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SECTION 1200 INCOME VERIFICATION

LIHEAP MANUAL JANUARY 2022 62

1200 BACKGROUND

OHS must ensure consistent, fair, and equitable treatment to all applicants. CAA must comply with prescribed procedures to protect the rights of all applicants.

1200.1 REQUIREMENT

All income received from any source by the household is considered in determining eligibility and benefit level.

1200.2 BASIC CONSIDERATIONS

Income received is considered one of the following:

• Earned - income received from wages, salaries, commissions, or in exchange for services rendered. • Unearned - income received from any source other than those listed above.

Eligibility based on income is determined by resolving the following series of questions:

• What is the income limit for the household? • What is the gross monthly household income? • What is the source of the income? • Is the income available to the household to meet its needs? • Is the income included or excluded? • How often is the income received?

Income of household members under 18 years of age are not considered when determining eligibility for Energy Assistance.

The countable income of the following individuals is considered when determining eligibility: • Household members • Ineligible immigrants Countable income of the household member is applied to the income limit(s) for the household size. Income is included if it is accessible to the household for use and the household has the legal authority to use it (ex. Representative Payee if not residing in the household).