VEHICLES SR 97-03, 02/97 (FAM-A)

Automobiles and other motorized vehicles such as trucks, motorboats, snowmobiles, and motorcycles. Part 411, Farm Machinery, Livestock, Tools, and Equipment addresses farm vehicles.

One method of determining ownership involves inspection of the vehicle’s title. If it has "and" linking an assistance group member with a nonmember as co-owners, do not count the equity value. If the title has "or" linking a group and a nongroup member, see Jointly Owned Resources above.

Determine fair market value by looking up average wholesale value in the Maclean Hunter Market Reports’ Automobile Redbook. Fair market value is not increased because of special equipment for the handicapped, low mileage, or optional equipment. The individual may claim that the fair market value in the book does not apply because of, for instance, body damage. The individual must show verification from a reliable source, like an auto dealer.

Household Vehicle

Treatment: Exclude 1 vehicle per adult household member for TANF financial assistance and Extended Medical Assistance households.

Allow 1 vehicle each for any disqualified or excluded adult TANF member.

Allow 1 vehicle per adult household member for TANF-related Medicaid only households

• Additional Registered Work Vehicles

Treatment: Count the equity value of all non-junk vehicles which are in addition to any excluded vehicle.

• Additional Registered Vehicles Not Used for Work

Treatment: Count the equity value of all non-junk vehicles which are in addition to the household’s exempted vehicles. See below for definition of junk vehicles.

• Junk Vehicles

Junk vehicles are defined as any of the following:

- vehicles used only to supply parts for the individual’s main vehicle.

- vehicles that are too dilapidated to be reasonably repaired for sale or use.

- vehicles which can be sold only for scrap or parts.

Treatment: Exclude the value.

• Income-Producing Vehicles

Treatment: Count the equity value of all non-junk vehicles which are in addition to the exempted household vehicle(s).

• Vehicles Used as Household’s Home

Treatment: Totally exclude any vehicle used as the household’s home.

• Recreational Vehicles

Recreational vehicles are motorized vehicles, including motorboats, snowmobiles, motorcycles, recreational campers, etc.

Treatment: Count the equity value of all non-junk vehicles which are in addition to the exempted household vehicle(s).

• Vehicles for the Physically Disabled

Treatment: Count the equity value of all non-junk vehicles which are in addition to the exempted household vehicle(s).