(III) 2. (iii) (c) Income Support Needs Test

The most commonly used needs test is the eligibility assessment to determine basic Income Support benefits, also called the “60 day rule.” This assessment takes into account the income of the applicant and family during the past 60 days and establishes an eligibility date. [...] The Client Services Officer (CSO) totals the requirements of the applicant(s), using the rates defined in Regulations, plus a 40% eligibility adjustment, and compares it to the income of the applicant(s) for the 60 days previous to the date of application. [...] If an applicant is not eligible on the date of application, CAPS will then prorate the income over the period in which the income was received and assess the income within the 60-day assessment period to determine an eligibility date. [...] Eligibility is established for these items by totaling the basic requirements, adding in the cost of the specific item requested and deducting the resources of the applicant(s) for the past 30 days. [...] If the total requirements, including the cost of the items requested, are greater than total resources; the applicant is eligible for a contribution towards the cost of the item or the total cost of the item, whichever is less.