Sworn Statement for Declaring Shelter Expenses for SNAP

Households applying for SNAP benefits are not required to submit a lease, landlord verification or rent receipt to verify shelter costs. Instead, households can self declare rent, mortgage, and type of utility costs by sending DTA a written statement or providing the information to DTA over the phone with a "telephonic signature."

DTA must accept the verbal or written self declaration unless the information provided by the household is questionable (meaning it contradicts information DTA has or got). 

• Sample form to use to declare shelter expenses (MLRI) -- a form for SNAP applicants to use to make a sworn statement about shelter expenses, especially for households that file on-line applications. Clients in home ownership situations may also find it useful in identifying all home ownership costs such as insurance and real estate tax.