Glossary A-words (FAM)

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Adjusted Gross Income — case income minus all allowable deductions.

Administrative Error — an action or lack of action by the Department resulting in the underpayment or overpayment of an individual’s level of benefit or resulting in an incorrect determination of eligibility or ineligibility.

Alien Sponsor — any individual who executed an affidavit of support or similar agreement on behalf of an alien (who is neither the child of the sponsor nor the sponsor’s spouse) as a condition of the alien’s entry into the U.S. When deeming the sponsor’s income, "sponsor" refers only to individuals and does not apply to churches, agencies, or organizations.

Alimony - payments for maintenance and care made to and on behalf of former or estranged spouse.

Allowable Deduction — the amount subtracted from an income which represents an expense that has been made or must be made by an assistance group member or an individual whose income is counted when determining eligibility.

Alternate Payee Organization — any organization that provides guardian, conservator, protective payee, authorized representative, or power of attorney services to NH citizens and receives Department of Health and Human Services benefits or notices on behalf of the individual.

Annuity - Any instrument which gives the right to receive fixed, periodic payments, either for life or a term of years.

Anticipated Change — a change that is expected to occur in the future.

Assignment of Rights to Support — a process whereby the right to receive and collect an individual’s support is transferred to the Department for the purpose of reimbursing TANF financial assistance.

Assistance Payment — the negotiable bank warrant issued to recipients of financial assistance.

Assistance Group — the individuals living together, with or without benefit of a dwelling, whose needs, income, and resources are considered and combined together when determining eligibility and the amount of financial assistance.

Available Income — all income considered to be regular and recurring or which is considered to be available for use regardless of actual receipt.