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Child Care Assistance Program Policy Manual Issued 08/2022
Income verification 7.9 When to require income verification Verify all included sources of income when:
• Processing an application • Processing a redetermination, OR • A family reports their income is over 85 percent of State Median Income (SMI) during the 12-month eligibility period. See Chapter 7.4 (Verification – 12-month eligibility period).
During a family’s 12-month eligibility period:
• Verification of an income decrease may be requested, but not required, if it could reduce the family’s copayment. See Chapter 7.4 (Verification – 12-month eligibility period). If verification is not received, the family’s eligibility should not be impacted and their copayment should not be reduced. • A Memo or Special Letter may be sent to the family if it is unknown whether a reported income increase puts the family’s income over 85 percent State Median Income. See Chapter 7.4 (Verification – 12- month eligibility period).
Income that is not counted and does not affect the eligibility or amount of assistance the family will receive does not need to be verified. See Chapter 6.6 (Earned/unearned income).
What to request as verification Request verification that proves when, what type, and the amount of income a family member receives.
A Minnesota Family Investment Program/Diversionary Work Program (MFIP) Employment Plan cannot be used as verification of income.
All income must be verified using the documentation that is the best indicator of future income.
• The recommended standard is the most current 30 days of verification for income other than child support tracked through PRISM. • If the most current 30 days of income verification is not reflective of expected future income, a different timeframe can be used. • For child support tracked through PRISM, the recommended standard is the last six months of information.
If the worker uses something other than these standards, it is recommended that they case note why they deviated and how verification is used to support the income components required in the calculation of annualized income.
When documentation cannot be obtained
If the applicant or recipient cannot provide an actual document, ask them to provide a release of information signed by the family member receiving the income allowing you to contact the source of the income directly.