Page 38

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT

OF SOCIAL SERVICES ENERGY ASSISTANCE

06/08 VOLUME IX, CHAPTER C, PAGE 5

2) Irregular Income

Irregular earned and unearned income is unscheduled, erratic, unpredictable income for which no set pattern can be established. A monthly amount will be determined based on the average gross income received over a period immediately prior to application. The LDSS must inform the applicant of the method used to determine the income counted. If no reasonable period of averaging can be determined, the income received will be exempt. (Refer to Chapter B.6.b.19) under exempt income.)

Verify irregular income by using two or more calendar months prior to the month of application.

3) Countable Income

Anticipated receipt of earned or unearned income will not be used to determine eligibility. Countable income must be the combined total monthly income received by all members of the household. For example, if one household member has regular income and another has irregular income, the irregular income would be averaged to obtain a monthly amount and added to the monthly income of the household member who has regular income.

a) Gross earned income or gross pay (not the "take home" pay) regardless of deductions or garnisheed wages, withholding, or work expenses is the countable income.

b) Profit from self-employment is the countable income. Profit from self- employment means the total income received less the allowable business expenses directly related to producing the goods or services and without which the goods or services could not be produced.

c) Gross unearned income (regardless of deductions such as recoupments) received by individuals is the countable income.

4) Verification of Income

a) Earned income is verified by pay stubs, pay envelopes, or written statements from employers. If none of the aforementioned verifications can be obtained, telephone verification may be used. Adequate documentation must be recorded on the appropriate Energy Assistance component Worksheet/Evaluation form.

b) Self-employment profit is determined using the larger of the deductions used in other public assistance programs as follows: TRANSMITTAL #08-1