Example – Assets not Effectively Owned by the Applicant

Net family assets do not include assets held pursuant to a power of attorney because one party is not competent to manage the assets, or assets held in a joint account solely to facilitate access to assets in the event of an emergency.

Example: Alexander Cumbow and his daughter, Emily Bornscheuer, have a bank account with both names on the account. Emily’s name is on that account for the convenience of her father in case an emergency arises that would result in Emily handling payments for her father. Emily has not contributed to this asset, does not receive interest income from it, nor does she pay taxes on the interest earned. Therefore, Emily does not own this account. If Emily applies for assisted housing, the owner should not count this account as her asset. This asset belongs to Alexander and would be counted entirely as the father’s asset should he apply for assisted housing.

7. Assets that are not accessible to the applicant and provide no income to the applicant. Nonrevocable trusts are not covered under this paragraph. See information on nonrevocable trusts in paragraph 5-7 G.1.