Section 564-6-5 - Evaluation ProcessA. If an initial evaluation of an applicants total income determines that the applicant's total income is less than the "minimum income standard", the applicant will be determined to be unable to pay the deductible. The "minimum income standard" is the "low" income level set forth in the most recent Farmers Home Administration Income Table which is applicable to the applicant based upon county of residence and size of household.B. If the initial evaluation referred to in Section A shows that the applicant is able to pay the deductible, a further evaluation will be undertaken in line with the following guidelines: 1. Outcome 1: If the applicant has available cash flow and available assets, the applicant should be able to afford to pay the deductible. If however, the applicant's debt payment ratio is greater than 36% then the applicant may have difficulty reimbursing the state through additional debt.2. Outcome 2: If the applicant has insufficient cash flow but available assets, the applicant may be able to pay the deductible through the sale of assets, but not out of annual income or additional debt.3. Outcome 3: If the applicant has available cash flow but does not have available assets, the applicant should be able to pay the deductible through annual income, but not by sale of assets or assumption of debt.4. Outcome 4: If the applicant has insufficient cash flow and does not have available assets, the applicant may be unable to pay the deductible. The Commissioner shall also examine any extenuating circumstances when weighing the applicant's financial position against the possible outcomes listed above.
90- 564 C.M.R. ch. 6, § 5