Need to knows – Income Eligibility

WIC Eligibility (USDA) Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements: Categorical Residential Income Nutrition Risk There are 3 items we assess to determine eligibility…..income is the most complicated to determine.

Two Ways to Assess Income The income must be equal to or less than 185% of the FPL Based on Economic Unit (formerly referred to as household size) Adjunctive Eligibility Automatically income eligible for WIC, if client participates in AHCCCS, SNAP, TANF, Section 8 Housing, or FDPIR There are 2 ways a client can be income eligible for WIC The State agency's income standard cannot be more than 185 percent of the Federal poverty income guidelines Automatic Income Eligibility Certain applicants can be determined income-eligible for WIC based on their participation in certain programs (adjunct eligibility)is based on their income. Let’s focus on #1, and talk about what’s included in a household…..

What Counts as Economic Unit? Group of related or non-related people living together, sharing resources Examples: Checking the chart to determine if income eligible is easy. What is difficult is determining who is in the household and who’s income is included. P&P Chapter 2 Section E Household / economic unit is defined as a group of related or non-related individuals who are living together as one economic unit. Household / economic unit members share economic resources and consumption of goods and / or services. The terms “economic unit” or “household size” can be used interchangeably. However, “economic unit” is a more appropriate term to use because it conveys that familial relationship is not relevant to the determination of family size and income. Review these Examples……. • If you live with your parents or other family members and they provide financial support, include them in your household. • If you live with your parents or other family members and they do not provide financial support, do not include them in your household. • Couples: If you live with your boyfriend, girlfriend, fiancée, domestic partner, etc., include him or her in your household. Include opposite and same sex partners. • If you live with others who provide financial support, include them in your household. • If you live with others who do not provide financial support, do not include them in your household For more examples: P&P Chapter 2 Section E

Let’s Practice! A pregnant mom works and lives with her parents. Should we count the parents’ income? A WIC mom and her child live with a roommate. Should we count the roommate’s income? Where would you look to find an answer? NEXT SLIDE: answers for 1-3 above P&P Chapter 2 Section E • If they provide financial support (such as bills, food, daily living expenses) include your parents or other family members in your household • Do not include them if they do not provide financial support • Include opposite and same sex partners in the household. • If you live with others who provide financial support, include them in your household. • If you live with others who do not provide financial support, do not include them in your household

Let’s Practice Answers Include parents or other family members in the household if they provide financial support. If they do not provide financial support, do not include them in the economic unit Roommate: if they provide financial support, include them in the economic unit. P&P Chapter 2 Section E Left Margin Heading: “Determining Household Size/ Economic Unit” P&P Chapter 2 Section E • If they provide financial support (such as bills, food, daily living expenses) include your parents or other family members in your household • Do not include them if they do not provide financial support • Include opposite and same sex partners in the household. • If you live with others who provide financial support, include them in your household. • If you live with others who do not provide financial support, do not include them in your household

What about Foster? Adopted? A foster child is considered an economic unit of one If a foster child is adopted, they are apart of the adoptive family’s economic unit P&P Chapter 2 Section E Adopted Child When a child has been adopted by a family, the child is counted in the household size of the family. If an infant or child is in the care of foster parents, Child Protective Services (CPS), or other child welfare authorities, the infant or child will be considered a family of one (1); The same placement paper is acceptable documentation for adjunctive eligibility if the Comprehensive Medical and Dental Program (CMDP) medical insurance number is listed. The payments made by the welfare agency or received from other sources for the care of that child will be considered to be the only income.

Let’s Practice! 1. What proof of income can be used for a foster child? 2. What should be entered for income amount? 3. How is income eligibility determined for a foster child who is adopted? P&P Chapter 2 Section E -- When a child has been adopted by a family, the child is counted in the household size of the family. -- “Notice to Provider” or an official notification of placement from a temporary adoption organization is required -- Acceptable for adjunctive eligibility if the Comprehensive Medical and Dental Program (CMDP) medical insurance number is listed. -- The payments made by the welfare agency or received from other sources for the care of that child will be considered to be the only income. NEXT SLIDE: answers for 1-3 above

Let’s Practice Answers Acceptable foster income proof: “Notice to Provider” or an official notification of placement –(Acceptable for adjunctive eligibility if the Comprehensive Medical and Dental Program (CMDP) medical insurance number is listed.) 2. The payments made by the welfare agency or received from other sources for the care of that child will be considered to be the only income. 3. When a child has been adopted by a family, the child is counted in the economic unit of the family, no longer a family of 1. P&P Chapter 2 Section E -- When a child has been adopted by a family, the child is counted in the household size of the family. -- “Notice to Provider” or an official notification of placement from a temporary adoption organization is required -- Acceptable for adjunctive eligibility if the Comprehensive Medical and Dental Program (CMDP) medical insurance number is listed. -- The payments made by the welfare agency or received from other sources for the care of that child will be considered to be the only income.

What about Military families? Family serving out of state/overseas, should be considered members of the economic unit P&P Chapter 2 Section E Military personnel serving overseas or assigned to a military base, even though they are not living with their families, should be considered members of the economic unit. See Appendix M for further clarification.

Let’s Practice! When asking about household size, mom mentions that dad is deployed overseas in the U.S. Navy. 2. Should dad be included in household size? 3. Is dad’s income needed? P&P Chapter 2 Section E -- Military personnel serving overseas or assigned to a military base, even though they are not living with their families, should be considered members of the economic unit. ] Dad’s income would be included as part of the household. Be sure to refer to Appendix M to accurately include/exclude the itemized breakdown of military pay. -- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is NOT CONSIDERED INCOME. -- See Appendix M for further clarification. NEXT SLIDE: answers for 1-3 above

Let’s Practice Answers Military personnel serving overseas or assigned to a military base, even though they are not living with their families, should be considered members of the economic unit. Dad’s income is included as part of the household. Yes, dad’s income is required. (Refer to Appendix M for items to include/exclude when documenting military pay.) P&P Chapter 2 Section E -- Military personnel serving overseas or assigned to a military base, even though they are not living with their families, should be considered members of the economic unit. ] Dad’s income would be included as part of the household. Be sure to refer to Appendix M to accurately include/exclude the itemized breakdown of military pay. -- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is NOT CONSIDERED INCOME. -- See Appendix M for further clarification.

What is Adjunctively Eligible? Applies when a person can prove they are currently enrolled on day of certification, in the following: AHCCCS, SNAP*, TANF, Section 8 Housing, FDPIR Family Eligibility If family has PG or infant on AHCCCS, everyone is adjunctively eligible If anyone in family is receiving TANF or SNAP, everyone is adjunctively eligible P&P Chapter 2 Section E An applicant is adjunctively income eligible for WIC if documentation shows that the individual is: •Certified as fully eligible to receive benefits from -- SNAP (Food Stamp Program), -- AHCCCS (including SOBRA and Transitional Medical Assistance - TMA), -- (TANF) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families -- Section 8 housing or FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations) • A member of a household containing either a TANF recipient or a pregnant woman or infant enrolled in AHCCCS NOTE: Because SNAP eligibility in Arizona requires gross income not to exceed 185% federal poverty limit, everyone in the household of a SNAP recipient is adjunctively eligible for WIC. *The amount the family receives from SNAP (food stamps) does not count as income

Let’s Practice! Mom brings proof of her SNAP eligibility. Does this qualify her children also? Mom is on AHCCCS during pregnancy. Does this qualify her children also? Mom and children are waiting for AHCCCS approval. Dad lives in the household and receives TANF. Are mom and children adjunctively eligible? Both children receive AHCCCS. Does mom qualify based on their AHCCCS participation? Answers: Yes. Mom makes everyone family eligible Yes. PG mom makes everyone family eligible Yes. Dad makes everyone family eligible No. Children receiving AHCCCS do not make other family members adjunctively eligible. Only PG and infants. P&P Chapter 2 Section E An applicant is adjunctively income eligible for WIC if documentation shows that the individual is: •Certified as fully eligible to receive benefits from -- SNAP (Food Stamp Program), -- AHCCCS (including SOBRA and Transitional Medical Assistance - TMA), -- (TANF) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families -- Section 8 housing or FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations) • A member of a household containing either a TANF recipient or a pregnant woman or infant enrolled in AHCCCS NEXT SLIDE: answers for 1-3 above

Let’s Practice Answers Yes. Mom’s SNAP makes everyone adjunctively eligible Yes. PG mom on AHCCCS makes everyone adjunctively eligible Yes. Dad’s TANF participation makes everyone adjunctively eligible No. Children receiving AHCCCS do not make other family members adjunctively eligible. Only PG and infants with AHCCCS can make everyone adjunctively eligible. Answers: Yes. Mom makes everyone family eligible Yes. PG mom makes everyone family eligible Yes. Dad makes everyone family eligible No. Children receiving AHCCCS do not make other family members adjunctively eligible. Only PG and infants. P&P Chapter 2 Section E An applicant is adjunctively income eligible for WIC if documentation shows that the individual is: •Certified as fully eligible to receive benefits from -- SNAP (Food Stamp Program), -- AHCCCS (including SOBRA and Transitional Medical Assistance - TMA), -- (TANF) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families -- Section 8 housing or FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations) • A member of a household containing either a TANF recipient or a pregnant woman or infant enrolled in AHCCCS

Let’s Practice! Mom reports she is on AHCCCS but did not bring documentation. She has no other proof of income today. What should you do? D) A Wages, Salaries, Commissions… + 10 Forgot Documentation P&P Chapter 2, Section E If the applicant does not have proof of participation in at least one of the adjunct programs, do not document any of the program(s) in the eligibility pop-up. If an applicant does not provide proof of income on the day of Certification, the applicant is to self-declare their current income amount and corresponding interval; the applicant will be certified and receive only one (1) month of Food Instruments. They will be instructed to bring proof of income to the clinic within the next 30 days. NEXT SLIDE: answer for above

Let’s Practice Answers This participant is NOT adjunctively eligible Let’s Practice Answers This participant is NOT adjunctively eligible. Instead, have applicant self-declare their current income amount and corresponding interval If Income is within the WIC Guidelines, they will be certified for 30 days and be eligible for 1 month of food benefits. Instruct participant to return to the clinic within 30 days to avoid having to have an additional certification completed. D) A Wages, Salaries, Commissions… + 10 Forgot Documentation P&P Chapter 2, Section E If the applicant does not have proof of participation in at least one of the adjunct programs, do not document any of the program(s) in the eligibility pop-up. If an applicant does not provide proof of income on the day of Certification, the applicant is to self-declare their current income amount and corresponding interval; the applicant will be certified and receive only one (1) month of Food Instruments. They will be instructed to bring proof of income to the clinic within the next 30 days.

Adjunctive Eligibility in HANDS Documenting income in HANDS looks different than AIM Easier to accurately record for each family member, documents in the same screen for the whole family Understanding income policy will make the HANDS transition easier

HANDS Income Screen Looks Different A Peek at How HANDS Income Screen Looks Different

What is In Kind Support? Any benefit of a value which is not provided in an exchange for money/cash In-kind benefits are not counted as income. Example: providing housing, food, or clothing without any money exchanging hands Example: Participant lives with a friend. The friend pays the full price of the rent. The value of the participant’s portion of the rent is not counted as income

Let’s Practice! A WIC client receives support in the form of cash from her roommate because the client babysits the roommates children. What questions would you ask to determine income? How much money is contributed in the form of cash? Is financial assistance toward bills, food, daily living expenses are paid by others versus those paid by WIC participant? (Is the WIC participant part of the household/economic unit of the person providing in-kind benefits?) Do those receiving WIC purchase and use resources separately from the person(s) who provide money/housing? (P&P Chapter 2, Section E) The following benefits are excluded as income in determining WIC eligibility: In-Kind / Non- Cash Benefits Any benefit of a value which is not provided in the form of cash money is considered an in-kind benefit and is not counted as income. NEXT SLIDE: answer for above

Let’s Practice Answers How much does the roommate pay the WIC participant for babysitting? (The amount received in cash represents income.) (P&P Chapter 2, Section E) The following benefits are excluded as income in determining WIC eligibility: In-Kind / Non- Cash Benefits Any benefit of a value which is not provided in the form of cash money is considered an in-kind benefit and is not counted as income.

Self Employment Income Farm and non-farm self employment Acceptable proof: most recent IRS income tax return form This is the only time we use net income (total dollars made in the business minus operating expenses) to evaluate eligibility The exceptions are farming or self-employment, where net income is used as the criteria. 1.) The top of the Statement of Documentation form is used when the applicant does not have documentation of income, address, or identification because documentation does not exist. This section of the form is to be completed by: • Completing the section that corresponds to the type of documentation that the applicant does not have • The applicant filling their name in the blank line and signing and dating it • The WIC staff member signing and dating on the appropriate lines. Acceptable types of documentation of income include, but are not limited to: • Pay stubs • W-2 forms box 1 • Unemployment form • Statement signed and dated by employer • Tax reporting forms showing total gross income Net Income = Gross pay minus expenses

Let’s Practice! A WIC client reports being self-employed. How can income be determined? Acceptable types of documentation of income include, but are not limited to: • Pay stubs • W-2 forms box 1 • Unemployment form • Statement signed and dated by employer • Tax reporting forms showing total gross income b) Net income from most recent W-2 tax form Use “Statement of Documentation” form if clients report income not reflected in W-2 tax form 1.) The top of the Statement of Documentation form is used when the applicant does not have documentation of income, address, or identification because documentation does not exist. This section of the form is to be completed by: • Completing the section that corresponds to the type of documentation that the applicant does not have • The applicant filling their name in the blank line and signing and dating it • The WIC staff member signing and dating on the appropriate lines.

Let’s Practice Answers Ask participant for their Net income from most recent IRS income tax return form Use this form as their proof of income Use “Statement of Documentation” form if the participant reports that they do not have a most recent year’s income tax form b) Net income from most recent W-2 tax form Income from farm and non-farm self-employment. This is net income (total dollars made in the business minus operating expenses) as calculated by schedule C of IRS form 1040 or a ledger of business operations. Use “Statement of Documentation” form if clients report income not reflected in W-2 tax form Net Income = Gross pay minus expenses

(No cash support from others, not part of a larger economic unit.) Really Zero Income? A person without ANY financial resources can be reported to have zero income. (No cash support from others, not part of a larger economic unit.) Example1: Some refugees or disaster victims Example 2: Client recently lost job, living with sister until other arrangements can be made (no ongoing agreement to share household resources) If a person IS part of an economic unit that receives income, they do not have “zero income”

Let’s Practice! 1. When can a WIC client declare “zero income”? 2. On which form should you record a zero income declaration? 3. What questions can you ask to determine if a client truly has zero income? P&P Chapter 2, Section E 2.) If an applicant reports zero income, the applicant should be asked to describe, in detail, their living circumstances to determine if they should be counted as part of a larger economic unit. If it is determined that the applicant is truly without resources, the bottom of the Statement of Documentation form is to be used. Local Agency staff will fill out the bottom of the Statement of Documentation form, stating the participant has zero income. In AIM, use “Code 20- Waiver Form” as the documentation and “T - Self-Declared” as the income source. The applicant must state from where they receive food and housing. The Statement of Documentation form has two uses in the Arizona WIC Program. It is separated into two (2) sections, each with a different use. 1.) The top of the Statement of Documentation form is used when the applicant does not have documentation of income, address, or identification because documentation does not exist. This section of the form is to be completed by: • Completing the section that corresponds to the type of documentation that the applicant does not have • The applicant filling their name in the blank line and signing and dating it • The WIC staff member signing and dating on the appropriate lines. NEXT SLIDE: answers for 1-3 above

Let’s Practice Answers 1. When no cash is received and clients are not part of a household receiving income, clients may report zero income. 2. Use the bottom of the Statement of Documentation form if it is determined that the applicant is truly without resources. 3. The applicant should be asked to describe, in detail*, their living circumstances to determine if they should be counted as part of a larger economic unit. P&P Chapter 2, Section E 2.) If an applicant reports zero income, the applicant should be asked to describe, in detail, their living circumstances to determine if they should be counted as part of a larger economic unit. If it is determined that the applicant is truly without resources, the bottom of the Statement of Documentation form is to be used. Local Agency staff will fill out the bottom of the Statement of Documentation form, stating the participant has zero income. In AIM, use “Code 20- Waiver Form” as the documentation and “T - Self-Declared” as the income source. The applicant must state from where they receive food and housing. The Statement of Documentation form has two uses in the Arizona WIC Program. It is separated into two (2) sections, each with a different use. 1.) The top of the Statement of Documentation form is used when the applicant does not have documentation of income, address, or identification because documentation does not exist. This section of the form is to be completed by: • Completing the section that corresponds to the type of documentation that the applicant does not have • The applicant filling their name in the blank line and signing and dating it • The WIC staff member signing and dating on the appropriate lines. *Keep the conversation friendly and open; this is not an interrogation. Begin your probing with: “I need your help in determining your situation so we can see how we can help…”

Let’s Practice! At certification, a WIC mom reports she babysits her nieces and nephews and is paid in cash. She can provide no income documentation. 1. What should you do? Notes: • In the case of no income documentation, the applicant must declare a total gross household income amount and the appropriate interval (e.g., weekly, monthly, yearly) and include the reason for no documentation (use Statement of Documentation form) • In the case of no address or identification documentation, the applicant must state the address where they are currently residing (if applicable) and include the reason for no documentation. • This form is good for the entire Certification period and will allow more than one (1) month of Food Instruments to be issued. In AIM, use “Code 20- Waiver Form” as the documentation and “T - Self-Declared” as the income source. NEXT SLIDE: answer for above

Let’s Practice Answers In the case of no income documentation, the applicant must: - Declare a total gross household income amount and the appropriate interval (e.g., weekly, monthly, yearly) - Include the reason for no documentation (use Statement of Documentation form) Notes: • In the case of no income documentation, the applicant must declare a total gross household income amount and the appropriate interval (e.g., weekly, monthly, yearly) and include the reason for no documentation (use Statement of Documentation form) • In the case of no address or identification documentation, the applicant must state the address where they are currently residing (if applicable) and include the reason for no documentation. • This form is good for the entire Certification period and will allow more than one (1) month of Food Instruments to be issued. In AIM, use “Code 20- Waiver Form” as the documentation and “T - Self-Declared” as the income source.

After reviewing income today, how do you feel about… Determining Income Understanding Adjunctive Eligibility Using Statement of Documentation