Page 21

Title 7: SNAP Page 18 Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Employees’ Manual Chapter D: Resources Vehicles Revised September 27, 2024 Excluded Motor Vehicles Exclude the entire value of any remaining licensed vehicle if it: ▪ Is used to produce income. ▪ Produces annual income consistent with its fair market value. Allow the exclusion even if the work is seasonal. ▪ Is used for long distance travel (other than daily commuting) that is essential to employment. This may be employment of a household member or another person whose resources count. Examples include traveling salesmen, or migrants following the migrant stream. ▪ Is needed to transport a physically disabled person who is a household member or whose resources count. The physical disability can be either temporary or permanent. If the disability is questionable, a doctor’s statement can be used as verification. NOTE: This exclusion does not apply to mental disabilities. Exclude only one vehicle per physically disabled person. The vehicle does not need to be specially equipped to be excluded. Transportation of the person can be for any reason, not just for medical treatment. ▪ Is used as the household’s home. ▪ Is needed to carry the primary source of fuel for heating. ▪ Is needed to carry water for home use. ▪ Would produce a profit of $1, 500 or less, if sold. Continue to allow the first three exclusions during periods of temporary unemployment, such as when a taxi driver is ill. These exclusions also apply to vehicles on Indian reservations that do not require a license for vehicles driven by tribal members. Determining the Fair Market Value Fair market value is usually found in “blue books,” like the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA) Used Car Guide. When using this source to determine fair market value, use the wholesale or trade-in value, not the retail value. Do not increase the value because of low mileage or optional equipment. Do not count special equipment to accommodate the handicapped as increased value. If a new vehicle is not yet listed in the blue book, use another reputable assessment, such as a new car dealership, to determine fair market value.