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Subject: Families First Income Eligibility
Policy 23.05 Date of Last Review: 01/10/2024 Effective Date: 01/15/2024 Date of Next Review: 01/10/2027 RDA: SW22 Page 2 of 5 4. All income must be averaged and converted to monthly amounts using the following formulas: a. Weekly income is multiplied by 4.3. b. Bi-weekly income is multiplied by 2.15. c. Semi-monthly income is multiplied by 2. d. Monthly income is multiplied by 1. e. Bi-monthly income is divided by 2. f. Quarterly income is divided by 3. g. Semi-annual income is divided by 6. h. Annual income is divided by 12. 5. Gross income is tested against a Gross Income Standard (GIS) which is 185% of the Consolidated Need Standard (CNS) for the appropriate AU size, as listed on the Family Assistance Standards Desk Guide. a. If the gross income is greater than this standard by any amount, the AU is not eligible for Families First. b. If the gross income is equal to or less than the GIS for the appropriate AU size, then net income is computed, and this amount is used to determine eligibility. 6. The AU is considered income eligible if there is a deficit of one dollar ($1.00) or more between the CNS and net income. 7. All earned and unearned income, including self-employment, is countable, unless excluded as listed in Income Excluded from Families First Determinations. Income That Must be Considered The following income sources must be considered in determining eligibility: 1. Income of parents in the AU. • Income of parents excluded because of a disqualification must also be counted. 2. Any unearned income that is received by a minor child in the AU. • This does not apply to earnings of a minor student that is not a caretaker of the AU. 3. Income of a non-parental caretaker relative only if they are included in the AU. • All of the income of the relative’s spouse must also be considered available to the AU when the non-parental caretaker relative is included and the spouse lives in the home. 4. Income belonging to certain individuals in the home whose income is deemed to be partially available to the AU: a. A stepparent living in the home with stepchildren for whom assistance is requested. b. A parent living in the home with a minor parent who has requested Families First in their own right for a child in their care.