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a. Change is defined as beginning of benefits or an increase or decrease in the amount as established by the agency distributing the benefit.

b. Do not consider fluctuating amounts as a change.

3. Certain Incomes

a. Self-Employment/Farm Income

Change is defined as beginning farming/self-employment or the termination of farm/self-employment income during the certification period. Address additional farm/self-employment income that occurs during the certification period at the next recertification.

b. Income from Rentals Received other than Monthly Change in rental income is defined as beginning or termination of income during the certification period. Do not consider fluctuating income as a change.

c. Child/Spousal Support or Contributions

Change in support or contributions are defined as the beginning of an increase or decrease in court-ordered or agreed-upon support or contributions. Do not consider fluctuating support or contributions as a change.

B. Changes During Application Processing Period

1. Verification Requirements

If the a/b reports that income has changed, request verification of the changed income. Refer to MA-2300, Applications.

a. Ask for as many weeks as possible up to a period of 4 consecutive weeks at the changed amount.

b. Use the base period income up to the month in which the change occurs. If income changes during the month of application, disregard the base period income unless it has already been verified and the application can be processed. (Refer B. below).