Page 225

Page | 224 code and “Y” for the verification code. Do not convert (if paid weekly or bi-weekly) the income unless paystubs are provided.

If there is new income reported on the six month report form, the same procedures for budgeting ongoing income the month following the application month should be used to budget income for the six month report month and future months. The JINC panel should be updated.

11322 SELF-EMPLOYMENT

If Self-employment income was figured using ledgers, then it should not be updated unless a new average has been determined with updated ledgers. If Self-employment was figured using income tax returns, then the amount should not be updated unless the household reports a substantial change in their self-employment income. Thorough discussion with the household and ledgers would need to be obtained to budget the change in self-employment income if the household states that the income tax amounts are no longer reflective of their income.

11323 UNEARNED INCOME

Benefits Specialist must compare the amount listed on ACCESS to the amount reported on the six month report form; if the income reported on the six month report form that has changed by more than $100, verification of the income must be requested from the household before income can be budgeted. If the income reported has not changed by more than $100, the benefits specialist will update the UNEA panel(s) with the reported amount using the REPT source code and “Y” for the verification code.

If unearned income is reported from a new source, convert the income. If the unearned income is sporadic, or an inconsistent amount is paid each month, the unearned income should be averaged using an appropriate time frame to give an accurate reflection of the income. A general rule is to use a 3-6 months’ time frame to budget the receipt of these payments. Child support income can vary in amounts and how often it is paid, several examples on how to budget this income are shown in Appendix 6.

Example: John turned in his 6 month report form on August 18th for September benefits. John reported he started a job on July 20th and his first pay was received July 30th. He reported he works 35hrs/wk. and makes $12/hr. He is paid bi-weekly on Thursdays. He provided paystubs for July 30th and August 13th. The benefits specialist will ask the household if both checks reflected a full month’s wages. If so, these two checks would be used to prospect income for September using the income conversion factor for bi-weekly employment (x 2.15). If John indicated that the two checks were not reflective, then a thorough discussion with John would need to take place and the benefits specialist would need determine if these paystubs can be used to accurately budget the upcoming wages or if more information is needed. If more information is needed, follow procedures for obtaining additional information.