Page 42

Subsidized Child Care Assistance Program Policy Manual Chapter 7. Family Definition and Determining Income Eligibility Revised 08/01/2024

42

C. Calculation of Income The computation of gross monthly income is made based on an assessment of the family’s income that is available during the appropriate based period. It includes asking questions to ascertain the client’s situation, considering all sources of income, determining what income is counted for the eligibility for child care services, verifying all sources of countable income, and making accurate calculations. If pay stubs are not available due to the applicant/recipient being newly employed, the DSS/LPA should not delay the approval of the application. Income that is anticipated by someone who is newly employed is based on an employer’s statement (either by telephone, written statement, or a wage verification form) that indicates the rate of pay and the number of hours for each pay period the applicant/recipient is scheduled to work. The calculation of earned income must be clear and can be explained by one of the following: • An explanation in the case narrative. • Handwritten notes on the application (DCDEE-0456). • A calculator tape for income which should be uploaded as an attachment in NC FAST. • Any unusual circumstances that the child care worker considers in calculating income must be documented in detail in the case narrative.

1. Alternative Budgeting Method- If income is not representative, child care workers must provide detailed documentation of why the child care worker used what they used and detailed documentation of why the budget was calculated differently.