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Title 7: SNAP Page 7 Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Employees’ Manual Chapter F: Budgeting Anticipating Income Revised February 13, 2026 Past 30 Days’ Income

7. Leslie’s RRED is received on February 2 and includes three paystubs from her retail job (received January 2, 16, and 30). January 2 shows almost 40 hours/week, but the other checks show approximately 25 hours/week. She says she worked extra hours in December because of the holidays and that is why the January 2 count is higher, but is back to her regular schedule of about 25 hours/week. Verification in the case file shows she was hired to work 20-30 hours/week and all previous paystubs are in that range. Since this is a retail job, the explanation for the temporary increase is reasonable. The January 2 check should be excluded from the projection, unless you find it questionable for some other reason. Make sure to thoroughly document the case regarding your determination. Averaging Fluctuating Income Legal reference: 441 IAC 65.9(234), 7 CFR 273.10(c)(1)(ii) and 273.10(c)(3)(i) Policy: Average fluctuating income to determine future income when it is reasonably certain the income will be received. When income fluctuates to the extent that the past 30 days does not provide a reasonable basis to anticipate future income, use the period of time that is most appropriate, such as a:  shorter period of income, (see New Income Source)  longer period of income, or  different 30-day period. Procedure: Use whatever period of time you believe is necessary to reasonably project future income accurately. 1. Accept the household’s statement as to the period of time that is a good indicator of future income; or, if they are not sure what period to use, get an income estimate from the source of the income. 2. Determine the number of times the household expects to receive income in that period. (See Income in the Month Received.) 3. If income is received weekly or biweekly, add the checks together and then divide that total by the number of checks that were added together to calculate the average weekly or biweekly amount. Then see Step 3 of Conversion of Weekly and Biweekly Income to get a monthly amount. 4. Clearly document the income used to determine benefits. Show calculations in the case record and explain why you used a different period than the last 30 days to estimate income.