IM-037 – REPORTING REQUIREMENT FOR UNEARNED INCOME, FROM $50 TO $100 PER MONTH FOR THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM

DISCUSSION:

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has provided clarification of an increase to the reporting requirements for unearned income. Eligibility Units will now be required to report if unearned income has changed by more than $100 per month at Mid Certification. The FA546 Mid Certification Review/Report form and manual have been updated to reflect this change.

The following example has been updated for clarification:

EXAMPLE:  Ms. Jones’ Food Stamp certification is June 2012 – May 2014. In October 2013 earned income is added to a current member. The certification does not change, but an MCR is due six months later due to the addition of earned income, April 2014, which is just one month before the certification ends. (Changing the MCR is discussed in the next section.) The FA546 MCR Report is generated March 5, 2014. The EU comes to the office to discuss the MCR. Since it is less than 60 days from the end of the certification, the Eligibility Specialist (ES) has the EU complete an application for Food Stamp benefits, completes the interview for the recertification, and authorizes the action. Completing the recertification also completes the MCR.

NECESSARY ACTION:

• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff

PL/ph