Legal Definitions - countable resource

A countable resource refers to any asset or personal property that is considered when determining an individual's eligibility for government assistance programs. These resources are typically subject to a maximum value or "cap," and if an applicant's countable resources exceed this limit, they may not qualify for aid or may be required to use these resources first before receiving assistance.

The specific types of assets considered "countable" can vary significantly depending on the particular government program and its governing statutes. Often, these are assets that could potentially be converted into cash to meet an individual's needs.

• Example 1: A Second Vehicle

  Imagine an individual applying for a state-funded disability assistance program. They own a modest sedan used for daily transportation, which is typically exempt from being a countable resource. However, they also own a classic car, fully restored and stored in their garage, which has a market value of $25,000. In this scenario, the classic car would likely be considered a countable resource. The program might require the applicant to sell this non-essential, valuable asset and use the proceeds to support themselves before they can become eligible for financial aid, as it represents an available asset above the program's resource limit.

• Example 2: Investment Accounts

  Consider a person applying for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. While they have a low monthly income, they also hold an investment account containing $10,000 in stocks and mutual funds. Most government assistance programs, including SNAP, have a resource limit for liquid assets. If the program's limit for such assets is, for example, $2,250, then the $10,000 in the investment account would be a countable resource. The applicant would likely need to liquidate a significant portion of these investments and use the funds for their household expenses before they could qualify for SNAP benefits.

• Example 3: Non-Primary Real Estate

  An elderly individual is seeking to qualify for Medicaid to cover the costs of long-term nursing home care. While their primary residence is generally protected and not considered a countable resource, they also own a small cabin in a rural area that they inherited and rarely use. This cabin, not being their primary home and having a market value, would likely be classified as a countable resource. Medicaid rules would typically require the individual to sell this secondary property and use the proceeds to pay for their care before they could become eligible for full government assistance, as it represents an available asset that could be used to meet their financial obligations.