7000 - Budgeting of Income and Determination of Financial Eligibility
7100 Budgeting of Income
A prospective (income estimate or conversion) or income average method of budgeting shall be used to determine eligibility and the amount of assistance. All income shall be counted in the calendar month received except when received on a twice a month or monthly basis. In such instances, income shall be viewed as being received by the client on the day that the payment is ordinarily scheduled.
NOTE: For teachers or other school employees, income shall normally be budgeted on a prospective basis as received unless the teacher has opted to receive their yearly contract salary over fewer than 12 months (such as only over 9 months during the school year). In such instances, the total year's income is to be averaged over 12 months so that a monthly amount of income is considered in determining eligibility and amount of assistance.
For food assistance, income from public assistance payments are considered to be income of the primary information person (PI). Also see 2552 (2) regarding counting TANF payments following a first time work penalty.
The Income/Expense Worksheet, ES-3103 (1-04) is required for all food assistance, child care, and cash benefit determinations when the household has countable earned and or unearned income, or has no income but has allowable expenses. The form and instructions for completion of the form can be found in the Forms Section. The form has been designed to allow for some Area flexibility. Any modifications/additions to the form shall be limited to the Local Agency Use box and the back of the form.