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Individuals’ contribution to the principle is never considered as income.
8. Tax Refunds Tax refunds and Earned Income Tax Credit refunds are not counted as income.
9. Veterans Reduction Assistance Allowance That portion of Veterans Reduction Assistance Allowance which represents the veteran's contribution to the allowance is excluded from income. Veterans who served before December 31, 1977, have not made a contribution toward their benefits. This contribution will not exceed $2,700 and can be identified by the Veterans Administration (VA) when verifying benefits. To verify benefits call 1-800-827-1000 and provide the applicant's VA claim or file number. A social security number may be used as a last resort. The VA will verify the educational expenses (i.e., tuition, books, fees, transportation) which are excluded from income.
That portion of the allowance which represents the Veterans Administration contribution and which exceeds these educational expenses is counted as income.
418.
EARNED INCOME AND DOCUMENTATION
Income documentation is not an “exact science”. This section suggests preferable ways in which to document income. The important step in using alternate documentation is to briefly note in the case file the reasons other types of verification were accepted. Income for household members under 18 is not counted towards households’ income. This does not include child support or Social Security income.
1. Employment income includes all gross wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, profit sharing, and tips of an employee. Other acceptable documentation includes: a) Pay stubs for the last 3 months, identifying the person whose income is being considered (i.e. social security number or name) and showing the income for the period being considered for the computations; b) A written statement from the employer stating the income for the period being considered for the computations; and c) A W-2 Form for the previous year’s wages. (This documentation can be used by itself only for applications in the months of January, February, March and thru April 15th of the current heating season).