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MS 5650 [8]

b. Consider any remaining balance as GROSS earned income, subject to the 20 percent earned income disregard.

5. Verification of Student Income and Expenses

The only student income that must be verified is income received through RTW or other student income programs funded by TANF. This income is verified by form PAFS-700, Verification of Employment and Wages, a written statement from the RTW coordinator, or collateral contact with the RTW coordinator. It is imperative the worker question the individual as to whether they incur educational expenses. Educational expenses can be verified by, but not limited to, the student’s educational account or a collateral contact to the institution.

E. Odd Job and Seasonal Income

Use income received during the past 30 days if it is reflective of the income that is or will be available to the household during the certification period. Do not use past income as an indicator of income anticipated for the certification period if a change has occurred or can be anticipated. If income fluctuates to the extent a 30-day period cannot provide an accurate indication of anticipated income, use a longer period of the past if it provides a more accurate indication of anticipated income.

If the household's income fluctuates seasonally, it may be appropriate to use the most recent season comparable to the certification period, rather than the last 30 days, as an indicator of anticipated income. Exercise particular caution in using income from a past season as an indicator of income for the certification period. In many cases of seasonally fluctuating income, the income also fluctuates from one season in one year to the same season in the next year. The amounts of any past income should not be automatically attributed to the household.

F. Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB)

When entering UIB on the unearned income screens, enter a minimum of two bi-weekly amounts. The gross benefit amount should be entered. Batch match compares the last two payments of the UIB database to the first two verified payments on the unearned income screen. Therefore, if only one bi-weekly UIB amount is entered, a monthly exception is generated even though the UIB income is being considered correctly. Special attention should be paid to the CS DED (child support deduction) so the expense is properly documented in the case record as well.