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Allow the SNAP standard telephone allowance as defined in SNAP 602-4 Shelter Deductions when the community spouse is not responsible for the major heating/cooling but does have a telephone. Actual utility expenses are never used, whether or not the community spouse is responsible for major heating/cooling. For example, if the community spouse is responsible for electricity (not related to heating or cooling) and water, but not for heating, cooling or telephone, no utility expense is allowed. Family Allowance (Married Individuals): Only children, parents, or siblings of the institutionalized spouse are eligible to receive a family maintenance allowance; they must live with the community spouse and be eligible to be claimed as dependents for tax purposes. Family members who receive HCBS waiver services or are institutionalized are not eligible for a family maintenance allowance. Each additional dependent can receive a maximum maintenance needs allowance equal to 1/3 the difference between the $2644 (Effective 07/01/2025) basic needs standard and the family member’s gross income. NOTE: If the applicant/recipient is determined to be categorically needy and has dependent family members, no community spouse income allowance will be calculated, because there is no remainder (Spend Down) from which to deduct the allowance. Family Contribution to Facility (regardless of who pays): When an additional amount is paid directly to the assisted living facility to upgrade the client to a private room, a “nicer” room, or for additional food, the additional charge is considered vendor/in-kind income for shelter or food. NOTE: Room and board charges paid to residential medical facilities such as nursing homes are considered medical expenses. Additional payments paid to an assisted living facility are NOT medical expenses. Notices: When the waiver individual is married, both spouses must each receive a notice detailing the institutionalized spouse’s applicable deductions and each spouse can appeal the allowance determination. An unmarried individual and/or their authorized representative must receive the same notice. A notice must also be sent to the medical facility stating the client’s cost of care liability, even when it is zero.