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INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT (IDA): An IDA may be established by or on behalf of an individual eligible for assistance. An IDA is created and funded through periodic IDA contributions by an individual and matched by or through a not-for-profit organization or a state or local government agency in cooperation with such organization. The purpose of the account is to enable an individual to accumulate funds for post-secondary education, first home purchase, or business capitalization. Only earned income can be deposited into an IDA. The gross earnings are counted as wages before deposited. If funds are withdrawn, for whatever reason, they are not considered income to the household because they were already counted as wages. The funds are still not considered income when withdrawn even if the income was not counted against a Montana case when deposited. Interest earned on the IDA is excluded. INTEREST, DIVIDEND & ROYALTY INCOME: Interest, dividend, and royalty income are countable because it is a gain or benefit to the household. This includes interest income earned on a bank account. Royalties from Indian lands, oil, gas, and timber - see SNAP 501-2 Native American Income. Definition of Royalties - royalties include compensation paid to the owner for the use of property, usually copyrighted material such as books, music, etc., or natural resources such as mineral, oil, gravel, or timber. Royalties are unearned income unless they are received as part of a trade or business. The cost of producing the income can only be deducted if the income is from a self-employment business (SNAP 503-1 Self Employment). Since interest, dividend, and royalty income are received on a regular basis, royalties cannot be considered irregular or infrequent. The income must be counted regardless of the amount. The eligibility staff member determines to average payments over the period they cover. *****PLEASE NOTE***** Special care must be given with interest and dividends that are reinvested into accounts such as IRAs, Mutual Funds, Stocks, etc. Detailed questions must be asked at time of interview. If no interest or dividend is being paid directly to the household, there is no gain or benefit, and should not be counted as income. Dividends, interest, or royalties that are direct money payments to the household would be considered income. If these are rolled back into the original account or fund, we would not count it as income. Lastly, if a household draws down funds from such an account (for an emergency or other reason) it is not considered income to the household. IRREGULAR OR INFREQUENT INCOME: Irregular or infrequent income is excluded if the income of all household members does not exceed $30 in a quarter. Amounts over $30 in a quarter are countable. The entire