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A household s benefits may vary from month to month within the review period to reflect anticipated changes. This is referred to as variable basis of issuance. These cases may have to be worked for multiple months to reflect the anticipated change in the household s situation. Examples: Household applies in April. The case includes a 17 year old who is working. The 17 year old will be 18 in June. The case must be worked AprilJune including the 17 year old. A change must be processed for July removing the 18 year old for the remainder of the review period. A school employee who receives hourly wages will receive only two checks in May and will be off work in June and July. She will return to work in August but will only receive one paycheck. The worker will use a variable basis of issuance to determine benefits by anticipating the income to be received in May, August and September and budget likewise. The income will be removed for the months of June and July.

Volume III | Chapter 6 Revised 09-01-10

APPLICATIONS Giving Explanations During the intake process, the worker will explain the requirements for Simplified Reporting to all applicants and should review the MDHS-EA-300. (See Generic Forms Manual for additional information.) Gathering Information Since benefits must be established prospectively based on income and circumstances expected to exist in the review period, the worker will need to explore each of those months separately. When self-employment is involved, determine the income received in the prior year, adjust for any known changes, and arrive at the monthly income by averaging over the period the income is expected to cover (normally a year). If unearned income is involved, ask the individual if a change is expected and document accordingly. Also, ask about any expected changes in other eligibility factors. Adding an Individual to an Active Case Remember that an individual added to an active case is considered to be an applicant. This includes an individual moving from one assistance unit to another. That individual should be added to the budget and provided benefits according to policy set out in Chapter 7, Special Procedures. REGULAR REDERTMINATION/REVIEWS 6003