Countable income is determined by taking all income of a claimant and then subtracting all income that "does not count" to arrive at the "countable income" amount. The countable income is then applied to the federal benefit rate to determine the exact benefit amount a claimant will receive. Non countable income will include such items as assistance based on need from a State or local government, small amounts of income received on an irregular basis, loans, and dividends and interest on investments.