EXAMPLE: IRWE vs. ISM
FACTS: Mr. Crane, who resides in a community residence, files for SSI in November 1991, as
a disabled individual (he is ineligible for title II benefits). You learn that the
residence fees of $600 a month reflect $150 for attendant care services and $450 for
room and board.
Mr. Crane's brother pays $200 a month to the residence, with none of the money prescribed
for any particular items. Mr. Crane pays $400 a month from his monthly earnings of
$600.
CONSIDERATIONS: You consider following the SGA determination which computed the IRWE to be $150 since
all of the attendant care services reflect care associated with Mr. Crane working.
You recognize that if $150 of Mr. Crane's payment is considered an IRWE for SSI payment
purposes, only $250 remains to be attributed towards the room and board. Under this
apportionment of Mr. Crane's $400 monthly payment, $200 of the room and board would
be paid by his brother and Mr. Crane would be receiving ISM valued at $200 subject
to the presumed maximum value ($155.66).
You compute his countable income to be $328.16 a month ($192.50 earned and $135.66
unearned).
In addition, you consider attributing Mr. Crane's $400 payment towards the room and
board, and calculate the ISM to be $50 ($450-$400). Under this apportionment, you
calculate his countable income to be $297.50 a month ($267.50 earned and $30 unearned).
DECISION: You attribute Mr. Crane's payment towards the room and board rather than towards the
attendant care since it yields a higher SSI payment.