(a) When an eligible individual with an eligible spouse has an essential person (§ 416.222) living in his or her home, or when both such persons each has an essential person, the increase in the rate of payment is determined in accordance with §§ 416.413 and 416.532. The income of the essential person(s) is included in the income of the couple and the payment due will be equally divided between each member of the eligible couple.

(b) When one member of an eligible couple is temporarily absent in accordance with § 416.1149(c)(1) and § 416.222(c) and either one or both individuals has an essential person, add the essential person increment to the benefit rate for the member of the couple who is actually residing with the essential person and include the income of the essential person in that member's income. See § 416.414(b)(3).