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• A copy of the applicant’s most recent Income Tax Return, only if self-employed or reporting seasonal or fluctuating income. • Self-employment verification forms if the business is new and earnings would not be reflected on the most recent tax return.

8.3.5 Unearned Income Unearned income or benefit income is generally received on a regular basis and can be calculated as received. However, some types of income are subject to change or become inconsistent both in the amount and the frequency in which it is received. Unearned income or benefit income includes monies received for which a person does not perform a service. Unearned income of all household members included in the financial unit is countable.

Non-Countable Income Include but are not limited to: • Student financial aid • GI Bill • Utility allowance or assistance • Foster care payments • Disability (SSI and VA) • Earned Income Tax Credits • IRS tax refunds

8.3.6 Additional Unearned Income Sources Other additional income sources such as lump sum payments form inheritance, lottery winnings, etc. are considered unearned income sources. If the lump sum payment was received 12 months or more prior, it is not countable when determining eligibility.

8.3.7 Acceptable Verification of Unearned Income • Copy of benefits award letter. • Printouts of amount received. • Copy of actual check received. • Printouts of income screens from ACCESS.

8.3.8 Lottery Winnings Lottery winnings are defined as “winnings from a sweepstakes, lottery, or pool including a multi-state or multi-jurisdictional lottery.” While lottery winners often have a choice between a lump sum payment or an annuity that pays out over a period, Lottery winnings as discussed in this section are those which are paid in a lump sum. Lottery winnings that are paid in installments are treated as countable income in the gross amount paid in the month received. If paid in a lump sum, lottery winnings are counted as income in the month received if less than $80,000. Payments equal to or more than $80,000 are to be counted over a period of up to 120 months at a rate of one (1) month per $10,000 increment, divided into equal installments. The table below is not inclusive of the entire 120-month period but demonstrates the basic principle.

From $

Up to $ Months Counted for CCA $1 $79,999 1 $80,000 $89,999 2 $90,000 $99,999 3 $100,000 $109,999 4

This would continue up to a limit of 120 months for amounts of $1,270,000 and above.