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SNAP CERTIFICATION MANUAL – SECTION 6000 6600 The Excess Shelter Deduction 6624 Homeless Living Allowance the BUA. The costs for a telephone are included in the Basic Utility Allowance (BUA) and may not be allowed as a standalone deduction if using the BUA. 6624 Homeless Living Allowance SNAP Manual 03/01/2026 The Homeless Living Allowance (HLA) is a predetermined amount which is updated annually and is meant to provide a standard expense amount for households who are considered homeless and have expenses that may include, but are not limited to, hotel and motel rooms, homeless shelters, payments to relatives or friends, or the cost of laundry. Households must meet the definition of a homeless household and cannot receive free shelter throughout the month to be eligible for the deduction. This living allowance also includes telephone expenses. Individuals living in their vehicles who make payments for ownership or a portion of insurance that covers vehicle damage are also eligible for this deduction. The homeless household must provide a statement declaring expenses or provide proof of payment made for hotel and motel rooms, to friends or relatives, to laundry mats, etc. 6625 Telephone Standard Allowance SNAP Manual 03/01/2026 The telephone standard is for households who incur expenses for any type of telephone service regardless of the number or type of telephone used by the household. The standard costs for telephone expenses will apply across the board to all areas of the state. No more or no less will be allowed for the telephone costs regardless of the household’s actual costs. Telephone fees include but are not limited to basic service fees, wire maintenance fees, subscriber line charges, relay center surcharges, 911 fees, and taxes. If the household is assigned the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA), Basic Utility Allowance (BUA), or the Homeless Living Allowance (HLA), a separate deduction for telephone will not be allowed, because telephone expenses are included in the Standard Utility Allowance, Basic Utility Allowance, and the Homeless Living Allowance. 6626 Households with HUD or FMHA Utility Reimbursements SNAP Manual 03/01/2026 Section deleted 03/01/2026 6627 Verification and Documentation of Shelter Costs SNAP Manual 03/01/2026 At any case action, verification of expenses incurred for the shelter occupied by the household (for example, rent/mortgage, property taxes or homeowner’s insurance) will be requested. At any case action, entitlement to the utility standard will be verified if the information is outdated or household’s statements regarding the household’s primary source of heating or cooling are contradictory.