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S N A P M A N U A L

176 1 3 . 3 D E T E R M I N I N G R E S O U R C E S Available resources for households that do not qualify for categorical eligibility defined in Section 4.1 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)/ Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Categorically Eligible Households at the time the household is interviewed will be used to determine the household's eligibility.

1 3 . 4 D E T E R M I N I N G I N C O M E (1) Anticipating income For the purpose of determining the household's eligibility and level of benefits, the Agency will take into account the income already received by the household during the certification period and any anticipated income the household and the Agency are reasonably certain will be received during the remainder of the certification period. If the amount of income that will be received, or when it will be received, is uncertain, that portion of the household's income that is uncertain will not be counted by the Agency. For example, a household anticipating income from a new source, such as a new job or recently applied for public assistance may be uncertain as to the timing and amount of the initial payment. These moneys will not be anticipated by the Agency unless there is reasonable certainty concerning the month in which the payment will be received and in what amount. If the exact amount of the income is not known, that portion of it which can be anticipated with reasonable certainty will be considered as income. In cases where the receipt of income is reasonably certain, but the monthly amount may fluctuate, the household may elect to average income. Households will be advised to report all changes in gross monthly income as required in Section 15.3 Simplified Reporting Households. Income received during the past 30 days will be used as an indicator of the income that is and will be available to the household during the certification period. However, the Agency will not use past income as an indicator of income anticipated for the certification period if changes in income have occurred or can be anticipated. If income fluctuates to the extent that a 30-day period alone cannot provide an accurate indication of anticipated income, the Agency and the household may use a longer period of past time if it will provide a more accurate indication of anticipated fluctuations in future income. Similarly, if the household's income fluctuates seasonally, it may be appropriate to use the most recent season comparable to the certification period, rather than the last 30 days, as one indicator of anticipated income. The Agency will exercise particular caution in using income from a past season as an indicator of income for the certification period. In many cases of seasonally fluctuating income, the income also fluctuates from one season in one year to the same season in the next year.