5500 - Vehicles
This section outlines policies for vehicle exemptions for all programs. The policies outlined below were adopted to assist individuals to seek and maintain employment or to obtain necessary medical care.
Leased vehicles are not considered a countable resource.
Exemptions involving licensed vehicles also include unlicensed vehicles driven by tribal members on Indian reservations not requiring vehicle licensing.
NOTE: It is recommended that all vehicles be listed on the KAECSES system - VEHI screen, even it exempt. Listing all vehicles allows other staff working with a family to know if they have reliable transportation.
5510 Vehicle Exemptions for All Cash Programs (except GA) and the Food Stamp Program - For the cash and food stamp programs, all motor vehicles (licensed and unlicensed) owned or being purchased by any household member, are exempt. Motor vehicles include motorcycles, scooters, off road vehicles, motor homes, boats, campers, trailers and other similar vehicles.
5520 Vehicle Exemptions for the MS, QMB, LMB, QWD, and GA Programs - One motor vehicle (owned or being purchased) per assistance family group is exempt if the primary purpose of the vehicle is to serve the needs of the assistance family group. The vehicle is not exempt if someone outside of the assistance family group has the primary use, enjoyment and possession of the vehicle. Additional vehicle(s) may be exempt if:
the vehicle is shown to be used over 50% of the time for employment or self-employment;
the vehicle is used as the family's home;
the vehicle is needed for medical treatment of a specific medical problem; or
the vehicle is specially equipped for use by a handicapped person.
5521 How to Determine Resource Value of Nonexempt Vehicles - To determine the resource value of nonexempt motor vehicles, the total equity of any nonexempt vehicle(s) shall be considered based on the average trade-in value in the Kelley Blue Book (resource available on the Internet and instructions for use are in the Appendix) or other source approved by EES Policy less any amounts owed on the vehicle(s). For consistency in determining the trade-in value through the Kelley Blue Book, mileage should be calculated by a standard formula of multiplying the age of the vehicle times 15,000 miles per year. "Fair" should always be used for the vehicle condition and no equipment features should be reflected. For models more than seven years old, a value of $100 will be assigned and entered on the KAECSES VEHI screen. If there is a difference of opinion regarding the value of the vehicle, by agency or client, an estimate from a reputable car dealer shall be used and the cost of the estimate, if any, shall be the responsibility of the agency; equity is determined by the sale value less any amounts owed on the vehicle. Such equity must be established in the month of eligibility determination (using the Kelley Blue Book for that month when applicable) and shall be applied to allowable resources. The case file should contain a screen print of the Kelley Blue Book information in situations where the resource value of nonexempt motor vehicles results in ineligibility.