Verification of Income

 

Clients must provide proof of any and all income they receive. Income must be verified:

  • Prior to the approval of aid,
  • At each RRR, and 
  • Whenever a SAR 7 is submitted.

Note: Clients must also inform the EW within 10 days of any change including a change related to income and provide proof of the change.

Earned Income

Earned Income can be verified using the following:

  • Pay check stubs.
  • A signed statement from an employer verifying the amount and frequency of payments.
  • A statement from IRS regarding client’s Tax Refunds or EITC.

 

Note: If attempts to verify earnings by both the client and the EW are unsuccessful, a “General Affidavit” (CSF 2) may be completed by the client and witnessed and signed by the EW. The EW MUST thoroughly document all attempts that were taken to verify earnings in a Journal Entry.

Earned Income Deductions

Deductions that ARE allowed from gross earned income include, but are not limited to amounts that are INVOLUNTARILY withheld for:

  • Federal Income Tax 
  • State Income Tax 
  • Social Security (FICA)
  • Meals
  • Involuntary Insurance, e.g., SDI
  • Involuntary retirement
  • Mandatory union dues, and
  • Involuntary work-related expenses.

Deductions NOT allowed from gross earned income include, but are not limited to amounts VOLUNTARILY withheld for:

  • Child care
  • Contributions
  • Garnishments
  • Insurance
  • Mileage
  • Transportation costs
  • Union dues. 

Unearned Income

Verify unearned income by viewing:

  • Checks or copies of checks
  • Award letters
  • Signed statements from persons or organizations providing the income
  • Check stubs, or a
  • Statement from the financial institution when income is directly deposited into client's account.

Income-In-Kind

The provider of each item of need, will be required to submit a written statement listing the type, and the amount of support that they give to the client.

  • If the provider refuses to provide the written statement, then a “General Affidavit” (CSF 2) must be obtained from the client concerning the item(s) of need.
  • If the provider pays cash on behalf of the client, a statement from that provider WILL be required to verify that the cash did NOT pass through the client's hands, but was paid directly to the vendor. Otherwise, the amount of payment WILL be considered income to the GA budget.

 

Related Topics

General Assistance Policies

Types of Income

Lump Sum Income

Potential Income and Resources

VA (Veterans Administration) Benefits

RRB (Railroad Retirement Benefits)

CalWORKS

Retirement, Survivors, Disability Insurance (RSDI)

SSI/SSP