The following are examples of instructions on coding the Shelter Tab in FACS. The deductions for shelter and utility expenses for the SNAP program are entered on the tab.

Willie visited the office to apply for SNAP benefits. During the interview he stated that he rents an apartment from Indio Housing for $700 monthly. He states that it is all bills paid. He pays $35 a month for a cell phone.

• Telephone Only Utility Allowance is selected in the utility indicator block. Correct amount will populate in the utility cost block when the case is saved.
• $700 is entered in the shelter cost block
• Rent Box is checked Yes
• $700 is entered in the ‘Rent Amount’ block as well as information regarding ‘Housing Paid To’ block. Enter contact telephone number if available.
• The box for paying for utilities separate from rent and mortgage is checked Yes because of the telephone bill.
• 35 per MO is entered for phone.

Reba and Kenny Parton live in a home on 5 acres. The mortgage was paid off last year. They are still responsible for the taxes and insurance annually. Annual tax amount is $2000 per year and insurance runs $3500 per year. Utilities paid include electric, gas, water/trash, and phone bill.

• Standard Utility Allowance is selected in the utility indicator block. Correct amount will populate in the utility cost block when the case is saved.
• Taxes and insurance are annualized to obtain a monthly amount.
  • $2000 / 12 = $166.67
  • $3500 / 12 = $291.67
  • Total = $166.67 + $291.67 = $458.34 ($458 coded in Shelter cost block).
• Own Box is checked Yes
• Monthly tax amount of $167 is entered.
• Monthly insurance amount of $292 is entered
• Paying for utilities separate box is checked
• Monthly amounts for electric, gas, water/sewer, and phone are entered.

Cathy visited the office to apply for SNAP benefits. During the interview she stated that she rents an apartment from Lake Housing with rent due with an amount of $800 monthly. She states she receives Hud housing assistance in the amount of $300 per month. Her grandmother pays the electric company directly per month for the cooling bill. Cathy is responsible to pay the water/trash/sewage bill from the city and her phone bill.

• Basic Utility Allowance is selected in the utility indicator block. Correct amount will populate in the utility cost block when the case is saved.
• $500 is entered in the shelter cost block
• Rent Box is checked Yes
• HUD Allocation box is checked Yes
• Check Yes in the receiving help paying shelter cost box
• $800 is entered in the ‘Rent Amount’ block as well as information regarding ‘Housing Paid To’ block.
• The box for paying for utilities separate from rent and mortgage is checked Yes because of the water/trash/sewage bill.
• 40 per MO is entered for phone.
• 85 per month is entered for water.