An applicant's household is composed of all permanent members of the household. The household composition will determine both the maximum income limit the household will need to be under and the size of the home needed (number of bedrooms). Some household members may be considered in the bedroom calculation, but not the maximum income calculation.
- Foster Children: Foster children are not counted in the household size when determining if the household is under the maximum income. Additionally, any payments that the household received related to the foster children are not considered income. Foster children are counted in the household size when determining how many bedrooms the household may qualify for. For example, a 3 person household made up of a husband, a wife, and a foster child must fall under the maximum income limit for a household of 2, but may qualify for a 2 or 3 bedroom home.
- Live In Health Aid or Nanny: Live in health aids or nannies are not counted in the household size when determining if the household is under the maximum income. Additionally, applicants must provide documentation that this is a paid position including a contract with the caregiver. Live in health aids or nannies are counted in the household size when determining how many bedrooms the household may qualify for. For example, a 5 person household made up of two parents, two children, and a nanny must fall under the maximum income limit for a household of of 4, but may qualify for a 3 bedroom home.
- Child Whose Primary Residence is Not the Applicant's Household: Children whose primary residence is not the applicant's household are not counted in the household size when determining if the household is under the maximum income unless custody is 50/50. Children whose primary residence is not the applicant's household are counted in the household size when determining how many bedrooms the household may qualify for. For example, a 2 person household made up of a father and child (without 50/50 custody) must fall under the maximum income limit for a household of 1, but may qualify for a 1 or 2 bedroom home.
- Unborn Child: Unborn children are counted in the household size when determining if the household is under the maximum income and when determining how many bedrooms the household may qualify for. For example, a 3 person household made up of a husband and pregnant wife must fall under the maximum income limit for a household of 3. Additionally, they may qualify for a 2 or 3 bedroom home.
- Child Being Adopted: Children being adopted are counted in the household size when determining if the household is under the maximum income and when determining how many bedrooms the household may qualify for. For example, a 2 person household made up of a mother and child being adopted must fall under the maximum income limit for a household of 2. Additionally, they may qualify for a 1 or 2 bedroom home.
- Full Time College Student Not Living at Home: Full time college students not living at home are counted in the household size when determining if the household is under the maximum income and when determining how many bedrooms the household may qualify for. A full time student is a member of the household reported to the IRS as a dependent who is enrolled in a degree seeking program for 12 or more credit hours per semester. Additionally, part time income earned by full time students (income earned on less than a 35 hour work week) is not considered income. For example, a 2 person household made up of a father and child (full time student) must fall under the maximum income limit for a household of 2. Additionally, they may qualify for a 1 or 2 bedroom home.