Page 5

UPDATED: FEBRUARY 2005

103

INCOME

Description: Income is any payment received by the A/R from any source. Income may be recurring, a one time payment, earned or unearned.

Policy: All income is reviewed to determine if it is available (See OTHER ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS OWNERSHIP AND AVAILABILITY) and countable. Certain types of income are disregarded by statute or regulation.

References: SSL Sect. 366.2

Dept. Reg. 360-4.3

360-2.3

ADMs 93 ADM-29

91 ADM-27

Interpretation: Income is considered in the month it is received. Disregards are subtracted from gross countable monthly income. Disregards are established by statute or regulation (see the appropriate category). Any remaining net monthly income is compared to the appropriate income level. (See INCOME INCOME LEVELS) Income in excess of the level is considered available to meet the cost of medical care. (See INCOME EXCESS) Any amounts retained beyond the month of receipt are considered resources. (See RESOURCES RESOURCES)

Lump sum payments (benefit awards, bonuses, year end profit sharing, retroactive pay increases, severance pay, etc.) and windfall payments (inheritances, court settlements, lottery winnings, gifts, etc.) may be considered either income or a resource depending on the category of the A/R and the type of payment. (See INCOME LUMP SUM PAYMENTS)

NOTE: Mandatory deductions/payments (taxes, FICA, New York State Disability, etc.) are generally not disregarded.

Verification/ Documentation: All income and its availability is verified and documented in the case record. When information cannot be verified, the attempts to verify are documented.

(MRG)