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SNAP/TANF Program Policy Manual CHAPTER: 3400 SECTION: 3400.00.00 BUDGETING AND BENEFIT CALCULATION BUDGETING AND BENEFIT CALCULATION

3400.00.00 BUDGETING AND BENEFIT CALCULATION

This chapter discusses the budgeting of income, income deductions, and the calculations necessary to determine financial eligibility. Specific information includes: • Income Budgeting Principles (Section 3405); • Budgeting Self-Employment Income (Section 3410); • Budgeting Boarder Income (Section 3415); • Rental Income (Section 3420); • Budgeting Striker's Income (Section 3425); • Budgeting Educational Income (Section 3430; • Lump Sum Calculation (Section 3435); • Budgeting Expenses (Section 3440); • Benefit Calculation (F) (Section 3445); • Benefit Calculation (C) (Section 3450; • Footnotes for Chapter 3400 (Section 3499). 3405.00.00 INCOME BUDGETING PRINCIPLES

Financial eligibility is based on the best estimate of income and circumstances which will exist in the month for which the assistance is being considered. This estimate should be founded upon the most complete information available to the Local Office as of the authorization date. This eligibility determination requires knowledge of an individual's and/or AG's current, past, or anticipated future circumstances.

A presumption that current or historical trends will continue in the future cannot be made. Use of historical trends is appropriate if there is reason to believe, with supporting documentation, that the trends will continue.

Prospective budgeting rules require that the AG's assistance for a given month be based on the income expected to be received during that month. (f1)

To calculate monthly amounts, the frequency and budgeting method of the income must first be determined. 3405.05.00 INCOME FREQUENCY

Frequency is defined as how often income is received. Amounts may be received: • weekly, • bi-weekly,