The value of a gift card/gift certificate is not income in the month it is received
if the gift card/certificate:
-
•
Cannot be used to purchase food or shelter; and
-
In addition, if the individual does not have the right, authority, or power to convert
or sell the gift card or certificate for cash, and it cannot be used to purchase food
or shelter, then the gift card or certificate would not meet the definition of a resource
in SI 01110.100.
NOTE: A gift card or certificate that is restricted on its use, and is legally prohibited from resale, must be evaluated (case by case) based on the
restrictions and prohibitions for determining income for SSI purposes.
The restriction on use of a gift card or certificate can be legal, (imposed by the
card issuer), or practical, (the store where the card must be redeemed does not sell
food or shelter items).