Best Estimate Guide

Revised March 25, 2011

Purpose:

CONSIDER	Use information from the client, pay stubs, statements from employers, and other available proof of income to answer the following:
Rate of Pay:	Does the client receive a salary or an hourly wage? If hourly, what is the hourly wage and how many hours does the client work each pay period? Is the client paid by the piece? If paid for piecework, how much is the client paid for each piece and how many pieces do they normally complete each pay period? Does the client receive tips or commissions?
Pay Dates:	What are the client's pay periods? What are the client's pay dates? Is the client paid on the same day each week? Is the client paid on specific days of each month?
Past Income:	If unable to anticipate expected hours or pay rate, look at past income: Do the last 3 months represent what the client should get? Do the last 30 days represent what the client should get? Should special circumstances be considered when looking at past income? If the client has a new job, is there a partial first check? Does one of the pay periods include a time the client had leave without pay due to illness or other reasons? Did one pay period include overtime because the client worked extra hours for a sick co-worker? Is the income higher or lower than normal due to seasonal fluctuations?
Recent Changes:	Has the client recently lost their job? When will the client get their last check? Will the client get any money from "cashing out" vacation, sick pay, or retirement benefits? Will the client get any severance pay, unemployment compensation, or retirement benefits? Has there been a recent employment change: From full-time to part-time? In the number of hours worked? In the client's wage or salary? From one job to another? Has the client received overtime pay or bonuses? Have there been other changes that would impact eligibility or benefit level?
Changes Expected During the Certification Period:	Are the hours going to go up or down? Is the income ending? Has the client’s job just started? Will they receive more paychecks next month than they did this month?