FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
INCOME AND RESOURCES
FNS 300 SOURCES OF INCOME
1
Section 300
Change #01-2022
January 11, 2022
FNS 300 SOURCES OF INCOME
Change #01-2022
January 11, 2022
300.01 TYPES OF INCOME
A. Earned Income
Earned income is payment for labor or services rendered from paid employment or
business ownership. Some common examples of earned income include wages, salaries,
tips, and self-employment.
B. Unearned Income
Unearned income is all income that is not earned from one’s job or from one’s business.
Some common examples of unearned income include contributions, railroad
retirement, Social Security, and Veteran’s benefits.
C. Lump sum Payments
Earned or unearned income from any source that is received in a lump sum payment is
not countable as income. Some types of lump sum payments include but are not limited
to:
• Supplemental Security or Social Security back payments received in one lump
sum payment,
• Federal or State tax returns,
• Stimulus payments,
• Insurance settlements.
300.02 SOURCES OF INCOME CHART
The sources of income chart list the most common types of income available to the Food
and Nutrition Services (FNS) unit. It would be impossible to list every income type, if a
worker encounters a type of income that is not listed in the chart, they should use their
prudent person concept to determine the type of income and verification required.
Different organizations have different names for programs funded by the same source. It is
necessary in those circumstances to determine the source of the income to determine if it is
countable.
Example: A FNS unit member works for Helping Hands Services and states they were told
the income would not count for FNS. The worker contacts the employer and
verifies that the source of the income is Title V of the Older Americans Act. The
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
INCOME AND RESOURCES
FNS 300 SOURCES OF INCOME
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Section 300
Change #01-2022
January 11, 2022
worker determines that the income is not countable and documents the record
to indicate the income is not countable.
If the worker is unable to determine the type of income, their supervisor or other
authorized personnel may submit a question to their Operational Support Team
representative for assistance.
Source of Income
Description
Count
Type
Reference
Section
Active Corps of
Executives (ACE)
Volunteer organization where
executives in business donate
their time in order to assist small
businesses in the United States
with planning, strategy, and
marketing. Established in 1969
and is affiliated with the Service
Corps of Retired Executives, or
SCORE.
N
--
--
Adoption Assistance or
Subsidy
Adoption assistance programs
provide payments and/or
services for children whom
unassisted adoption is unlikely
because of age, ethnic
background, physical, mental or
emotional disability, etc.
Usually adoption assistance will
be formalized in a written
agreement between the
adopting parents and the agency
involved.
Y
U
--
Adult Developmental
Activities Program
(ADAP)
A program that provides long-
term care clients appropriate
opportunities to learn skills in
center or community-based
settings.
N
--
--
Aid to Families with
Dependent Children
(AFDC)
See Work First Family Assistance
Y
U
315.36
Alien Sponsor’s Income
A sponsor is a person who signed
an affidavit or other statement
accepted by the U.S. Citizenship
and Immigration Service (USCIS)
agreeing to support an alien as a
Y
U
315.02
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
INCOME AND RESOURCES
FNS 300 SOURCES OF INCOME
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condition of the alien's admission
for permanent residence.
A sponsor is an individual, not an
organization.
Alimony / Spousal
Support
Alimony is money paid by one
spouse to the other either during
the divorce process or after.
Once referred to exclusively as
alimony, it is now more
commonly called Spousal
Maintenance or Spousal Support.
Y
U
--
Americorps Payments
Payments received for services
performed through the
AmeriCorps organization.
N
--
--
Annuities (if paid
annually, average over
12 months)
Annuities are paid yearly or at
specified intervals. They may be
purchased from an insurance
company or by an employer for
services rendered, sometimes
referred to as retirement plans.
Y
U
--
Attendant Care
Payments
Payments for attending to
individuals with special needs
that require assistance with
activities of daily living.
Y
U
315.03
Basic Allowance for
Quarters (BAQ)
(Military Pay)
BAQ is designed to provide
uniformed service members
housing compensation based on
housing costs in each local
market.
Y
E
315.24
Benefit Diversion
Cash payment assistance
alternative to Work First for
families with a temporary non-
recurring situation associated
with employment or other
sources of financial stability.
N
--
--
Black Lung Benefits
Brown Lung Benefits
Black Lung Benefits Act (BLBA) is
administered by the Office of
Workers’ Compensation
Programs (OWCP). The Act
provides for monthly payments
to and medical treatment for
coal miners totally disabled from
Y
U
--
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
INCOME AND RESOURCES
FNS 300 SOURCES OF INCOME
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Section 300
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pneumoconiosis (black lung
disease) arising from their
employment in or around the
nation's coal mines.
Brown Lung Benefits Act - Directs
the Secretary of Health,
Education, and Welfare to pay
benefits to any textile worker
and to the surviving dependents
of any such worker whose death
was caused who has been totally
disabled by chronic dust disease
of the lung arising out of
employment in a textile plant.
Boarders
Income from individuals living
with others and paying
reasonable compensation to the
others for lodging and meals
(excluding residents of a
commercial boarding house).
Y
E
--
Bonus Pay
Money given by the employer to
an employee in addition to
employee’s regular pay.
Y
E
315.04
Bureau of Indian Affairs
(BIA) Educational Aid
Educational Assistance received
through the Bureau of Indian
Affairs
N
--
--
Cafeteria Plans and
Flexible Benefits
Monetary credits available to the
employee to be used for a
variety of things such as health
insurance.
N/Y
U
315.05
Campaign Contributions
Donations towards a political
campaign.
N
--
--
Capital Gains
The actual capital gain from the
sale of capital good or
equipment.
Y
E
315.06
Census Income
(Permanent Employees)
This is earnings received by
permanent census employees.
Y
E
315.35
Census Income
(Temporary Employees)
This is earnings received by
temporary census employees.
Note: Exemptions to temporary
census income are
periodically allowed by
Y
E
315.35
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
INCOME AND RESOURCES
FNS 300 SOURCES OF INCOME
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Section 300
Change #01-2022
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USDA. Dear County
Director Letters will be
issued to inform of any
exemption periods.
Child Care Wages
Self-employment income.
Y
E
315.28
Child Nutrition Act of
1966 Assistance Value
This act extended, expanded,
and strengthened the school
lunch program to more
effectively meet the nutritional
needs of our children.
N
--
--
Child Support
Child support is a payment made
by a child’s absent parent which
is available to meet the child’s
basic needs.
It may be paid voluntarily, under
a court order or enforced in
compliance with a State
agreement under title IV-D.
Y
U
315.08
College Work Study
Federal Work-Study that
provides part-time jobs for
undergraduate and graduate
students with financial need,
allowing them to earn money to
help pay education expenses.
N
--
315.09
Commissions
A fee paid to an agent or
employee for transacting a piece
of business or performing a
service
Y
E
315.35
Community Service
Administration’s Energy
Crisis Assistance
A crisis assistance component
through their Low Income Home
Energy Assistance Program
(LIHEAP).
N
--
--
Community
Spouse/Dependent
Income Allowance
(payments received
from an
institutionalized
Medicaid recipient)
The community spouse may keep
one-half of the couple's total
"countable" assets up to a limit
set by Medicaid policy. Called the
"community spouse resource
allowance," this is the most that
a state may allow a community
spouse to retain without a
hearing or a court order.
Y
U
--
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
INCOME AND RESOURCES
FNS 300 SOURCES OF INCOME
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Change #01-2022
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Contract Sales paid in
installments for the sale
of a resource.
Agreement to sell something in
exchange for installment
payments made over time.
Y
U
--
Contract Wages
This is money paid to an
individual, such as teachers and
other school employees, based
on a written or verbal agreement
(contract).
Y
E
315.10
Contributions
Cash or monetary gifts including
charitable contributions given on
a regular basis to meet FNS unit’s
needs. Count only if recurring.
Y
U
315.07
Court Ordered
Restitution
Restitution is an order of the
court by which offenders are
held accountable for the financial
losses they caused to the victims
of their crimes.
Y
U
315.12
Crisis Intervention
Program (CIP)
Payments
Federally funded program that
assists individuals and families
who are experiencing a heating
or cooling related crisis.
N
--
--
Dependent Care
Payments
Payments received to care for a
FNS unit member due to
disability.
Y
U
315.13
Disability Payments
(Other than SSI or
Social Security)
Payments made by a federal,
state or private entity to an
individual who does not have the
ability to engage in substantial
gainful activity (SGA). Does not
include SSI.
Y
U
--
Disaster Relief Act of
1974 Assistance
Payments
Includes federal emergency
situation such as disaster, natural
catastrophe, or emergency that
the President determines as
needing federal assistance.
N
--
--
Domestic Employment
(Self-Employment)
Employment in domestic services
such as housekeeping.
Y
E
315.14
Domestic Volunteer
Service
Act of 1973 Payments
Includes Active Corps of
Executives (ACE), Service Corps
of Retired Executive (SCORE),
AmeriCorps and VISTA Payments,
Retired Senior Volunteer
Y
U
315.34
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
INCOME AND RESOURCES
FNS 300 SOURCES OF INCOME
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Program (RSVP), Senior
Companion Program.
Earned Income Tax
Credit
A refundable tax credit for low-
to moderate-income working
individuals and couples,
particularly those with children.
N
--
--
Educational Assistance
not designated for
room and board.
Includes federal assistance
including Pell Grants, and
assistance from civic groups,
educational institutions, and
athletic scholarships. Includes
Title VII and Bureau of Indian
Affairs Educational Aid.
N
--
315.15
Educational Assistance
designated for room
and board.
Includes federal assistance
including assistance from civic
groups, educational institutions,
and athletic scholarships.
Includes Title VII and Bureau of
Indian Affairs Educational Aid.
Y
U
315.15
Education Stipend
Fixed and regular payments for
services rendered in an
educational setting. Does not
include stipends for non-
students.
N
--
--
Energy Assistance
Payments
Includes Community Service
Administration's Energy Crisis
Assistance, LIEAP, CIP, Project
Share, (Progress Energy), and
Utility Assistance Payments
(HUD).
N
--
--
Experimental Housing
Allowance Program
(EHAP) Payments
Special Housing improvements
programs and grants; such as
HUD payments.
N
--
--
Family Subsistence
Supplemental
Allowance
Program established to
supplement a military member's
income to a high enough level so
that the member's family doesn't
need to get benefits under the
United States Department of
Y
E
315.24
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
INCOME AND RESOURCES
FNS 300 SOURCES OF INCOME
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Section 300
Change #01-2022
January 11, 2022
Agriculture (USDA) Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program.
Farm Income (gross
sales, non-excluded
crop insurance
settlements, ASCS
payments, and capital
gains)
Self-employment income derived
from farming. This can include
but not limited to crops, fish, and
livestock.
Y
E
315.28
Federal Crop Insurance
Corporation (FCIC)
Payments to farmers that
experience crop losses.
N
--
315.16
Federal Emergency
Management Act
(FEMA) Payments
Includes federal emergency
situation such as disaster, natural
catastrophe, or emergency that
the President determines as
needing federal assistance.
N
--
--
Federal Employee’s
Compensation Act
(FECA) Benefits
Provides compensation benefits
to Federal employees for work-
related injuries or illnesses and
to their surviving dependents if a
work-related injury or illness
results in the employee’s death.
Y
U
--
Federal Income Tax
Refunds
N
--
--
Food Assistance
Includes food subsidies, Free and
Reduced Lunch Program,
National School Lunch Act,
Nutrition Program for the
Elderly, Food Stamps and Surplus
Commodities.
N
--
--
Foster Care Payments
Including foster care
payments for
individuals age 18 and
up.
Financial compensation from the
placement agency for a foster
child's room, board, and other
living expenses.
Note: Payments are countable if
child is a member of the FNS
Unit. If child is not included,
exclude payments.
Y
U
315.17
Foster-grandparents
Program Volunteer
Services (Title II)
Provides grants to qualified
agencies and organizations for
the dual purpose of engaging
persons 60 or older, with limited
incomes, in volunteer service to
meet critical community needs
N
--
--
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
INCOME AND RESOURCES
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and to provide a high quality
volunteer experience that will
enrich the lives of the volunteers.
Gaming Proceeds, per
Capita proceeds to
Members of the
Eastern Band of
Cherokee Nation semi-
annually (prorate over
the six-month period
between payments)
Bi-annual payment received from
the operation of casino on tribal
land.
Y
U
315.18
General Assistance (GA)
Payments
Short-term payments to clients
through DSS. Count if ongoing or
recurring. Do not count one-time
lump sum payments.
Y
U
--
GI Bill Income
The GI Bill provides educational
assistance to servicemembers,
veterans, and their dependents.
N
--
315.19
Gifts (Monetary)
Money given voluntarily by one
person to another without
compensation.
Y
U
315.07
Guardianship Payments
Note: Payments are
countable if child is a
member of the FNS
unit. If child is not
included, exclude
payments
Financial assistance to caregivers
who assume legal guardianship
of a child in out-of-home care.
Y
U
315.17
Held Wages
Wages held at the employee’s
request in the month the wages
would otherwise be paid.
Y
E
315.35
Home Produce for
household’s
consumption
Produce grown or raised for
personal consumption. If sold for
compensation, count as earned
income.
N
--
--
Housing Improvement
Grants
Grants program to promote
improvement of lower income
housing.
N
--
--
In-kind Income
In-kind donations which are not
in the form of direct cash
N
--
--
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
INCOME AND RESOURCES
FNS 300 SOURCES OF INCOME
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payments to
applicant/recipients. This may
include food, clothing, furniture
contributions, in-kind military
benefits and vendor payments.
Does not include instances when
individuals use their business to
pay for such types of items. In-
kind donations do not include
direct cash payments to
applicant/recipient.
Independent Living
Initiatives of Title IV-E
of the Social Security
Act (payments or
services provided)
Currently known as the John
Chafee Foster care independent
act. Builds a network of service
so the child will have ongoing
connection with family,
community, employer’s
education, financial assistance,
skills training, and other
resources to facilitate the
transition to adulthood.
N
--
--
Indian Payments (All
Types)
Payments to Indian tribe
members as permitted by federal
law. Does not include per capita
gaming proceeds (unearned
income).
Y
U
300.03
Individual Development
Accounts (IDA)
Withdrawn Funds
Interest Accrued on IDA
as long as it is paid into
the IDA
IDAs are special bank accounts
designed to help an individual
save for education, purchase a
home or start a business.
Includes Plan for Achieving Self-
Support (PASS) Account Deposit,
an SSI provision to help
individuals with disabilities
return to work.
N
--
--
Infrequent/irregular
Income that doesn’t
exceed $30 in a quarter
N
--
315.07
Inheritance
Note: Lump sums are
not countable as
income but as resource.
An inheritance payment is cash
received as the result of
someone's death.
Count inheritance paid in
installments, not in a lump sum.
Y
U
315.20
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
INCOME AND RESOURCES
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Change #01-2022
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Installment Payments
received for the sale of
a resource
Y
U
315.21
Insurance Settlements
Installment payments received
from a settlement with an
insurance company
Y
E
315.22
Interest and Dividend
Income
Interest paid from stocks, bonds,
bank accounts and other
Investments including dividend
payments from a life insurance
company’s annual surplus
earnings.
Y
U
--
Job Corp
This is income received while
participating in an education and
vocational training program
administered by the U.S.
Department of Labor.
N
--
--
Jump Pay (Military)
Y
E
315.24
Jury Duty Payments
This is income received while
participating in jury duty or
witness pay. Does not include
witness in professional capacity,
which would count as earned
income.
N
--
--
Legally Obligated
Money payable to any
FNS unit member but
diverted to pay an
expense.
Money that is otherwise payable
to a member of the FNS unit but
is diverted by the provider of the
payment to a third party for a
household expense, shall be
counted as income and not
excluded.
Y
U
315.23
Loans
A loan is not considered income.
This applies to legally binding
loan agreements as well as
verbal agreements between
private parties.
N
--
--
Long Term Care
Insurance Payments
Long Term Care (LTC) insurance
is considered a third-party
payment and can help pay for
skilled nursing care, domiciliary
level of care and/or home care.
N
--
--
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
INCOME AND RESOURCES
FNS 300 SOURCES OF INCOME
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Change #01-2022
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A Long-Term Care policy is a
contractual agreement that the
owner can activate at their own
discretion, therefore it is not
considered a benefit that the A/B
must activate.
Longevity Pay
Annual compensation to an
employee based on seniority.
Count if reasonably expected or
will reoccur during the
certification period.
Y
E
315.35
Lottery / Gambling /
Bingo Winnings (if paid
annually, average over
twelve months.) Count
only if received on a
regular basis. One-time
only count as resources
Gambling, lottery and prizes won
in a game of chance lottery or
contest.
Y
U
--
Low Income Energy
Assistance Program
(LIEAP) Payments
Programs to assist households
with heating, cooling, water, and
waste water expenses.
N
--
--
Lump Sum Payments
(non-recurring)
(including, but not
limited to income tax
refunds, rebates, or
credits, retroactive on-
time lump sum
payment of social
security, SSI, Railroad
retirement benefits,
and unemployment
insurance; retroactive
lump-sum WFFA/TANF
payments; annual VA
disability pension
adjustments; lump-sum
insurance settlements;
and refunds of security
deposits on rental
property or utilities)
This is income that is received in
a one-time payment and is
nonrecurring unless exceptions
noted in specific income type.
Count as resource, not income.
Severance pay is not considered
a lump sum payment.
N
--
--
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
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Count as a resource and
use actual amount
received
Migrant Income
If the FNS unit receives one
payment for work performed by
all FNS unit members, do not
count earnings of children age 17
or younger who are not the head
of household and attending
elementary or secondary school
after academic breaks. Prorate
equally among the persons who
worked. Do not count the
children’s prorated share
Y
E
315.35
Military Allotments
Benefits received by dependents
of military personnel.
Y
U
315.24
Military Clothing
Maintenance Allowance
(CMA)
N
--
315.24
Military Pay –
Including:
• Base Pay
• Basic Pay
• Basic Allowance for Housing
(BAH)
• Basic Allowance for Quarters
(BAQ)
• Basic Allowance for
Subsistence (BAS)
• Bonuses
• Combat Pay
• Career Sea Pay
• Enlistment Bonus
• Family Subsistence
Supplemental Allowance
(FSSA)
• Incentive Pay
• Family Allowances
• Flight Pay
• Jump Pay
• Leave
• Living Allowances
Y
E
315.24
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
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• Reenlistment Bonus
• Separate Rations
• Sea Duty
• Special Pay
• Variable Housing Allowance
(VHA)
Military Mandatory
Salary Reduction to
Fund GI bill
This is a military income
reduction to fund veteran's
Education Act of 1984.
N
--
315.24
Monthly Disbursements
from a Trust Fund
(unless set up as an SSI
lump sum)
Count as unearned income
periodic disbursements or
dividends received by the FNS
unit member from the trust fund
when these amounts can be
anticipated with reasonable
certainty.
Y
U
315.32
Native American
Gaming Proceeds
Includes Cherokee tribal per
capita income paid to adult
family members.
Y
U
315.18
North America Free
Trade Agreement
(NAFTA) Payments.
Note: Exclude money
received as a
reimbursement.
NAFTA-TRA Program assists
workers who lose their jobs or
whose hours of work and wages
are reduced as a result of trade
with, or a shift in production to,
Canada or Mexico.
Y
U
--
National Flood
Insurance Program
(NFIP) Payments
The National Flood Insurance
Program (NFIP), managed by the
Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA),
enables homeowners, business
owners and renters in
participating
communities to purchase
federally backed flood insurance.
N
--
--
National School Lunch
Program
The National School Lunch
Program (NSLP) is a federally
assisted meal program operating
in public and nonprofit private
schools and residential child care
institutions. It provides
nutritionally balanced, low-cost
N
--
--
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
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or free lunches to children each
school day.
Nutrition Program for
the Elderly Funds, of
the Older Americans
Act of 1965
These services include both
home-delivered meals and
healthy meals served in group
settings, such as senior centers
and faith-based locations.
N
--
--
On-the-job Training
(OJT) Payments
On-the-job Training is funded
through the federal Workforce
Investment Act (WIA). OJT
provides an opportunity for
employers to receive financial
assistance for training new
employees in the skills needed to
perform effectively.
Y
E
315.38
Overpayments to the
same source
Exclude any money used to repay
an overpayment to the same
source.
Example: SSA over payment
being recouped out of the SSA.
Note: SSI and SSA are both
administered by the SSA but are
two separate sources of income.
N
--
--
Pass through Payments
This is a payment that a
household receives from and
uses on behalf of a third-party
(e.g. portion of utility bills).
Count as roomer income if
household receives payments for
property it owns.
Y/N
U
315.25
Pay Advances
Count when received. Do not
count again when it is deducted
from the next pay.
Y
E
315.35
Payments made to FNS
unit members because
of their status as
victims of Nazi
persecution.
N
--
--
Pell Grants
The Pell Grant is a form of need-
based federal financial aid that
typically does not have to be
N
--
315.15
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
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repaid. It is awarded by the U.S.
Department of Education to help
eligible low-income students pay
for college costs, including
tuition, fees, room and board,
and other educational expenses.
Pensions
Y
U
--
Plan for Achieving Self-
Support (PASS) Account
Deposit
N
--
--
Private Disability
Benefits
Y
E
--
Private Unemployment
Benefits
Y
U
--
Produce Grown for the
family’s own use
N
--
--
Project Share (Progress
Energy) Payments
N
--
--
Public Service
Employment (PSE)
Y
E
--
Radiation Exposure
Compensation Act
(October 15, 1990)
Payments
N
--
--
Railroad Retirement
(Administered by the
U.S. Railroad
Retirement Board, Mart
OFC Building, 800 Briar
Creek Rd., Rm AA-405,
Charlotte, NC 28205-
6903, Phone: 704-344-
6118
Y
U
--
Refugee Income from
Reception and
Placement (R&P) and
Cuban/Haitian Entrant
Programs
The R&P Program promotes the
successful reception and
placement of all persons who are
admitted to the US under the
U.S. Refugee Admissions
Program/Section 207 and is
usually provided by local
resettlement agencies.
Y
U
--
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
INCOME AND RESOURCES
FNS 300 SOURCES OF INCOME
17
Section 300
Change #01-2022
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These services include help with
housing, essential furnishings,
food, clothing, and other basic
necessities. Special Immigrant
Visa Holders (SIVs) may also be
eligible for R&P.
Refugee Match Grants
A federal program designed to
help Office of Refugee
Resettlement (ORR) eligible
populations (refugees, asylees,
Cuban/Haitian entrants, certain
Amerasians from Vietnam,
Victims of Severe Forms of
Trafficking, and Special
Immigrant Visa Holders (SIVs)) to
become economically self-
sufficient within 120 to 180 days
of program eligibility, without
accessing public cash assistance.
Participating local resettlement
agencies match the ORR grant
with cash and in-kind
contributions.
Y
U
--
Reimbursements
Includes income to compensate
for expenses that do not
represent a gain or benefit, such
as loans and promissory notes
when there is an agreed upon
timetable for reimbursement.
Y/N
E
315.26
Rental Assistance paid
to landlord
This is income paid by a third
party to assist with shelter
expenses. Includes government
subsidized housing paid to
landlord. Only count rental
assistance if paid directly to
household.
N
--
--
Rental Income
FNS unit member
manages property 20
hours or more a week.
(Self-employment)
Income from property owned
directly by the individual, such as
heir property. If the claimant has
an ownership interest in
property that produces income,
Y
E/U
315.28
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
INCOME AND RESOURCES
FNS 300 SOURCES OF INCOME
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Section 300
Change #01-2022
January 11, 2022
FNS unit member
manages property
under 20 hours a week
considered unearned
income but deductions
for cost of doing
business allowed.
the claimant also has a legal
interest in the income.
Repatriated Americans
Program
This is loans which provide
temporary assistance for eligible
repatriates referred by the U. S.
Department of State.
N
--
--
Representative
Payments
Monies received by a protective
payee and legally intended to be
used for the care and
maintenance of a beneficiary
who is not a household member
of the protective payee. If funds
are NOT used for care and
maintenance of beneficiary,
count as unearned income.
Y
U
315.27
Restitution Under the
Civil Liberties Act of
1988
N
--
--
Retired Senior
Volunteer Program
(RSVP) Title II
N
--
--
Retirement Benefits
Payments paid to someone from
a qualified retirement plan. May
be set up by employers,
insurance companies, the
government or other institutions
such as employer associations or
trade unions.
Y
U
--
Reverse Mortgages
A loan allowing certain
homeowners to access the
equity of their home.
N
--
--
Royalties
Royalties include compensation
paid to the owner of property for
the use of the property.
Y
U
--
Salary
Y
E
315.35
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
INCOME AND RESOURCES
FNS 300 SOURCES OF INCOME
19
Section 300
Change #01-2022
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Scholarships received
from Civic Groups,
Educational
Institutions, and
Athletic Scholarships
Y
U
315.15
Section 8 Utility
Assistance
N
--
--
Self-Employment
Income from being employed in
one's own trade, profession, or
business; not by an employer.
Including but not limited to:
• Uber/Lyft
• Door dash /Grub hub
• Tupperware
• Babysitting
• Blood/Plasma Sales
• Capital Gains
• Commercial Fishing
• Consignment Sales from a
business
• Cosmetology
• Crabbing
• Home Assembly of Products
• Notary Public Fees Earned
• Roomers
• Seasonal Employment
• Selling Recyclables
• Yard Work
Y
E
315.28
Senior companions
Payment Program (Title
II of the Older
Americans Act)
Organizations include, but not
limited to:
• Green Thumb,
• National Council on Aging,
• National Council of Senior
Citizens,
• American Association of
Retired Persons,
• U.S. Forest Service,
• National Association for
Spanish Speaking Elderly,
• National Urban League,
• National Council on Black
Aging.
N
--
--
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
INCOME AND RESOURCES
FNS 300 SOURCES OF INCOME
20
Section 300
Change #01-2022
January 11, 2022
Service Corps of Retired
Executives (SCORES)
Payments
N
--
315.15
Severance Pay
A severance package is pay and
benefits an employee receives
when he or she leaves
employment at a company.
Y
U
Shared Expenses (See
pass-through payments
for exceptions)
N
--
315.25
Sick Pay
Y
E
315.35
Social Security Benefits
(SSA, OASDI, and RSDI)
Note: Count the gross
amount of the social
security benefit if the
benefits are reduced
due to federal offset to
repay a federal debt.
Offset information will
not appear on the
BENDEX record but may
appear on the award
letter to the client. (Use
BENDEX record for
verification.)
Income received monthly by
retired workers and their
surviving spouses / dependents
who have paid into the Social
Security system during their
working years or to those who
are permanently and totally
disabled according to the strict
criteria set forth by the Social
Security Administration.
Y
U
--
Special Assistance (SA)
Demonstration Project
Income allows
individuals living at
home to receive SA
payments
State-County Special Assistance
for Adults (SA) provides a cash
supplement to help low-income
individuals residing in adult care
homes (such as assisted living)
The SA In-Home Program
provides assistance to adults
who need the level of care in an
adult care home but live in a
private living situation. This also
include SA for the Certain
Disabled
Y
U
315.29
Special Government
Compensation
Includes but not limited to
payments from:
• Alaska Native Claims
Settlement Act
N
--
--
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
INCOME AND RESOURCES
FNS 300 SOURCES OF INCOME
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Section 300
Change #01-2022
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• Payments to Victims of Nazi
Persecution
• Radiation Exposure
Compensation Act
• Restitution under the Civil
Liberties Act of 1988
• Relocation/Acquisition Act
Payments
• Wartime Relocation of
Civilian's Law Payments
• Agent Orange
• Allowances paid under the
law to Vietnam veterans’
child(ren) born with spina
bifida and other birth
defects, Eugenics
Asexualization and
Sterilization Compensation
(EASCP).
State Income Tax
Refunds
This is income is due to allowable
tax credits which can include EIC
and Dependent Care Tax Credits.
N
--
--
Stipends.
Y
U
--
Stipends for
educational assistance
N
--
--
Striker’s Benefits
(including picket pay)
Does not include strike duty pay,
which is earned income. Strike
benefits paid by a union to its
members are not wages whether
or not such members actually do
picket duty during the strike or
are subject to call to do so. These
benefits are paid as a result of
the affiliation of the member
with the union and are not
compensation for services.
Y
E
315.30
Student Earned Income
(Students age 17 and
younger who are
attending elementary
or secondary school
and are not the head of
household)
N
--
--
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
INCOME AND RESOURCES
FNS 300 SOURCES OF INCOME
22
Section 300
Change #01-2022
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Summer Youth
Employment Program
(WIA)
N
--
315.38
Supplemental Security
Income (SSI)
The Supplemental Security
Income (SSI) program pays
benefits to disabled adults and
children who have limited
income and resources and to
people 65 and older without
disabilities who meet the
financial limits. Administered by
SSA.
Y
U
315.31
SSI retroactive lump-
sum installments
payable in not more
than three installments
at six-month intervals
N
--
--
Surplus Commodities
N
--
--
Temporary Assistance
for Needy Families
(TANF) (WFFA)
Y
U
315.36
TANF-EA (WFFA-EA)
N
--
--
Tax Intercept Payments
(Support)
N
--
--
Telamon Payments
Y
U
--
Tips
Y
E
315.35
Title IV, Educational Aid
Including but not
limited to:
• Basic Educational Opportunity
Grants
• Federal Pell Grants
• Presidential Access Scholarships
• Federal Supplemental
Educational Opportunity Grants
• State Student Incentives Grants
• Federal Direct Student Loan
Programs
• Federal Perkins Loan Program
• Federal Work Study Program
• TRIO Grants
• Upward Bound
N
--
--
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
INCOME AND RESOURCES
FNS 300 SOURCES OF INCOME
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Section 300
Change #01-2022
January 11, 2022
• Student Support Services
• Robert E. McNair Post-
Baccalaureate Achievement
• Robert C. Byrd Honors
Scholarship
• College Assistance Migrant
Program
• High School Equivalency
Program
National Early Intervention
Scholarship and Partnership
Program
Title V of the Older
Americans Act Funds
Includes, but not
limited to, Senior
Community Service
Employment Program
(SCSEP),
A community service and work-
based training program for older
workers that provides subsidized,
service-based training for low-
income persons 55 or older who
are unemployed and have poor
employment prospects.
Some organizations receiving
these funds are but not limited
to:
• Green Thumb
• National Council on Aging
• National Council of Senior
Citizens
• American Association of Retired
Persons
• U.S. Forest Service
• National Association for
Spanish Speaking Elderly
• National Urban League
• National Council on Black Aging
N
--
--
Title VII Funds
N
--
--
Title XX Funds
N
--
--
Tobacco Allotment
Settlement Buy-out
Compensation received as cash
payments as a result of the
elimination of the tobacco quota
or allotment system. Include as
earned income if paid in annual
payments.
Y
E
--
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
INCOME AND RESOURCES
FNS 300 SOURCES OF INCOME
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Section 300
Change #01-2022
January 11, 2022
Trade Readjustment
Benefits
Trade Readjustment Allowances
are income support payments to
individuals who have exhausted
Unemployment Compensation
and whose jobs were affected by
foreign imports as determined by
a certification of group coverage
issued by the Department of
Labor.
Y
U
--
Training Allowances
from Vocational and
Rehabilitative Programs
recognized by federal,
State, and local
governments (except
WIOA)
Y
E
--
Trust Funds and
Dividends from Trust
Funds
Dividends paid from a trust fund.
Y
U
315.32
Unemployment
Insurance Benefits (UIB)
Note: If taxes or child
support are deducted,
count gross amount.
Public or private income received
by an individual as compensation
for loss of employment due to
layoff, suspension, or firing. It
may include additional amounts
paid by unions or employers.
Y
U
--
Unemployment
Insurance Benefits
received in a Disaster
N
--
--
Uniform Relocation
Assistance and Real
Property Acquisition
Act of 1970
Reimbursements
N
--
--
Utility Assistance
Payments (HUD or
Section 8)
N
--
--
Vacation Pay
Y
E/U
315.35
Vendor Payments
N
--
315.33
VA Educational Benefits
and GI Bill
Income received by veterans for
educational expenses. For FNS
this does not include the
N
--
--
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
INCOME AND RESOURCES
FNS 300 SOURCES OF INCOME
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Section 300
Change #01-2022
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monthly housing allowance
(MHA) under the Post 9/11 GI
Bill.
Veterans
Administration Benefits
(VA) Including:
• Pension and
Compensation
• Aid and Attendance
• Aid to the
Homebound
• Caregiver’s Stipend
Program
• Reduced Improved
Pension
• Unreimbursed
Medical Expenses
Pension-supplemental income
through veterans’ pension and
survivor benefit programs.
Compensation-Compensation for
veterans at least 10% disabled
because of injuries or disease
that occurred or were
aggravated during active military
service.
Aid and Attendance - Additional
monthly pension benefit
administered by the Department
of Veterans Affairs that may be
available to wartime Veterans
and surviving spouses who have
in-home care or who live in
nursing homes or assisted-living
facilities.
Aid to the Homebound - An
additional monthly pension
benefit administered by the VA
when a person is substantially
confined to their immediate
premises because of permanent
disability.
Caregiver’s Stipend Program –
Stipend provided to caregivers of
a veteran injured after
September 11, 2001.
Reduced Improved Pension - The
Improved Disability Pension
provides a monthly benefit to
certain low-income veterans.
Unreimbursed Medical Expenses
- Reimbursement from VA for
medical bills that the veteran has
paid.
Y
U
--
Vocational
Rehabilitation
Y
U
--
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
INCOME AND RESOURCES
FNS 300 SOURCES OF INCOME
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Section 300
Change #01-2022
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Volunteers in Service to
America (VISTA)
Y
E
315.34
Wages
Note: If wages are
garnished for any
reason other than to
repay a prior
overpayment to the
current employer,
count the gross
amount.
Wages, salaries, and tips
received for performing services
as an employee of an employer.
Y
E
315.35
Wartime Relocation of
Civilian’s Law Payments
N
--
--
Witness Pay
N
--
--
Work First Family
Assistance (TANF)
Cash payment program for
families with children who are
low income. Known as TANF on
the national level.
Y
U
315.36
Work First Family
Assistance Emergency
Assistance (WFFA-EA)
This is short term assistance used
to alleviate a crisis.
N
--
--
Work First Employment
Services Payments
Income received by participants
in the program are
reimbursements for employment
expenses.
N
--
--
Works for Rent / Room
(provided free shelter
by landlord)
N
--
--
Work Release
Payments to dependents from a
prisoner who is employed.
Y
U
--
Work Study
N
--
315.09
Worker’s Compensation
Benefits resulting from loss of
employment due to injury on the
job.
Y
U
--
Workforce Investment
Act
Y/N
E
315.38
Youthbuild allowances,
earnings and payments
under Youthbuild of the
Housing and
Community
This is income and payments
received under the Youthbuild of
the Housing and Community
Development Act of 1992.
N
--
--
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
INCOME AND RESOURCES
FNS 300 SOURCES OF INCOME
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Section 300
Change #01-2022
January 11, 2022
Development Act of
1992
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
INCOME AND RESOURCES
FNS 300 SOURCES OF INCOME
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Section 300
Change #01-2022
January 11, 2022
300.03 PAYMENTS TO CERTAIN INDIAN TRIBES
The following Indian Payments are excluded as Income. Therefore, do not count Indian
payments to tribes and from sources listed below as income.
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
INCOME AND RESOURCES
FNS 300 SOURCES OF INCOME
29
Section 300
Change #01-2022
January 11, 2022
Source of Payment
-A-
Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act
Apache Tribe of the Mescalero Reservation Payments
Aroostook Band of Micmac Settlement Payments
Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes Payments
Assiniboine Tribe of Montana Payments
Assiniboine Tribe of the Fort Belknap Indian Community, Montana, Per Capita and Interest
Payments
Assiniboine Tribe of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, Montana Per Capita and Interest
Payments
-B-
Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin Payments
Blackfeet Tribe Payments
Blackfeet Tribe of Montana Payments
-C-
Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma Payments
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Payments
Chippewas of Lake Superior Per Capita Payments
Chippewas of the Mississippi Per Capita Payments
Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakima Indian Nation Indian Claims Commission
Payments
Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Payments
-D-
Devils Lake Sioux Tribe Payments
-F-
Fond du Lac Reservation Per Capita Payments
Fort Belknap Indian Community Payments
Fort Belknap Indian Community Montana, Payments
-G-
Grand Portage Reservation Per Capita Payments
Grand River Band of Ottawa Indians Payments
Grosvenor Tribe of Montana Payments
-H-
Hopi Tribal Relocation Assistance
Houlton Band of the Maliseet Indians Payments Under the Maine Settlement Act of 1980
-I-
Independent Seminole Indians of Florida (Per Capita Payments of $2,000 or Less)
Indian Child Welfare Programs Assistance
Indian Judgment Fund Act (Per Capita Payments of $2,000 or Less)
-K-
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Payments
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
INCOME AND RESOURCES
FNS 300 SOURCES OF INCOME
30
Section 300
Change #01-2022
January 11, 2022
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (L’Anse, Lac Vieux Desert, and Ontonagon Bands) Per
Capita
-L-
Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians Payments
Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation of Wisconsin Per Capita Payments
Lac du Flambeau Reservation Per Capita Payments
Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Payments
-M-
Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980 Payments
Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida (Per Capita Payments of $2,000 or Less)
Mille Lac Reservation, Minnesota, Per Capita Payments
Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Payments
-N-
Navajo Tribe Payments and Relocation Assistance Payments
Nett Lake Reservation (including Deer Creek and Vermillion Lake) Per Capita Payments
-O-
Oglala Sioux Tribe Payments
Old Age Assistance Claims Settlement Act Payments to Heirs (Per Capita Shares of $2,000 or
Less)
-P-
Papago Tribe of Arizona Payments
Passamaquoddy Tribe Payments Under the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980
Penobscot Nation Payments Under the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980
Puyallup Tribe of Indians Settlement Act of 1989 Funds
-R-
Red Cliff Reservation Per Capita Payments
Red Lake Band of Chippewa Funds
Rosebud Sioux Tribe Payments
-S-
Sac and Fox Tribe of Oklahoma Per Capita Payments
Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa Per Capita Payments
Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan Payments
Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Per Capita Payments (Per Capita Payments of $2,000 or Less)
Seminole Tribe of Florida (Per Capita Payments of $2,000 or Less)
Seneca nation Settlement Act of 1990 Funds
Shoshone Bannock Tribes Payments
St. Croix Reservation Per Capita Payments
-T-
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewas, Arizona, Payments
-W-
White Earth Band of Chippewa Indians in Minnesota Payments
White Earth Reservation Per Capita Payments
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION
INCOME AND RESOURCES
FNS 300 SOURCES OF INCOME
31
Section 300
Change #01-2022
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White Earth Reservation Land Settlement Act of 1985 Payments