Does my income count when getting paid to help my Mom?

Sometimes in certain conditions you can file an affidavit that you cook and eat separately. My neighbor did that so that her mom could be considered in a separate household. You should be able to prove that you maintain separate finances. Be sure to investigate this before declaring both incomes as her household income

Read the paperwork you have. Does the application paperwork ask for the recipient's income or for household income? Ask them.