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ESA SNAP Policy Manual 47 Utility expenses (heat, electricity, telephone, etc.) are not verified in most cases. See Section 12.7.3, Utility Allowance, for additional information. For more information, see Section 12.7.1, Excess Shelter Deduction. 5.3.4.2 Homeless Shelter Deduction Households in which all members are experiencing homelessness and pay shelter and/or utility expenses may qualify for the standard homeless shelter deduction or opt to receive the excess shelter deduction (see Section 5.3.4.1, Excess Shelter Deduction). If the household chooses the standard homeless shelter deduction, ESA must verify that the household incurs an allowable shelter and/or utility expense. If a household has difficulty obtaining traditional types of verification, a client’s statement documented in the case file is acceptable verification of the expense. Because the homeless shelter deduction is a standard amount, ESA does not need to verify the total amount of shelter and/or utility expenses the household incurs. At least one allowable expense the household incurs is sufficient to qualify for this deduction.  Note: If the household opts to receive the excess shelter deduction in lieu of the homeless shelter deduction, follow verification requirements in Section 5.3.4.1, Excess Shelter Deduction. At recertification, mid-certification or when a change is reported by the household, ESA must verify the expense when one of the following criteria is met:  The source of the expense has changed.  The household moved to a new address or shelter.  The amount of the expense has changed by more than $25 monthly.  The information provided is incomplete, inaccurate, inconsistent or outdated. Depending on the total amount of shelter expenses the household incurs, the household may qualify for a larger income deduction under the excess shelter deduction. When a change in shelter and/or utility costs is reported, ESA must determine if the household wants the excess shelter deduction in lieu of the homeless shelter deduction. Allowable expenses to qualify for the homeless shelter deduction include the following:  Payments to a homeless shelter  Payments to a hotel or motel for temporary lodging  Payments to friends or family in exchange for temporary housing  Payments on client’s vehicle if residing in their vehicle  Utility expense such as a cell phone Return