Page 32
SNAP SNAP SNAP SNAP SNAP SNAP SNAP SNAP SNAP SNAP SNAP SNAP SNAP SNAP SNAP SNAP SNAP When shelter costs other than utilities are shared between separate households in the same dwelling, allow the costs actually paid (or to be paid) by each household. Allowable costs include: • Rent, mortgage payments (this includes 2nd mortgage and home equity line of credit payments), mandatory association fees, separate property payment for a lot or a contiguous lot on which a shelter is located, and other continuing charges leading to ownership of the property. Note: The amount charged for rent that is higher because the apartment complex/owners charge more for rentals with a carport, storage shed, furnished versus unfurnished or have rentals that cost more for pet owners than non-pet owners, etc., IS allowed in full. • Car payment when a person is living in their car; • State and local property taxes not included in the mortgage payment. This includes taxes on a motel room or campground space the household is renting; • Insurance on the structure, but not the contents of the home, which are not included in the mortgage payment (allow the total cost of insurance when amount for shelter and contents cannot be separated). Note: The cost of insurance which covers the vehicle may be allowed when an individual lives in their car. This includes the cost of comprehensive and collision coverage but not medical, bodily injury, property damage, etc. • Un-reimbursed costs for the repair of a home damaged by a natural disaster; • Shelter costs paid by a non-household member in lieu of court ordered support payment to a household member; and • Appropriate utility allowance based on the specific costs incurred by the household. 660.5.1.1 Determining the Appropriate Utility Allowance Households billed for utility costs are allowed only one of the following mandatory utility allowances depending on what utility expenses they incur. The four different utility allowances are: Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) for households that incur costs for: • Heating; • Cooling-Cooling costs are limited to the cost of operating air conditioners and/or swamp coolers. They do not include the cost of operating fans or blowers. The amount of the deduction allowed for the Standard Utility Allowance also includes the utility costs incurred by the household for additional electric costs (not used for heating or cooling), water, sewer, garbage, telephone, etc. A-660.5.1 BUDGETING Allowable Shelter Costs Division of Social Services Eligibility and Payments Manual 11 Aug 25 MTL 10/25