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Division/Section Family Support Chapter No./Name 4 – Economic Independence (EI) Part No./Name B – Eligibility Factors Section No./Name B-600-FITAP-SNAP Income Document No./Name B-650-SNAP Deductions Effective Date September 1, 2026

14 of 22 There are three budgeting options. The worker must explain the effect each option would have on household benefits and allow the household to choose the manner in which the one-time expense will be budgeted. The options are:

• At Certification or Redetermination

o allow the total expense in the first month of the certification period, or o prorate the expense over the entire certification period or o allow a monthly payment amount if the household has a payment agreement with the provider or is repaying a loan made for the expense in a set monthly amount. The monthly payment amount should be allowed for the number of months specified in the payment or loan agreement.

• Ongoing Cases - If a one-time medical expense is reported during the certification period,

o allow the total expense in one month, or o prorate the expense over the remainder of the certification period or o allow a monthly payment if the household has a payment amount agreement with the provider or is repaying a loan made for the expense in a set monthly amount. The monthly payment amount should be allowed for the number of months specified in the payment or loan agreement.

Budgeting Prescribed Medical Expenses

Allow a deduction for prescribed medical expenses that are recurring, reasonably anticipated and verified. The client may incur prescribed medical expenses on a regular basis, but the individual medications prescribed may vary due to intolerance to a particular medication or changing medical conditions. Total prescription expenses may be costly without any single prescription drug being taken on an ongoing basis. Therefore, prescribed medical expenses should be averaged.

When a client reports incurring prescribed medical expenses, which includes prescription drugs, medical supplies, and equipment, and over-the counter medication approved by a qualified health professional, obtain verification of expenses for at least three consecutive months.

If verification of expenses for the last three months is not available or is not indicative of anticipated expenses, a more appropriate time period may be used. The case record must be documented to explain the reason for using a time period of less than three months.

If the cost of a prescribed medical expense which is purchased on a regular basis has changed (cost for the same strength and quantity has increased or decreased), use the new price in the monthly average. Change the old purchase price to the new price when calculating the average expense.