COMAR 07.03.17.05. Boarders

A. An individual required to be included in the household as described in Regulation .03C of this chapter is not considered a boarder.

B. A boarder is an individual residing with others and paying them reasonable compensation for lodging and meals.

C. Reasonable Compensation for Meals.

(1) To determine if an individual is paying reasonable compensation for meals in making a determination of boarder status, the boarder's monthly payment for meals shall be either of the following:

(a) For more than two meals a day, an amount which equals or exceeds the Thrifty Food Plan shown in Schedule D of Regulation .45 of this chapter , for the appropriate size of the boarder household; or

(b) For two meals or less per day, an amount that equals or exceeds 2/3 of the Thrifty Food Plan for the appropriate size of the boarder household.

(2) The amount of the payment that a boarder gives to a household shall be treated as self- employment income to the household.

D. A foster care individual is considered a boarder.

E. A boarder is ineligible to participate in the Program as a separate household.

F. A Boarder As a Participating Household Member.

(1) An individual who is furnished meals but pays compensation of less than a reasonable amount to the household for the meals is considered a member of the household providing the meals.

(2) The household that includes a boarder may participate in the Program if the household meets all the eligibility requirements for Program participation.

(3) A boarder may participate as a member of the household if the boarder receives food stamp services at the household's request.

G. The local department may not consider as available to the household any of the income or resources of individuals:

(1) Determined to be boarders; and

(2) Who are not members of the household providing the boarder with meals as described in §E of this regulation .

Cross References 07.03.17.03B(3)