Page 162

S N A P M A N U A L

162 (E) The shelter costs for a home if temporarily not occupied by the household because of employment or training away from home, illness, or abandonment caused by a natural disaster or casualty loss. For costs of a home vacated by the household to be included in the household's shelter costs, the household must intend to return to the home; the current occupants of the home, if any, must not be claiming the shelter costs for SNAP purposes; and the home must not be leased or rented during the absence of the household. NOTE: The household can only choose actual utility costs, not the MUA or BUA for an unoccupied home. (F) Charges for the repair of the home which was substantially damaged or destroyed due to a natural disaster such as a fire or flood. Shelter costs will not include charges for repair of the home that have been or will be reimbursed by private or public relief agencies, insurance companies, or from any other source. NOTE: A shelter deduction cannot be allowed for any expense paid in the form of a vendor payment with the exception of those vendor payments which are included as income. (5) Disallowed shelter costs The following are not allowed as shelter costs: (A) Mortgage payments on which the Farmer’s Home Administration (FmHA) has placed a moratorium. NOTE: After the one- or two-year moratorium has ended, allow the recalculated payment. (B) Fees charged for one-time deposits on utilities or penalty fees for late payments. (C) Weatherization expenses. (D) Regime fees that do not lead to ownership. (E) Insurance premiums for separate identifiable costs for belongings. (F) Repairs or replacement of appliances, water well, etc., due to wear or mechanical problems. (G) Costs relating to housing not actually occupied by the household unless temporarily unoccupied according to Section 12.4 Shelter Deduction [Allowed shelter expenses (E)]. (H) Down payments, closing costs, etc., incidental to purchase of home. (I) Site preparation to locate mobile home. (J) Any portion of a HUD rental subsidy designated as a recoupment. (K) Any portion of a mortgage payment which is intended to cover any past due amounts. (L) Any expense paid in the form of an excluded vendor payment.