Can a homeless person get a deduction for shelter expenses?

Homeless people can get a “homeless shelter deduction” instead of the regular excess shelter deduction. [MPP § 63-502.351.] The homeless shelter deduction allows people who are homeless, and expect to spend or have spent any amount of money on shelter. [7 C.F.R. § 273.9(d)(6)(i); MPP § 63-502.351.]

No proof is required before or after the fact. [MPP § 63-502.353.] If the person gets the homeless shelter deduction, no utility cost is allowed (such as a “telephone utility allowance”). [MPP § 63-502.351.]

If the household spent more than the standard deduction, and can show it, then it can deduct the higher amount (i.e., towards the excess shelter deduction). [See MPP § 63-502.353; ACIN I-73-04.]