Income is defined as gain, payment, or proceed from labor, business, property, retirement, and other benefits.  All available income, except that required to be disregarded by law or the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) policy, is taken into consideration in determining need.  • 1 

Income is considered available when actually received.  When an individual's income is reduced due to recoupment of an overpayment or a garnishment, the gross amount before the recoupment or garnishment is counted as income.  The individual is responsible for reporting all income, the source, amount, and regularity of receipt.

• (1) Income received on behalf of a member of the assistance unit by another individual such as, but not limited to, a guardian or conservator, is considered available to the assistance unit.
• (2) Money received and used for the care and maintenance of a third party who is not included in the assistance unit is not counted as income if it can be identified and verified as intended for third party use.  • 2 
• This is not applicable to a stepparent or a person acting in the role of a spouse.  [OAC 340:10-3-57(f)]
• (3) If it appears any member of the assistance unit or an individual whose income and resources are considered when computing the cash assistance is eligible for any type of income or benefits, OKDHS notifies the assistance unit in writing.  The notice contains the information that failure to apply for and take all appropriate steps to obtain such benefits within 30 days from the date of the notice results in a determination of ineligibility.  Supplemental Security Income (SSI) does not fall under these types of benefits.
• (4) If a husband and wife are living together or are living apart but there has not been a clear break in the family relationship, income received by either spouse and income received jointly is considered as family income.  Income of individuals receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits cannot be diverted to members who receive State Supplemental Payments.  Income of a natural or adoptive parent cannot be diverted to meet the needs of a stepparent.  Any family member who receives SSI is not included in a TANF benefit and consideration is not given to any of the SSI income in computing the TANF benefit.
• (5) When it is determined the assistance unit's net income meets or exceeds the payment standard for that month, the application is denied or the cash assistance is terminated the next possible effective date.  • 3