IM-51 June 8, 2007; IM-36 April 4, 2006; IM-01 January 15, 1999
For billed expenses, except for expenses that can be averaged, allow a deduction only in the month the expense is billed or otherwise becomes due, regardless of when or if the EU intends to pay the expense. Do not consider the intent to pay. Amounts carried forward from past billing periods are not deductible.
EXAMPLE: Rent that is due each month will be included in the EU’s shelter expenses even if the rent has not yet been paid.
Enter each expense type on its appropriate screen. Enter all expenses claimed by the EU. FAMIS includes the appropriate expenses based on policy.
- Income Expense – FMX1
- Medical Expense – FMXA
- Shelter Expense – FMXK
- Dependent Care Expense – FMXM
- Court Ordered Expense – FMXL
Expenses paid by an ineligible student are not allowable even though the student lives with the EU except for the standard utility allowance (SUA) if the EU has received energy assistance (EA).
Agreed upon monthly installments on one-time medical expenses are allowable in the month that each installment is due. The expense is allowable even if the EU was initially billed and established a payment plan before the certification period began.
If an EU makes a timely arrangement with a provider to pay the expense in installments, the installment is considered the EU’s expense in the month each payment becomes due.
The payment arrangement does not have to be a formal contract. A mutually recognized agreement is sufficient.
If the certification period expires before the balance of the installments has been paid, the monthly payment may be allowed as a deduction into the new certification period.
If a provider and EU renegotiate the payments for a one-time expense, allow the expense in accordance with the new agreement.
The eligibility specialist must record a comment concerning all expenses as outlined in the FAMIS Comments Quick Reference Chart.
Always review the Food Stamp Budget Summary (FM4A) screen prior to authorizing a case action. From the Budget Summary screen press F14=INCSUM to view the Income Summary Detail (FM33) screen. From the Income Summary screen press F14=INCEXP to view the Income Expense (FMX1) screen.
To view other expenses from the Food Stamp Budget Summary (FMX1) screen press F15=EXPSUM to arrive at the Expense Summary (FM34) screen. Select the expense you want to view and press F6=DETAILS. Press F21=RETURN to return to the previous screen.