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J. Income of Minors

1) Earned Income – A minor’s (under 18 years of age) income is excluded in the determination of income eligibility.

2) Unearned Income - A minor who receives unearned income such as Social Security or SSI must be included and is listed under the parent or legal guardian in the household.

K. A zero-income household is one in which the applicant reports no income is being received by any household members. the subgrantee must confirm additional information from the applicant:

1) The applicant must verify how household bills and personal expenses are being paid for. If applicant is receiving money or in-kind assistance from someone, a Contribution Statement Form must be completed and notarized. Money given to the household must be counted as unearned income. If the person pays the bills directly to the vendor, this is not included as unearned income.

2) Households may report zero income because of a recent layoff, medical issues, or other events that have occurred within the last 30 days. Documentation shall be submitted to verify the event, and an affidavit signed by the applicant to declare unemployment or zero-income status. Layoff documentation must be on the employer’s letterhead and state the date of the layoff.

3) Non-priority households that report zero income may be referred to the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program to be put into case management, if the client agrees and the subgrantee determines eligibility. Case management is not a requirement for the LIHEAP program.

Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 43-1-2(4); Miss. Code Ann. § 43-1-4. Revised: January 2026