Since the couple is ineligible for SSI in all months of this example based on CM income,
compare the amount of each CM's excess income to the OSS payment level.
For September 1989, the month of separation, the OSS payment variation for both couple
members is living independently without cooking facilities. The couple is eligible
because the excess income of $22 (225 +$370 - $20 CM FCI - $553 FBR) is less than
the OSS payment level.
Beginning in October, the first full month of separation, Barbara's OSS payment variation
changes to category A, independent living with cooking facilities. Barbara's OSS level
is $250, half the State's OSS payment level for couples in category A.
Larry's OSS payment level is $300, half the State's level for couples in category
C. Do not average the OSS payment levels when eligible couples are not living together.
Do average the excess income as long as eligible couple's status is retained. Half
the total couple's excess income of $11.00 is allocated to each member. Since $11.00
is less than either OSS payment level, both are eligible beginning with October.