Page 233
206
3. Educational Income Educational income is money received in order for the family to participate in an educational endeavor. This income includes: a. Educational grants; b. Scholarships; c. Fellowships; d. Assistantships; e. Veteran’s educational benefits; and f. Educational related cash gifts or awards paid to a student or to the institution on behalf of the student.
Educational Instruction Periods Educational institutions define instruction periods differently. The most common are quarter, semester, macro/micro sessions, however there may be others. These periods are referred to as a “term” for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) purposes.
Excluded Education Income Educational income paid for tuition, school fees, books, and required supplies is excluded. Cost of living stipends that are issued to the parent from the institution are considered unearned income and not educational.
Educational funds that are paid directly to the institution that are in excess of the allowable expenses are not counted as income when the parent does not have access to the funds. If these funds are accessible or given to the parent they are then counted. These payments must be confirmed or verified by the institution.
Note: Any educational loan on which payment is deferred is considered excluded income.
4. Employer Provided Housing When an employer offsets or pays a portion of the employee’s rent, the amount paid is counted as unearned income. If this employment is the only eligible activity for the parent, the individual must also receive earned income from this employer to be eligible for CCAP participation. The following sections are different than the housing allowance provided as a veteran benefit which would be considered part of their educational income.
a. Employer Provides Free Housing In situations where the employer provides “free housing” or pays the full amount, in lieu of wages, that amount is counted