Code of Maine Rules
10 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
144 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - GENERAL
Chapter 332 - MAINECARE ELIGIBILITY MANUAL
Part 17 - INCOME

Income is divided into two categories, earned and unearned. Earned income is received from employment or self-employment. It may be received as wages, salaries, commissions or profits. Goods and services received in return for work are also known as bartering income or in-kind income. Unearned income is cash income received from sources other than employment or self-employment. Within each category there are many types of income.

The source of income and the time frame in which it is received must be considered in determining the countable income for a particular month. All income is counted in the month it is received, except for contract income, whether it is for a previous, current or future period. This provision pertains to all types of income including lump sums from wages, inheritances and lottery winnings.

Income received through direct deposits and other electronic transfers of funds is counted for the month they were intended to be received even if they are posted early or late.

The current monthly income reported at the time of initial application will be presumed to continue throughout the remainder of the eligibility period. Any increased or additional income must be reported within ten days of receipt in order to determine continued eligibility.

The actual income received for the period to be covered must be used to determine eligibility for retroactive coverage.