Colorado WIC Program Policies and Procedures Section 8: Certification, Eligibility and Coordination Revised: 01/01/2025

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Proof of Income

Policy: Endorsers/Participants must provide proof of income information during the certification and recertification visits. Staff must document the Endorser/Participant’s proof of income in Compass. Electronic or paper versions of proof of income are acceptable.

Regulation: 7 CFR 246.7(d)(2)(v)

Procedures/Additional Guidance Income is defined as the total gross income of all household members. Gross income is all income before deductions are made for income taxes, employee social security taxes, insurance premiums, bonds, etc. It also includes any money received or withdrawn from any source, including savings.

Acceptable Types of Income Documentation Include:  Verification of participation or eligibility notice for TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families/Colorado Works), Health First Colorado (Medicaid), or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or “food stamps”)/ Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) is acceptable documentation for adjunctive eligibility.See Adjunctive Eligilibity policy.  Active participation in Colorado Works/TANF may be verified via official award letters, the Colorado PEAK system, and the Colorado Benefit Management System (CBMS). Active Health First Colorado participation may also be verified through the Health First Colorado Voice Response System and the Health First Colorado Portal. Verification of eligibility may also be verified by a caseworker with client’s approval. This approval must be documented in Compass.  Disability Assistance (SSI): Letter or check stubs.  Military Leave and Earnings Statement (LES).  Check stubs from employment.  Federal or State W-2 forms or income tax forms.  When using the W-2 or income tax forms, staff must ensure that assessment of the annual income is appropriate.  Unemployment Letter/Notice.  Written Statement from employer or other person.  Savings, checking, or CD account statements (when check stubs or tax documents are not available).  Self-employment documentation/financial records.  Child support/alimony document.  Student Award Letter.  Foster Placement/Award Letter.  Verification of Certification (VOC).  Affidavit.  In the event an applicant lacks documentation of income, select “Affidavit”, to attest to their income. When an applicant truly lacks documentation of income they may self-declare their gross income. Enter the declared income on the Income panel under “Amount” field, document source as “Verbal Report” and list “Affidavit” as proof of income. Once the Income Determination Table is complete, collect the applicant/endorser’s signature.  Other.  If an applicant provides documentation that clearly establishes household income but the form of documentation presented is not listed in Compass, enter “Other” in Compass along with a description of the documentation in the Notes column.

Note: If a person has documentation of income but has not brought it to the WIC appointment and provided proof of ID and residence leave the Income Determination Table in the Income panel blank. Provisionally certify the participant and issue one month of food benefits. Schedule a return visit or inform the participant to submit