5160-1        ESTIMATING THE HOUSEHOLD’S MONTHLY INCOME

The caseworker makes a reasonable estimate of the household’s monthly income based on the information available from the household and the source of the income.  The caseworker must confer with the individual to find out about income already received, as well as about income anticipated for the month of application and for subsequent months in the certification or review period.

Once the caseworker has information about the types of income, and when and how much will be received, the caseworker will confirm it by getting verification from the source of the income.  

Income is included:

1. If the household has received it or anticipates receiving it in the month; and
    

2. The worker can estimate how much the household will receive in the month and/or in subsequent months.

To anticipate and estimate the household’s monthly income, the caseworker must know:

• What is the source of the income?
  

• What is the amount of each payment?
  

• Which household members receive income?
  

• When will the income be received – i.e., pay dates?
   

• What is the period of time the payment covers – i.e., pay period start and end dates?
  

• If the income is ending, when is the last payment expected?
   

• When is the first payment expected?
  

• Will payments continue?
   

• How often will the household receive payments – i.e., monthly, twice a month, bi-weekly, weekly, irregularly?

The estimated income amount used in the benefit calculation will be considered correct if:

• It is reasonable;
   

• It is based on all available information;
   

• The caseworker applied correct policy; and
   

• How the estimated income amount was determined is documented in the Case Notes (CANO Case Notes).  See MS 5000-4 for more on documentation requirements.

The caseworker adjusts the monthly income estimate for subsequent months when a change is reported that affects the amount of anticipated income.