanying children to community activities, to sources
of medical care, etc. Where more modern facilities are not used the following activities
may be necessary to the maintenance of the home: carrying water; carrying fuel; and
building fires.
A person performing some of the functions of a homemaker may meet the eligibility
requirement of permanent and total disability if activities are restricted to the
extent that the person may be permanently and totally disabled as defined in A and
B above.