Page 26
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION INCOME AND RESOURCES FNS 340 DEDUCTIONS Section 340 Change #02-2026 August 4, 2026 3. Ordered through a legally enforceable separation agreement. C. Take the following steps when a FNS unit member reports they pay legally obligated child support to or for a non-household member. 1. Verify both the child support amount ordered and the child support amount actually paid (including arrearages which can be anticipated by the FNS unit member.) 2. Allow as an income deduction the child support actually paid (including arrearages) by the FNS unit member. This includes court ordered payments of rent, mortgage, and other shelter expenses to the custodial parent and child in lieu of child support and court ordered payments for health insurance coverage for the child. Prorate the premium and exclude the amount paid for a non- custodial child when the health insurance policy covers household members and a non-custodial child. 3. Do not allow an income deduction for alimony payments, spousal support payments, and property settlement payments paid by a FNS unit member. D. Do not request a specific type of verification as any source that reasonably verifies the deduction is acceptable. Some acceptable sources of verification include, but are not limited to: 1. Court order (verifies obligation); 2. Administrative order (verifies obligation); 3. Legally enforceable separation agreement (verifies obligation); 4. Canceled checks (verifies actual payment); 5. Wage withholding statements (verifies actual payment); 6. Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB) withholding statements (verifies actual payment); 7. Statements from the custodial parent on received child support payments (verifies actual payment); and 8. Clerk of Court or ACTS Inquiry (verifies actual payment). E. If the FNS unit member who is currently paying child support has been under an order to pay support for at least two months: 1. Verify two months of payments prior; and 2. Use the average of the two months as an income deduction for the CP if the child support is paid monthly.