"Household income"

It's a question that seems to have been asked a lot on this sub-Reddit, but I just want to make absolutely certain that all the ducks are in a row here.

I live with my girlfriend, we bought a house together and live in the same home in Pennsylvania. We have separate finances. After some unfortunate issues with her employment and a reduction in her income, she has in the past applied for, and received, some sort of medical assistance, the specific details of which I am not 100% certain, but on the renewal form she received it says "MA/CHIP" … MA I believe is Medical Assistance, CHIP I was under the impression was only for children but apparently not?

Anyway, there are plenty of posts here already asking about the definition of "household income," with the same general answer over and over that explains that what they mean by that is "tax household." We are single, and have always filed taxes single and separately, (as the income threshold for me to be able to claim her as a dependent on my taxes and file as head of household is laughable small).

What I'm confused about is that the form seems to contradict itself. It says on page 9, "we need to know about everyone on your tax return." Which is only her. Then underneath is a note: "Here is who to include on your application:" and the first bullet points lists "Your spouse OR unmarried partner." Does this just mean unmarried partner who you could claim on your tax return then? If anyone can provide some guidance that would be inherently helpful and I thank you all in advance.

There's an 866 number I can call for clarification but after reading some posts here it is apparently common for customer service reps to give out flat out wrong information…

submitted by /u/Lithp123
[comments]