Energy Programs

410.02 COUNTABLE INCOME FOR RECIPIENTS AND NON-RECIPIENTS

If the household has income not listed under countable or excluded income, contact the Food and Nutrition Services & Energy Programs Help Desk at (919) 334-1100.

To compute countable income for both recipients and non-recipients, count:

A. Wages from employment, tips, seasonal employment, baby-sitting, domestic employment, Work Force Investment Act (WIA) or work experience payments. (See 410.03 A., B., and DD., below for exceptions.) Count gross amount before any deductions.

B. Income from roomers, boarders, or tenants

C. Farm income

D. Small business income, including income from self-employment

E. Income from rental property

F. Foster care payments (only if child is included in the household) and adoption assistance payments.

G. Work First Family Assistance

Cases where payments have been sanctioned, count gross check amount. For Work First cases where the client is in the one-month penalty period, continue to count the Work First payment. If it is after the one-month period, do not count the Work First check, unless they have reapplied for assistance and are eligible. If the check is reduced by being recouped for any overpayment, subtract the recoupment from the gross amount.

H. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. If the check is reduced by a recoupment for any overpayment, subtract the recoupment amount from the gross amount.

I. Social Security benefits (RSDI). If the check is reduced by a recoupment for any overpayment, subtract the recoupment amount from the gross amount.

J. Veteran's benefits (VA). This includes Aid and Attendant Care benefits.

K. Railroad Retirement benefits

L. Unemployment Insurance benefits

M. Trade Readjustment benefits

N. Private disability or unemployment benefits

O. Worker's Compensation

P. Pensions

Q. Contributions

R. Support payments

S. Work release income

T. Interest, dividends from stocks, bonds, other investments, and income from trust funds

U. Military allotments and alimony

V. Brown or Black Lung benefits

W. Monthly payments received from sale of property

X. Educational assistance in the form of scholarships offered by civic groups and institutions, and athletic scholarships. To determine the countable income, deduct the following:

1. Tuition and mandatory fees

2. Materials and supplies related to the course of study

3. Books, supplies, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses including, but not limited to, professional membership dues, journal subscriptions, meals for commuting students, and clothing.

NOTE: This exclusion does not include room and board expenses.

Y. Assistance from other agencies and organizations if such aid is for rehabilitation purposes, special training, or educational opportunities. This includes Veterans Administration (VA) Educational Assistance. (See 410.03 K. below for exception.)

Z. Incentive payments made to an applicant/recipient participating in a vocational rehabilitation program.

AA. Reimbursements for normal living expenses (such as rent, mortgage, personal clothing, or food eaten at home) and any other reimbursement that exceeds the actual expense.

BB. Per Capita Gaming Payments made under Per Capita Act PL 98-64. Divide the current payment by six to get a monthly amount. Do not include Reserve Distribution as income.

CC. Special Assistance (SA)

DD. Strikers Income. (For LIEAP budgeting purposes, refer to Section 265, Variable Income, of the Food and Nutrition Services Certification Manual.