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4101 Volume III | Chapter 4 MISSISSIPPI [INCOME: EARNED INCOME]

Revised 11-01-11

In situations where a recipient/applicant has reduced hours on a check and the reduction is not ongoing and employer initiated, the normally scheduled hours multiplied by the hourly wage should be substituted for the gross. Example: An interview takes place on March 17. Wages from the prior four weeks are requested. When the checks are turned in, one check shows 20 hours instead of 40. The worker must contact the individual to determine why she only worked 20 hours. The individual stated her child was sick and could not go to day care. The worker should substitute 40 hours multiplied by the hourly wage to use in place of the 20-hour check. Exploring Non-Regular Income Check stubs often reflect holiday, vacation, bonuses, overtime, etc. The worker must discuss the frequency of this income. Additional information from the employer may be required if the check stubs do not show a clear history of the payment. However, check stubs showing year-to-date totals will give the best indication of the frequency of this income and assist in determining regular ongoing income or infrequent overtime and bonuses. Income that is not considered normal, ongoing income for each month should be excluded from the budget. The worker must clearly document why this income was excluded. Example: At recertification in April, a recipient turns in the four most recent check stubs. On one of the check stubs, the individual received 10 hours of overtime. Since the year-to-date total for overtime only shows the amount received on this check and the client stated that she took an extra shift for someone who was out sick, the 10 hours of overtime would be excluded. Example: At recertification in January, a recipient turns in the 2 most recent biweekly check stubs. The client stated that she had overtime due to the holidays. If the year to date total for overtime supports this, the overtime would be excluded in the budget. Example: At application in January, the individual turns in his four most recent check stubs. Each check stub shows overtime. The year-to-date total for overtime shows $12,567 for the year. The overtime would be included in the budget. FROM WAGES AND SALARIES Earned income shall include: