N.M. Admin. Code § 8.100.130.26

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 20, October 22, 2024

Section 8.100.130.26 - 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;

(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. 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.

N.M. Admin. Code § 8.100.130.26

8.100.130.26 NMAC - Rp, 8.100.130.15 NMAC, 8/1/2008, Amended by New Mexico Register, Volume XXVIII, Issue 04, February 28, 2017, eff. 3/1/2017, Adopted by New Mexico Register, Volume XXXV, Issue 12, June 25, 2024, eff. 7/1/2024