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Vermont Department for Children and Families Reach Up Eligibility Rules Economic Services Division 2200 15

of the reasonableness of the resulting eligibility decision, including:

1. A description of method used;

2. Dates;

3. Sources;

4. Summary of information obtained; or

5. Any computations required.

f. If the household cannot furnish complete pay stubs or similar verification, a verbal or written statement of earnings must be obtained from the employer. g. The Department shall verify and document earnings received in the prior 30 days for applicants and participants.

1. If the earnings received in this 30-day period are not representative of current or future circumstances, then a best estimate must be made based on information and documentation obtained during the eligibility determination or redetermination.

i. In such cases, this alternative figure will be used to estimate monthly earnings. h. For continuing eligibility, earnings must be verified at least once every six months. 1. When earnings have just begun or changed, available pay stubs, a statement from the employer on earnings and predicted hours of employment, or similar verification shall be used to make a best estimate of future earnings. i. Verification of income and expenses from self-employment requires careful evaluation by the Department considering the following: 1. If the applicant or participant has been self-employed for a period of time and has reported this income to IRS, the latest income tax return can be used as one source, providing it reflects the current situation. 2. An applicant or participant, who has recently become self-employed, shall provide a written statement of potential monthly income or all available business records. 3. Self-employment income shall be projected for 12 months based on these records. 4. For continuing eligibility, self-employment income must be verified at least once every six months. j. Not cooperating with the verification requirements may result in a denial or closure unless a good cause reason exists. 1. Denial or closure shall result if an applicant or participant: i. Fails without good cause to submit documentation necessary for verification; ii. Fails without good cause to consent to verification of any eligibility factor; or iii. Fails without good cause to cooperate in any investigation necessary to support an affirmative decision of eligibility.