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Chapter: 1800 Income Program: MSSI, SFP 15 1840.0204 Sale of Blood or Plasma (MSSI, SFP) Income derived from the sale of blood or plasma is included as earned income. 1840.0207 Verification of Earned Income (MSSI, SFP) All non-exempt earned income must be verified at application unless otherwise specified.

All non-exempt earned income must be verified. Information that must be verified includes:

1. the first and last dates of employment, 2. the first and last day of pay, 3. gross income including overtime and tips, and 4. frequency of payment.

Acceptable forms of verification include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. W-2 forms and income tax returns for self-employed individuals, 2. wage receipts, 3. wage statements, 4. pay stubs, 5. employment verification form or written statements containing the required information, 6. collateral contact complete with contact person’s name, title, and telephone number, and 7. work calendar (for tips and recording pay as received).

If the employee reports actual tips to the employer, the employer is the source of verification. If the actual tips are not reported to the employer, the individual should keep records on a daily basis. The tip amount reported by the employee can be accepted unless questioned.

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).

As a part of verifying last date of employment and last day of pay, any loss of or reduction in income which occurred within the month of application and the reason for the loss or reduction, must be verified when possible. Examples of circumstances that might make verification impossible are when a business closes or when a person for whom child care was provided moves and the new address is unknown.

If documentation or verbal verification is required and is not provided within specified time limits, the assistance group must be determined ineligible for assistance. The eligibility specialist must submit a policy exception request to the Region or Circuit Program Office, or at the Region or Circuit's discretion the unit supervisor. If the individual reports an inability to secure required documentation or verification due to factors beyond their control, the Region or Circuit Program Office or the unit supervisor, if authorized by the Region or Circuit Program Office, may grant or deny the exception.

At review, previously verified income does not need to be re-verified unless the customer reports:

1. a decrease in income which results in a member of the household becoming eligible for full coverage Medicaid. For example, the loss of income will allow a household member to move from Medically Needy to Medicaid. 2. a change in countable earnings which puts an assistance group within $50 of being ineligible for full coverage Medicaid. 3. income from a new source. 4. questionable information.