Page 72

f. If the check book register (or check stub) is not available, verify outstanding status of the check by: (1) A signed, dated statement, DMA-5156, Statement of Outstanding Checks, from the a/b (or the person who actually signed the check) which includes: check number, date the check was mailed or hand- delivered, amount of the check, and that the check is for payment of a valid expense; AND (2) Written or verbal verification from the bank that a stop payment against the check has not been requested. 5. Deduct Direct Deposit Social Security/Railroad Retirement Checks. Deduct Social Security or Railroad Retirement payments directly deposited into the bank account prior to the first day of the month from the first moment balance of that month. Do not deduct any deposits on or after the first day of the month until the first day of the next month. 6. Other Deposits Do not deduct other income routinely deposited during the preceding month from the first moment balance. a. Count these funds as income in the month received, and b. Count as a resource any amount remaining on the first moment of subsequent months. 7. Interest which is accumulated or reinvested automatically is included in countable resources the month following month of receipt. H. Retirement Plans, IRA’s, 401-K Plans Retirement accounts can be with a company or privately held at a bank. 1. Determine Availability Contact the administrator of the retirement fund or the financial institution holding the funds to verify if the funds can be withdrawn, even if penalties may be charged for early withdrawal. 2. Verify and Document a. Gross value of the account, and b. The type and amount of penalties. 3. Countable Benefits 72