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Chapter: 1800 Income Program: FS 7 4. pay stubs, 5. employment verification form or written statements containing the required information, 6. collateral contact with employer, and 7. work calendar (for tips and daily cash payments).

Any document used to verify income must be copied and retained in the case record. All documents must be completed and signed by the appropriate individuals (for example, the employer, the recipient). However, the individual’s statement that his income exceeds the income standard is sufficient to deny or close the assistance group.

When reviewing the income information, the eligibility specialist must make certain that deductions are included in the gross earned income amount. Deductions from income that may appear include:

1. flex benefit plans, 2. savings accounts, 3. Christmas clubs, 4. stocks, 5. IRAs, 6. deferred compensation, 7. bonds, 8. mortgage/car payments, 9. insurance, and 10. SSA FICA withholding.

The eligibility specialist will determine the income amount by the best available information such as a collateral contact or previous pay stubs for similar work, if and when:

1. documentation is unavailable due to a lack of cooperation by the person or organization providing the income, or other factors beyond the individual's control; or 2. no other sources of verification are available. 1810.0209 Collateral Contact Verification (FS) Verification must be obtained regarding the source and amount of income received. When other sources of verification are unavailable, the following information provided by a collateral contact must be recorded:

1. date verification is received, 2. name and title of person providing verification, 3. source of the income or benefit, 4. date(s) received and amount, 5. benefit claim or identification number for each individual receiving a benefit (ex. SSI, SSDI, VA), and 6. the reason the individual is eligible for the benefit if receiving a benefit (ex. SSI, SSDI, VA). 1810.0300 SELF-EMPLOYMENT (FS) An individual who owns a business or otherwise engages in a private enterprise is considered self-employed. Income derived from self-employment, less allowable expenses, is considered earned income.

Self-employment wages include the total gain from the sale of any capital goods or equipment in addition to profit and net income.