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COMBINED MANUAL

ISSUE DATE 12/2014

GROSS INCOME TEST

0019

Some programs limit the amount of gross income clients may have and still be eligible for benefits. This Gross Income Test (GIT) must be done before determining a benefit amount. Compare the client's gross income to the gross income limit tables. See 0019.03 (Gross Income Test - What Income to Use), 0019.06 (Gross Income Limits).

There is also a gross income test for determining if disabled people age 60 or older may form separate SNAP units. See 0019.09 (GIT for Separate Elderly Disabled Units).

MFIP, DWP, GA, GRH: No provisions.

SNAP: Apply a GIT to all units EXCEPT:

● Those with a disabled member. See 0012.15 (Incapacity and Disability Determinations).

● Those with an elderly member (60 or older). When determining eligibility prospectively, consider the unit to have an elderly member in the payment month the member turns 60. When determining eligibility retrospectively, consider the unit to have an elderly member in the budget month the member turns 60.

● Elderly/disabled units are not subject to the Gross Income Test. If the elderly/disabled unit’s income is above 165% FPG, they are subject to the net income test. See 0020.12 (SNAP Assistance Standards).

● Units in which all members are participants of GA or SSI unless the entire unit lives in an institution. See 0011.12 (Institutional Residence).

● Units in which at least 1 member of the unit is receiving or is eligible to receive Transition Year Child Care or Basic Sliding Fee Child Care. Ask the unit about receipt of any of these programs at application, and whenever a SNAP unit exceeds the SNAP asset limit, gross income limit, or net income limit. Verify receipt of the benefits from the case record or by contacting the appropriate Child Care or employment services worker. See 0013.06 (SNAP Categorical Eligibility/Ineligibility).

Always apply the GIT prospectively. For Uncle Harry Food Support (UHFS) units that will be retrospectively budgeted and which have contract income or student financial aid in the 2 beginning months, prorate the income over the period it is intended to cover (including the 2 beginning months) to determine prospective eligibility.

Also apply the GIT retrospectively for UHFS units in a retrospective budgeting cycle.

When determining unit size for the GIT table, use the number of people in the unit for the payment month. See 0014 (Assistance Units).

To determine which GIT to use, see 0013.06 (SNAP Categorical Eligibility/Ineligibility), 0019.06 (Gross Income Limits).

Unless it is possible to suspend the case, terminate or deny assistance for a client with income above the maximum figure. See 0022.18 (Suspensions).

MSA: Prospectively apply the Gross Income Test to a client's income each month.

Unless it is possible to suspend the case, terminate or deny assistance for a client with income above the maximum figure. See 0022.18 (Suspensions). A client in group residential housing must also pass the Gross Income Test.