Section 26. Deductions/Allowances Verification Standards - Shelter

A. The applicant/recipient’s statement is acceptable for verification of shelter expenses, if the information given is not questionable. If information is questionable or inconsistent; ISD must clearly document why the household’s statement was unacceptable and what information requires additional verification. When further information or verification is requested the following items shall be acceptable: (1) An obligation to pay for shelter is considered a deduction for SNAP. If the expense is questionable and verification of a shelter expense is requested and not provided, SNAP benefits will be determined without allowing a deduction for shelter expenses. When further verification is requested, documents which may be used to verify an obligation to pay for shelter include: (a) mortgage payment book; (b) written statement from the bank or other financial institution; (c) rent receipt; (d) written statement from the landlord; (e) lease agreement; 8.100.130 NMAC 17 (f) copies of bills for property taxes or house insurance; (g) correspondence with the taxing authority or insurance agency; or (h) additional items as listed on ISD 135 “proof checklist”. (2) If documentary evidence is not readily available or is questionable, a collateral contact may be selected to verify the obligation to pay shelter or use other acceptable methods of verification as set forth in 8.100.130.9 NMAC. B. Utilities: The applicant/recipient’s statement is acceptable for verification of utility expenses, if the information given is not questionable. If information is questionable or inconsistent; ISD must clearly document why the household’s statement was unacceptable and what information requires additional verification se other acceptable methods of verification as set forth in 8.100.130.9 NMAC. B. Utilities: The applicant/recipient’s statement is acceptable for verification of utility expenses, if the information given is not questionable. If information is questionable or inconsistent; ISD must clearly document why the household’s statement was unacceptable and what information requires additional verification. Documents which may be used to verify an obligation to pay for utilities include: (1) utility bills; (2) rent receipt, lease agreement, or written statement from the landlord showing the household is responsible for payment of utilities; (3) written statement from a utility provider; (4) additional items as listed on ISD 135 “proof checklist”; or (5) if documentary evidence is questionable, a collateral contact with the landlord or the utility provider may be selected to verify the obligation to pay for utilities or use other acceptable methods of verification as set forth in 8.100.130.9 NMAC. [8.100.130.26 NMAC - Rp 8.100.130.26 NMAC, 7/1/2024] 8.100.130.27 DEDUCTIONS/ALLOWANCES VERIFICATION STANDARDS - MEDICAL EXPENSES: A. Verification of medical expenses is mandatory for SNAP if the applicant/recipient meets one of the criteria listed below. The applicant/recipient’s statement that no reimbursement will be received will be accepted unless questionable. If the household claims a reimbursement, a deduction cannot be allowed until the un- reimbursed portion of the expense is verified. (1) the individual claiming the medical expense is age 60 or older or disabled; and (2) the amount of the medical expenses exceeds $35; or (3) allowance of the medical expenses would potentially result in a deduction; (4) failure to provide verification of medical expenses will result in a determination of eligibility and amount of benefits without considering medical expenses. B ense is verified. (1) the individual claiming the medical expense is age 60 or older or disabled; and (2) the amount of the medical expenses exceeds $35; or (3) allowance of the medical expenses would potentially result in a deduction; (4) failure to provide verification of medical expenses will result in a determination of eligibility and amount of benefits without considering medical expenses. B. Documents which may be used to verify a medical expense include: (1) current bill; (2) monthly statement from the provider; (3) medical insurance policy; (4) appointment cards, travel receipts (lodging and transportation) to verify travel costs associated with obtaining medical care; (5) additional items as listed in ISD 135 “proof checklist”; or (6) if documentary evidence is questionable, a collateral contact with the landlord or the utility provider may be selected to verify the obligation to pay for utilities or use other acceptable methods of verification as set forth in 8.100.130.9 NMAC.