CARES Act Relief Payments Will Not Be Counted As Income for Those in Means-Tested Programs

Original article from California Health Advocates:
We’ve had several questions regarding how the economic impact payments (EIP) coming from the federal government per the Coronavirus Aid, Relief,and Economic Recovery (CARES) Act will affect people’s eligibility for Medi-Cal and other means-tested programs. The good news is that, in all cases, the economic impact payments (EIP) coming from the federal government per CARES Act will NOT be counted as income, and will NOT impact your eligibility. Also, for 12 months, the EIP will not be counted as assets. So as long as the payment doesn’t sit in your bank account for over 12 months, this payment should not affect your eligibility for these programs: Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California), Medicare Savings Programs, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and public housing benefits.

Read more for additional info and resources from California Health Advocates.

---