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2026 - 2027 I PY27 NH Fuel Assistance Program (FAP) Procedures Manual 14 Income can be entered in various frequencies, such as weekly, monthly, or annually, and the ECOS system will automatically add all income and annualize the amount. For example, if a person is paid weekly, the most recent four consecutive paychecks should have the gross amounts entered. If a household member receives a Social Security benefit once a month, the monthly gross amount should be entered. If someone receives a cash assistance benefit in the same amount twice each month, it should be entered as semimonthly. Some income sources should be listed annually, such as self-employment income, annuities, IRAs, commission, and seasonal or contracted employees, including educational employees (e.g., teachers or school administrators). Section 6 contains guidance on special income situations.

Expenses that are eligible as income deductions, such as Medicare deductions or child support paid, can be entered as an expense and will reduce the total income. Any income calculations not captured by the ECOS system should be documented in notes or on an uploaded file.

Documenting No or Low Income Households

Households with no or very low income must provide written documentation of how the household has met its basic living expenses such as rent, energy costs, and food. Household income is considered very low if the total is less than the amount needed for monthly rent or mortgage. Documentation may include a statement from town or city welfare, friends or family, a SNAP notification letter, or other assistance provided during the determination period.