1115.020.05 Projecting Income – DSS Manuals
IM-37 April 18, 2023 ; IM-27 May 1, 2014 ; IM-14 January 23, 2003
Projection is defined as anticipation of the income and circumstances that will exist during the certification period.
To project income:
Consider all factors to most accurately reflect the amount of income to be received in present and future months.
Discuss with the household any expected or predictable changes in income and expenses, such as: how long with the present employer hours worked (whether regular or irregular hours, overtime, etc.) wages received (whether a steady rate, piece work, commission, etc.) recent raises or promotions anticipated raises or promotions recent or anticipated layoffs
Use income received in the past 30 days as an indicator of the income that is and will be available to the household during the certification period.
Do not use past income as an indicator of projected income for the certification period if changes in income have occurred or can be anticipated.
Arrive at a mutually agreed upon projection of the current income and expenses.
Do not vary monthly income for household receiving state or federal assistance payments (such as Temporary Assistance or SSI) on a recurring basis because mailing cycles may cause two payments to be received in one month and none the next.
Budget the projected monthly income and expenses.
Record the basis and method used for determining the amount of monthly income budgeted.
As a result of anticipating income, the household’s allotment for the month of application may differ from its allotment in subsequent months.
Use guidelines to project monthly income as stated for each of the following situations:
Fluctuating
New
Contract or Self-Employment
Stable