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ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Section Two: Income Intake, Operations & Policy Manual Program Year 2026 55 be a deduction for a Social Security amount referred to as an “offset” or “deduction” and then an “adjusted net” or “net benefit amount.” In these specific cases, the only way to get the correct gross income amount may be to use what’s often referred to as the “net” amount by some insurance companies. However, clear documentation is essential in determining accurate income for the household. It is also important to note that the amount of the “offset” or “deduction” in the insurance documents must match the amount in the SSA benefit verification letter. The examples below were taken from actual client files: Example A Client A receives a gross monthly benefit of $1,166.39, less a Social Security offset in the amount of $847.00 resulting in a net monthly benefit of $319.39. Client A also presents a benefit verification letter from the Social Security Administration showing a benefit of $847.00. Under the current policy, we would use the gross amount of $1,166.39 and add the SS income of $847.00 for a total gross income amount of $2,013.39. In this case however, the maximum the client will ever receive from both sources is $1,166.39. This is the amount that should be used to calculate the appropriate energy assistance benefit. Example B The disability insurance benefit for Client B is determined as follows:

$1,786.15 Gross Monthly Benefit

-$825.00 Deduction for Social Security Disability

-$414.00 Deduction for Dependent Social Security Disability

+$162.18 Cost of Living Adjustment

=$709.33 Monthly Benefit Paid In this example and under the current policy, we would add the gross amount of $1,786.15 and the $162.18 Cost of Living Adjustment for a total of $1,948.33. Because we also have Social Security benefit verification letters, we would add the Social Security benefits of $825.00 and $414.00 for a total gross income from both sources of $3,187.33.