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Chapter: 1600 Assets Program: CIC 14 A valuation from a reputable automobile dealer, rather than the NADA value may be used when:

1. the "average trade-in" value affects the individual's eligibility; 2. the vehicle was in an accident, sustained major mechanical and/or body damage which has not been repaired; or 3. the vehicle is inoperable due to mechanical conditions that have not been repaired.

A reputable automobile dealer valuation may also be used when the vehicle is in excessively poor condition bodily and mechanically so that compared to other vehicles of the same make, model, year, and equipment its value is substantially affected. A vehicle does not qualify on this condition based solely on excess mileage and/or minor body damage such as rust, as these conditions are considered in the NADA book values given. The case record must contain an explanation of the condition of the vehicle that led the individual or eligibility specialist to believe the book value to be incorrect.

The individual obtaining the dealer's evaluation must request the dealer to provide the current market value of the car or the resale value. The trade-in value or wholesale value is unacceptable. The Department cannot assume liability for any costs arising from obtaining a dealer valuation.

Once a dealer values an older unlisted car placing the value at less than $1,500, another valuation is unnecessary for the same car at future redeterminations or reapplications. Notate the CF-ES Form 2610 or the CLRC screen when the valuation is placed in the case record.

When a dealer's valuation has been used due to the condition of the vehicle, the individual must report to the eligibility specialist any repairs affecting the value of the vehicle. However, the eligibility specialist must explore with the individual the condition of the vehicle at each complete redetermination to ensure that the conditions that resulted in its devaluation continue to exist. When such conditions have been remedied, the value of the vehicle must be redetermined through the NADA book or an additional dealer's valuation. 1650.0593 Assets Excluded by Federal Law (CIC) The eligibility specialist must verify or document the amount of the benefit received from the following sources, since they are potential assets:

1. SSI benefits or SSI lump sum payments.

2. Assistance from a vocational rehabilitation agency within certain limitations.

3. Disaster assistance payments (P.L. 100-707). This exclusion applies to federal disaster assistance and comparable state or local assistance.

4. Emergency payments made by another agency prior to the date direct assistance is received.

5. Any grant, loan, gift or scholarship received by the individual. Effective 7/1/93, this includes financial assistance provided under programs in Title IV of the Higher Education Act and under Bureau of Indian Affairs student assistance programs. Effective 7/1/93, student financial assistance for attendance costs under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act is also excluded. Attendance costs include: tuition and fees (as required by the institution of all students in the same course of study); and books, supplies, transportation, dependent care and miscellaneous personal expenses (as included in the assistance grant) for those attending on at least a half-time basis, as defined by the institution. Living expenses are not allowed as attendance costs unless the assistance grant includes funds for this purpose as part of miscellaneous personal expenses.