Shelter Allowance

Regulation

Homeless households that actually or reasonably expect to incur shelter costs during a month are entitled to the homeless shelter deduction (HSD) or the SUA, whichever gives the greater benefit to the household. If the homeless shelter deduction is used, separate utility costs are not allowed since the HSD already includes a utility cost component.

Verification for Actual Homeless Shelter Costs

Households that choose to use the actual cost of shelter expenses must provide verification. If actual verified homeless shelter costs are higher than the homeless shelter deduction, the actual cost can be used as a housing cost instead of a homeless shelter deduction, and utility costs can be claimed.

Note: Verification of separate utility expenses must be verified.

No Shelter Cost

Homeless households that do not incur, or reasonably expect to incur, shelter costs in a month are not entitled to a shelter deduction for that month.

Example

A CalFresh homeless household lives under the bridge and has no shelter costs. The household is not entitled to a shelter deduction but may still receive SUA.

Vehicle Costs

If a homeless household is living in any type of vehicle and has reasonably anticipated or recurring operational or maintenance expenses, they can claim shelter deductions. This applies to costs paid by the household occupying the vehicle, regardless of whether the household owns the vehicle.

The allowable vehicle costs include, but are not limited to:

Vehicle payments,
Collision and comprehensive insurance premiums paid by the household,
Overnight parking and camping fees,
Expenses that occur less frequently than monthly may be averaged over the period for which they are paid.

Not allowable shelter deductions:

Liability and medical insurance premiums
Cost of fuel, such as gasoline or diesel, to operate a vehicle.

Utility Allowances

Households without shelter costs but with utility costs can claim a utility allowance, such as SUA, LUA, or TUA.

Allowable utility expenses:

Costs of fuel for heating, cooling (i.e., the operation of the air conditioning system), and electricity or fuel used for purposes other than heating or cooling.
The costs of gasoline for generators, propane, or firewood.

Not allowable costs:

Cost of fuel to operate a vehicle
Cost of ice for the purpose of keeping food fresh.

State Utility Assistance Subsidy (SUAS)-Based SUA

Only if the household would receive a higher benefit allotment with SUA than with the HSD, the household shall be eligible for the SUAS payment and SUAS-based SUA.

Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers

The intent of a drug and alcohol treatment center is NOT to provide temporary housing for the homeless, and residents of these centers are not considered homeless.

Homeless Shelters (FNS AN 13-19)

Homeless households live in a shelter that serves meals can apply for CalFresh.

Mailing Address (SCD 1483)

Homeless households that do not have a mailing address must complete the Social Services Mail Request/Agreement (SCD 1483) to indicate an address where they wish to receive mail from Social Services.

Refer to the topic Homeless Mailing Address Overview in the Common Place Handbook

Agency Assistance [MPP 63-300.5(i)]

In addition, where the means of mail communication becomes a barrier to eligibility, such as a lack of an address to obtain California identification, workers must assist the applicant or recipient to obtain adequate documentation/identification. This may be a two-step process, such as assisting the individual in getting a birth certificate, so the recipient can get an ID.

Case Narration

Workers must document the mail option the homeless client selects in the Journal Detail page.