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TANF POLICY MANUAL

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Chapter 8 Budgeting Procedures

8.1 Prospective Eligibility and Budgeting All factors of eligibility shall be determined prospectively, and the monthly amount of assistance will be computed based on a best estimate of income and circumstances which will exist in the benefit month. This estimate shall be based on the Department’s reasonable expectation and knowledge of current, past, or future circumstances.

The calculation of prospective income is based on the combination of the income received in the previous four consecutive weeks and any changes, which have occurred or are expected to occur in the BG's income up to the point of certification. Do not round at any step of the TANF calculation.

The ES Worker will use the following budgeting procedures to determine prospective income:

To determine representative income, verify all income received in the past 30 days (four consecutive weeks) prior to the file date. The file date is the date an application (initial or reapplication), redetermination form or reported change of income is received. If the pay for one or more of these weeks is not representative, disregard that week(s) of income. This would include pay dates in which the BG received income, which is significantly higher or lower than usual. Such a break or difference in income might be due to illness, a death, vacation, emergency, overtime, etc. NOTE: The ES Worker must determine if non-receipt of income in the four-week period is representative.

A. Best Estimate If it is impossible to verify the income, a signed and dated statement from the A/R may be used as a "best estimate". Document the case file with the reason this income verification is not available. B. Receipt Date To determine the number of times this income was received, use income receipt date (not pay period ending date). Chapter 8