Presented by Sonia Jackson MSL Date March 28 2017 Income Eligibility Clarification Purpose To provide clarification regarding the income eligibility determination and documentation requirements necessary for participation in the Georgia WIC Program ID: 688738
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Income Eligibility
Presentation to: Nutrition Service Directors
Presented by: Sonia Jackson, MSL
Date: March 28, 2017Slide2
Income Eligibility ClarificationPurpose
To provide clarification regarding the income eligibility determination and documentation requirements necessary for participation in the Georgia WIC Program.
Background
- In April 2012, FNS conducted the Second National Survey of WIC Participants ( NSWP-II), which noted there were inconsistencies among state agencies when defining the term “current income”. FNS instructions encouraged WIC agencies to define “current income” to refer to all income received by the household during the month (30 days) prior to the date the application for WIC benefits is made, and requires justification of any other definition in the State Plan.Slide3
Current Income DefinedThe definition of income for WIC purposes includes gross cash income earned by any and all members of a family.
If the sole supporter of a household has been laid off but has been authorized to receive unemployment benefits for the next six months, “current” refers to income available to the family/household in the upcoming 30 days.
If the applicant lacks income proof documentation and a temporary certification (30-day) is granted, under no circumstances can a subsequent 30-day certification be used, should the applicant fail to provide the documentation. Slide4
Definition of Household/FamilyThe term family, household, or economic unit can be used interchangeably.For WIC purposes, “family” is defined in Section 246.2 of the Federal WIC Regulations as “ a group of related or non-related individuals who are living together as one economic unit (except residents of a homeless facility).” Family members share income and consumption of goods and/or service.Slide5
Procedures
An applicant’s income must be documented at or below 185% of the current federal poverty level unless the applicant is currently enrolled in:
Medicaid
Food Stamps
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
See current WIC Income guidelines on the website at
www.wic.ga.gov
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Determination of Family/Household IncomeFederal Regulation 246.7(d) (2) (
i
), permits state agencies to consider and compare income of the family during the past twelve (12) months and the family’s current rate of income to determine which indicator accurately reflects the family’s income.Slide7
Current versus Annual IncomeCurrent regulations provide the state agencies the flexibility in deciding whether to use an applicant’s current or annual income.
Example for using annual income:
Self-employed persons
Farmers
Person on temporary leave of absence(maternity leave, teachers paid on ten (10) month basis, students who only work during summer months)
Seasonal workersSlide8
Calculating Income
To calculate income:
Determine the family size
Calculate the income using a full thirty days of income proofs
Example of income verification needed by pay frequency:
weekly must have 4-5 paystubs
bi-weekly 2-3 paystubs
bi-monthly 2 paystubs
monthly 1 paystub
Ensure the income calculated is within the current WIC Income Eligible GuidelinesSlide9
Required Income Documentation
Income documentation means presentation of written documents such as:
current pay or unemployment benefits stubs,
earning statements,
W-2 with corresponding income tax return,
acceptable documentation for adjunctive eligibility, or
any other documents sufficient for establishing current income
If the household has more than one income, complete the Income Calculation form.
If an applicant is unable to provide proof of income, use the No Proof form.
If an applicant is unable to provide proof of income at the time the application for benefits is made but have access to the information, use the Temporary Certification (30-day) form.
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Determining Family/ Household Size
A child is counted in the family of the parent, guardian, alternate parent, or other caregiver with whom the child lives, with the exception of a foster child.
A foster child living with a family remains the legal responsibility of the welfare agency or placement agency and is, therefore, considered a family of one (1).
If a child lives with a family who has accepted permanent legal responsibility for him/her, the child is counted as a member of the family with whom he/she resides.
A child who resides in more than one home as a result of a joint custody situation shall be considered part of the household of the parent who first applies on behalf of the child. Slide11
Determining Family/ Household Size cont’d
The family economic unit for a pregnant woman may be reassessed based on a family size increased by one (1) or the number of expected infant(s).
A household where the spouse is away and maintains a separate residence due to job related assignments shall be considered a separate economic unit without the inclusion of the spouse’s income.
Participants declaring Zero Income (ZI), should be prompted to describe how basic living necessities such as food, shelter, medical care, and clothing are obtained. Slide12
Summary
All applicants must present proof of income or adjunctive income eligibility .
If an applicant is unable to provide proof of income use the
No Proof Form
.
If the applicant has more than one income, complete the
Income Calculation Form
.
Current regulations provide the state agencies the flexibility in deciding whether to use an applicant’s current or annual income.
To calculate income:
Determine the family size
Calculate the income using a full thirty days of income proofsSlide13
Income Eligibility Requirements
Authorities
7 CFR § 246.7(c)(1)(ii)
7 CFR § 246.7(d)(2)(i) – (ii)
7 CFR § 246.7(d)(2)(v)
7 CFR § 246.7(d)(2)(vii) – (ix)
WIC Final Policy Memorandum #2016-3,
Publication of the 2016-17 WIC Income Eligibility Guidelines
WIC Policy Memorandum #2013-3,
Income Eligibility Guidance Slide14
What Questions Do You Have?Slide15
Contact InformationSonia D. Jackson, MSL
Sonia.Jackson@dph.ga.gov
Office Phone: (404) 657-2908
Mobile Phone: (404) 783-6301