PM 13-01-07
Child Support Income Exclusion
All court-ordered child support payments should be treated as an income exclusion from the SNAP household's total gross income when comparing to the Maximum Monthly Gross Income Standard for the household size. It is not allowed as an income deduction in the net benefit calculation. This includes when determining expedited service. See PM 02-08-01 and WAG 02-01-01.
Determine the child support income exclusion amount as follows:
- Use the actual support payments made in the last 30 days to determine the child support income exclusion and convert to a monthly amount. See PM 13-02-04 Converting Income and Deductions to a Monthly Amount.
- Enter monthly amount in IES. IES will exclude the child support amount when comparing the SNAP households to the Maximum Monthly Gross Income Standard for the household size.
Gross Income Comparison
Example: Mr. T is applying for SNAP and is a one person household. The Maximum Monthly Gross Income Standard for a household size of one is $2,005. His gross monthly income is $2,169. His court-ordered child support is $400 per month. Mr. T verifies his support payments by using his pay stubs received in the last 30 days.
| GROSS INCOME CALCULATION |
DOLLAR AMOUNT |
| Total Gross Unearned Income |
$0 |
- Less Noncompliance Amount
|
$0 |
| Total Gross Adjusted Unearned Income |
$0 |
| Total Gross Earned income |
$2,169 |
| Total Earned Plus Unearned Income |
|
- Less Allowable Self-Employment Expenses
|
|
- Less Child Support Income Exclusion
|
$400 |
| Total Countable Gross Income |
$1,769 |
Mr. T's countable income minus the child support income exclusion ($400) is $1,769. Mr. T is gross income eligible for SNAP. His countable income when completing the net income benefit calculation is $1,769 x .80 = $1,416 (round up). A deduction for the child support expense is not allowed in the net income benefit calculation.
