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246 (07/2026) Chapter 2:Eligibility • Section 5: Financial eligibility Oregon Administrative Rule(s) 461-145-0365 — National and Community Service Trust Act (NCSTA), including AmeriCorps (other than

AmeriCorps VISTA) 461-145-0150 — Educational Income 461-145-0550 — Unemployment Compensation Benefits 461-145-0580 — Veterans’ Benefits 461-145-0410 — Program Benefits 461-145-0490 — Social Security Benefits 461-145-0001 — Adoption Assistance 461-145-0090 — Disability Benefit 414-175-0035 — Specific Financial Requirements Self-employment income Self-employment income is received directly from an applicant’s own business, trade or profession, rather than earning a salary or wages from an employer. Self-employment is usually a form of earned income; in rare circumstances, it can also be unearned income. Individuals are considered self-employed if they are considered an independent contractor by the business that employs them (e.g., driving companies), or, if they meet four of the five following criteria: • Are engaged in an enterprise for the purpose of producing income • Are responsible for obtaining or providing a service or product by retaining control over the work or services offered • Have principal responsibility for the success or failure of the business operation by assuming the necessary business expenses and profit or loss risks connected with the operation of the business • Are not required to complete an IRS W-4 form for an employer, and do not have federal income tax or FICA payments withheld from a paycheck, and • Are not covered under an employer’s liability insurance or workers’ compensation. However, there are some individuals who have special requirements and rules regarding whether they are or are not considered self-employed, regardless of whether they meet the criteria listed above. They are as follows: • Homecare workers paid by APD are not self-employed. • Child care providers paid by DPU. • Individuals who sell plasma, redeem beverage containers, pick mushrooms for sale or similar enterprises are considered to be self-employed for all programs except OSIPM-EPD. • If a member of the financial group actively manages a property 20 hours or more per week, the income is treated in the same manner as self-employment income. If a member of the financial group does not actively manage a property 20 hours or more per week, the income is counted as unearned income with exclusions allowed, only in accordance with Oregon administrative rule. A self-employed individual may have expenses associated with their business. It is important that ODHS|OHA has this discussion with the participant and makes thorough case notes to explore potential deductions when