Legal Definitions - standard of need

The standard of need refers to the minimum amount of financial resources an individual or family requires to cover basic living expenses, as determined by a specific state. This benchmark is used in public assistance programs to assess whether someone qualifies for aid. If a person's or family's available income and assets fall below this state-defined standard, they are generally considered eligible for public assistance to help bridge the gap.

Here are a few examples illustrating the standard of need:

• Imagine a state sets its standard of need for a single parent with two young children at $2,500 per month. This figure is calculated to cover essential costs like rent, food, utilities, and basic necessities for a family of three. If a single mother in that state earns $1,800 per month from her job, her income falls below the $2,500 standard of need. This gap means she would likely qualify for public assistance programs, such as food stamps or cash aid, to help her meet the state's determined minimum living requirements for her family.

• Consider an elderly individual living alone in a state where the standard of need for a single person over 65 is set at $1,200 per month. This amount might factor in typical expenses for seniors, including housing, food, and some medical co-pays. If this individual receives $900 per month from Social Security and has no other income or significant assets, their resources are below the state's $1,200 standard of need. Consequently, they would be eligible for state-funded programs designed to supplement their income and help them afford basic necessities.

• In another state, the standard of need for an adult living with a severe disability might be set at $1,800 per month, potentially accounting for additional costs related to their condition, such as specialized transportation or medical supplies not fully covered by insurance. If an individual with a disability in that state receives $1,000 per month from federal disability benefits and has no other income, their total resources are significantly below the $1,800 standard of need. This difference would make them eligible for state public assistance programs aimed at helping individuals with disabilities cover their essential living and care expenses.