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S N A P M A N U A L

59 For households that wish to claim a utility deduction for an unoccupied home, the Agency will verify the household’s actual utility expenses because the household can only be allowed a deduction for actual utility costs, not the Mandatory Utility Allowance (MUA) or Basic Utility Allowance (BUA). (9) Shelter expenses The Agency will verify a household's shelter expenses, which includes rent, mortgage (first & second mortgage), property tax on the residence, and homeowners’ insurance. Households may receive an expense deduction for an eligible unoccupied home (See Section 12.4(3)(E). If the expense cannot be verified within 30 days of the date of application, the Agency will determine the household's eligibility and benefit level without providing a deduction of the unverified expense. If the household subsequently provides the missing verification, the Agency will re-determine the household's benefits, and provide increased benefits, if any, in accordance with the timeliness standards in Chapter 15 Change Reporting Requirements on reported changes. If the expense could not be verified within the 30-day processing standard because the Agency failed to allow the household sufficient time, as defined Section 6.4 Delays in Processing, to verify the expense, the household will be entitled to the restoration of benefits retroactive to the month of application. If the household would be ineligible unless the expense is allowed, the household's application will be handled as provided in Section 6.4 Delays in Processing. (10) Medical expenses The amount of any outstanding non-recurring medical expenses (including the amount of reimbursements) deductible under Section 12.8 Medical Deduction will be verified prior to initial certification, as well as any recurring expenses. When calculating recurring expenses, use the anticipated monthly average. When calculating non-recurring medical expenses, the amount of out- of-pocket medical expenses should be prorated over the certification period. Verification of other factors, such as allowing services provided or the eligibility of the person incurring the cost, will be required if questionable. The household may be eligible for the Standard Medical (SM) deduction or the Excess Medical (EM) deduction. When the household verifies out-of-pocket medical expenses that total more than $35.00 but do not exceed $210.00 per month, the SM deduction must be allowed. When the household verifies out-of-pocket medical expenses that total more than $210.00 per month, the EM deduction must be allowed. NOTES: A reimbursement is the amount of medical expenses initially paid on behalf of the patient but is refunded by the health insurance company.

An out-of-pocket medical expense is the amount the household is required to pay. If the household has insurance coverage, this amount will be what the household owes