Effective Dates: 10/21/2024 - Present Previous | Next

TN 127 (10-24)

SI 01130.502 Essential Property Excluded up to $6,000 Equity Regardless of Rate of Return

A. Policy principles

1. The Exclusion

Up to $6,000 of the equity value of nonbusiness property used to produce goods or services essential to daily activities is excluded from resources. There is no requirement that the property produce a certain rate of return. The property must be in current use or, if it is not in use for reasons beyond the individual's control, there must be a reasonable expectation that the required use will resume.

2. Equity Exceeds $6,000

Any portion of the property's equity value in excess of $6,000 is not excluded under this provision.

3. Nonbusiness Property Producing Essential Goods Or Services

Nonbusiness property essential to self-support can be real or personal property. It produces goods or services essential to daily activities if, for example, it is used to:

  • •

    grow produce or livestock solely for personal consumption in the individual's household; or

  • •

    perform activities essential to the production of food solely for home consumption.

NOTE:  While this category of property may encompass a vehicle used solely in a nonbusiness self-support activity (e.g.,a garden tractor, or a boat used for subsistence fishing), it does not include any vehicle that qualifies as an automobile (see SI 01130.200 A.).

B. Development and documentation — initial claims and posteligibility

1. Individual's Statement

When an individual alleges owning property that they use to produce goods or services necessary for daily activities, obtain their statement giving:

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    a description of the property;

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    how it is used; and

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    an estimate of its CMV and any encumbrances on it.

Absent evidence to the contrary, accept the statement.

2. Supporting Evidence Of Value

a. Real Property

Determine the CMV and, if necessary,the EV of real property in accordance with SI 01140.100.

b. Personal Property

Have the individual obtain a CMV estimate from a knowledgeable source. The estimate must:

  • •

    clearly identify the source;

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    contain a description of the item whose CMV is being estimated; and

  • •

    show the basis for the estimate.

NOTE:  If a knowledgeable source provides a value range, use the lower edge of the range.

3. Current Use Criterion

If the property is not in current use,see SI 01130.504 for development.

To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0501130502
SI 01130.502 - Essential Property Excluded up to $6,000 Equity Regardless of Rate of Return - 10/21/2024
Batch run: 10/21/2024
Rev:10/21/2024