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Chapter: 1800 Income Program: FS 15 1810.0828 Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance (FS) A provision of the Department of Defense Act for Fiscal year 2001 requires DOD to pay certain military members and their families a Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance (FSSA) of up to $500 per month. The FSSA is available to military members who have completed basic training and whose gross household income is within the food stamp gross income limit for the household size. The food stamp definition of a household is also used when the FSSA is calculated. The FSSA will be counted as unearned income in the TCA, Food Stamp and Medicaid Programs. 1810.0830 Overpayments - Means-Tested Programs (FS) When income from a means-tested program, such as Temporary Cash Assistance, is reduced due to failure on the individual's part to comply with a program requirement, the gross amount is included in the food stamp budget. The individual's failure to comply does not have to be intentional or fraudulent.

If the individual is able to verify the recoupment is due to an agency error, the net income amount will be budgeted.

For purposes of this policy only, do not treat Supplemental Security Income (SSI) like a means- tested program. When income from SSI is withheld to recover an overpayment, exclude the portion withheld as income. 1810.0831 Overpayments - Non-Means-Tested Programs (FS) When income from a non-means-tested program is withheld to recover an overpayment, the portion withheld is excluded as income. 1810.0900 BENEFITS (FS) The gross benefit amount received or anticipated to be received is considered unearned income. Benefits are owned by the individual for whom they are intended unless the individual is not in the home and the benefits are not redirected. Deductions for optional items such as health insurance and Medicare premiums continue to count as income. 1810.0901 Verification of Unearned Income (FS) All non-exempt unearned income must be verified at application and recertification unless otherwise specified. The following sources may be used to verify unearned income:

1. BENDEX or SDX tapes, 2. SSA award letter, 3. VA award letter, 4. pension or award letter, 5. Unemployment Compensation award letter, and 6. child support court statement and/or current statement from absent parent. 1810.0904.01 SSA Income (FS) Benefits that are paid by SSA are considered unearned income. The gross entitlement amount in dollars and cents prior to any deduction is budgeted. Recouped benefits not received by the household as well as Social Security Educational Benefits are excluded as unearned income. 1810.0905 Annuities, Pensions and Retirement Income (FS) Annuities, pensions, retirement or disability payments are all included as unearned income. These payments are the result of purchase of an annuity, retirement from employment, survivor benefits for a former employee's dependents, or injury or disability, and may be made by an employer, an insurance company, or public or private fund.