9063.1 Anticipating Income

Take into account the income already received by the household during the certification period and any anticipated income which the household and the Division are reasonably certain will be received during the remainder of the certification period. Income is not to be counted at all if it is uncertain what amount is to be received or when it is to be received. As an example of uncertain income, a household anticipating income from a new source, such as a new job or recently applied for public assistance benefits may be uncertain as to the timing and amount of the initial payment. Do not anticipate this income unless there is reasonable certainty concerning the month in which the payment will be received and in what amount. If the exact amount of the income is not known, that portion of it which can be anticipated with reasonable certainty will be considered as income. In cases where the receipt of income is reasonably certain but the monthly amount may fluctuate, the income may be averaged. Households are to be advised to report all changes in gross monthly income as required in DSSM 9085. Impending receipt of a TANF, RCA or GA grant will be considered reasonably certain only when all technical and financial eligibility factors have been satisfied and a decision of eligibility has been reached. Use income received during the past 30 days as an indicator of the income that is and will be available to the household during the certification period. Do not use past income as an indicator of income anticipated for the certification period if changes in income have occurred or can be anticipated. If income fluctuates to the extent that a 30- day period alone cannot provide an accurate indication of anticipated income, use a longer period past time if it provides a more accurate indication of anticipated fluctuations in future income. Similarly, if the household's income fluctuates seasonally, it may be appropriate to use the most recent season comparable to the certification period, rather than the last 30 days, as one indicator of anticipated income. Exercise particular caution in using income for the certification period. In many cases of seasonally fluctuating income, the income also fluctuates from one season in one year to the same season in the next year. Do not automatically attribute to the household amounts of any past income. Do not use past income as an indicator of anticipated income when changes in income have occurred or can be anticipated during the certification period. 9 DE Reg. 799 (11/01/05)