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SLAM Examples

The procedures for handling cases that are suspected of living above means (SLAM) vary based on whether the SLAM is new, increased or ongoing and where the household is in its certification period as detailed in Addressing SLAM.

SNAP Examples

Example 1: Application – New SLAM / Client Using Savings

Julian Cortez (he/him) applies for SNAP benefits. He was recently laid off and applied for unemployment benefits, verified through EMT. Julian verified that his rent is $800 per month. During the interview he states that he is using his savings to assist in paying rent but he only has enough savings for a couple more months. He is unsure how he will be able to pay it going forward. Julian confirms that he does not have any other source of income and his rent is not subsidized.

Required Action for Worker Regarding SLAM:

Since this is a new SLAM circumstance and Julian is reporting that he is using his savings to pay his rent, you must not issue a VC-1 for proof of Julian’s savings. However, you must write a detailed narrative that Julian was laid off, unemployment is pending, Julian is using his savings to pay his rent and that he only has enough savings for a couple more months of rent.

Example 2: Application – New SLAM / Client Behind on Rent

Anna (she/her) applies for SNAP. She reports $700 per month in Unemployment Benefits and verifies $1,200 per month in rent. When asked how she is managing to pay her expenses, Anna explains: "I'm three months behind on my rent. I can't pay it. My landlord is being patient but I'm worried I'll get evicted. I have no savings and no one is helping me." Anna confirms that she does not have any other source of income or assets and her rent is not subsidized.

Required Action for Worker Regarding SLAM:

Since Anna is reporting that she is behind on expenses, and states she does not have any other income or assets, you must not issue a VC-1 for Past Due Housing Costs. You must write a detailed narrative documenting that Anna is three months behind on rent and has no means of meeting this expense at this time. You must then process the application without delay if all financial and nonfinancial requirements have been met. If still on-going, this SLAM circumstance must be addressed at the next reporting period.

Example 3: Client Reapplies with New SLAM Circumstances

Nicole’s (she/her) case closed 6 months ago when she obtained full-time employment which put her over the income limit for her household size at the time. She is now reapplying and provides a termination letter showing that she was laid off 2 months ago. Her income is now $0, and she verified that her rent is $1,500 per month. She explains that she is behind on this month's rent and does not know how she will manage to pay rent moving forward.

Required Action for Worker Regarding SLAM:

Since Nicole is reapplying for benefits, you must follow procedures for new SLAM at Application.

As Nicole has explained that she’s behind on this month’s rent and you confirm she has no other income at this point, SLAM must be addressed at her next reporting period. You must not issue a VC-1 for Past Due Housing Costs at this time and only write a detailed narrative.

Example 4: Interim Report - New SLAM / Cold Call Unsuccessful

David (he/him) submits his IR. The only change reported is an increase in rent. The case record indicates that he receives $1,200 per month in unemployment benefits, which the worker verifies and confirms through the EMT system. David also submits verification showing an increase in rent from $1,000 to $1,300 per month. David has a new SLAM circumstance. You attempt two cold calls, but David does not answer.

Required Action for Worker Regarding SLAM:

Since client is at IR and cold call attempts were unsuccessful, you must not issue a VC-1 to address the new SLAM. You must write a narrative documenting that two cold calls were attempted but client did not answer. No further action is required, and you must process the IR without delay. The SLAM circumstance must be addressed at Recertification.

Example 5: Interim Report - Ongoing SLAM / Cold Call Successful

Thomas (he/him) submits his IR reporting no changes. He provides verification that he continues to receive $300 per month in investment dividends and verifies that he still has to pay $800 per month in rent. No other income source has been reported. You attempt two cold calls and reach Thomas. When asked how he's been managing expenses, he explains: "My father has been giving me $800 each month to help with the rent."

Required Action for Worker Regarding SLAM:

You must send a mandatory VC-1 for Contribution income. You must then detail this SLAM circumstance in the Narrative. Thomas’ IR must not be processed until verification of contribution income is received.

Example 6: Interim Report - Increased SLAM / Cold Call Successful

Morris (he/him) had reported a new SLAM circumstance at Application and he is now at IR. The only change he is reporting is an increase in rent. Morris provides new paystubs showing that his earnings of $900 per month have not changed. He also provides verification that his rent expense has increased from $1,000 per month to $1,200 per month. Morris’ SLAM circumstances have increased. You attempt two cold calls and reach Morris. When asked how he's been managing expenses, he says: "I am just doing what I can to survive."

Required Action for Worker Regarding SLAM:

Although Morris’ SLAM circumstances have increased at IR and he only provided a vague response when asked how he is meeting his expenses, you must not issue a VC-1 to address the SLAM. You must only enter a narrative documenting Morris’ answer and process the IR without delay. The SLAM circumstance must be addressed at Recertification.

Example 7: Recertification - Increased SLAM / Behind on Expenses

Andrea Baptiste (she/her) submits a timely SNAP Recertification. She verifies that she resides in public housing and her rent that was $300 per month, has now increased to $400 per month. She also submitted proof of her $180 monthly veteran’s benefits and reports that it is her only source of income and the amount remains unchanged from the last time it was reported. She states that although she is responsible for the rent expense, she has not been able to pay it for several months and is behind on her rent. During the interview, she reports that her 24-year-old son moved in with her last month and is working part-time which is why her rent increased. When asked if they purchase and prepare meals together, she states that they do not. When asked if her son is paying anything towards rent, she reports that he is not. She is simply letting her son stay with her while he is going through financial difficulties so he can get back on his feet.

Required Action for Worker Regarding SLAM:

Andrea’s SLAM circumstance has increased. A VC-1 for Past Due Housing Costs must be sent and you must end the rent expense record. You must write a detailed narrative indicating the change in SLAM circumstance and what was discussed in the call. The case must be processed without giving credit for the rent expense.

Andrea’s case is processed for a March 2026 recertification. She submits verification of her past due expenses two days before the March benefit release. You must issue a related benefit for March; this includes crediting the household for rent.

Example 8: Recertification - Ongoing SLAM / Vague Response

Reni (he/him) submits his recertification indicating no changes to circumstances. Reni had verified at Interim Report that his rent was $1,000 per month and he had no income. He provides verification that his rent remains at $1,000 per month. During his recertification interview, Reni maintains that he still has no income. When asked how he is meeting expenses, he says “I am still figuring out what to do about that”.

Required Action for Worker Regarding SLAM:

Since Reni has given a vague response without clear indication of how he meets his rent expense, you must explain to the client that verification of his SLAM circumstance is required and a VC-1 for Living Above Means must be sent. The case must not be processed until the verification(s) have been received.

Example 9: Recertification- New SLAM / Client Receiving Help from Family

Raphael (he/him) submits his Recertification for SNAP. He provides new paystubs for his current job totaling $850/month in income and verifies that his rent has increased from $800 to $1,100 per month. This is a new SLAM circumstance.

During the interview when asked how rent is being paid, Raphael states: "My sister gives me money each month to help with the rent. She has been doing this for about three months since my landlord increased my rent." Raphael confirms that he does not have any other source of income.

Required Action for Worker Regarding SLAM:

Since Raphael reports that he is receiving help from a family member to meet their rent, you must send a mandatory VC-1 for Contribution income. You must then detail his SLAM circumstance in the Narrative. Raphael’s recertification must not be processed until SLAM verification is received. Please note that any portion of the contribution amount listed in the verification that exceeds the rent expense amount reported by the client will be considered countable income unless it is designated to a specific expense.

Example 10: Recertification – Ongoing SLAM / Behind on Expenses

Angela (she/her) submits her recertification. She provides documentation showing that she receives $950 per month in Worker’s Compensation and is responsible for paying $1,500 per month in rent. This is the same information as previously reported. During the interview, Angela explains: "I'm six months behind on rent. I have no other income and no savings. I have just been unable to pay my bills and my landlord has been understanding of my situation."

Required Action for Worker Regarding SLAM:

Since this is an ongoing SLAM circumstance at Recertification, and Angela states she is behind on her rent, you must send an optional VC-1 for Past Due Housing Costs. Additionally, you must end the rent expense record and process the recertification without giving Angela credit for rent. Explain to Angela that once she provides verification of rent arrearage, DTA will be able to reinstate credit for rent. You must enter a detailed Narrative documenting Angela's statement and action taken on the case.

Example 11: Recertification – Ongoing SLAM / Past Due Dependent Care Expenses

Derek (he/him) submits his Recertification. He provides paystubs totaling $1,200 per month in wages and verifies new Dependent Care Expenses totaling $1,500 per month. He also verifies $1,000 in rent per month. During the interview, when asked about the dependent care expense, he explains: “I have fallen behind on payments. I owe the childcare center for the last few months, and I am trying to catch up.”

Required Action for Worker Regarding SLAM:

Derek is behind on his Dependent Care expenses and owes a past due balance to the child care center. Seeing as the SLAM is ongoing and Derek is at Recertification, he will need to provide verification that supports his claim before he can receive credit for the expense. You must send a user-entered VC-1 for Past Due Dependent Care Costs (see Addressing SLAM for details on how to create the VC-1 for Past Due Dependent Care Costs), which in this case would be documentary evidence from the Child Care provider showing the out-of-pocket amount billed and the amount past due. You must then detail this SLAM circumstance in the Narrative. The Dependent Care record must be ended and the case processed without giving credit for the expenses until verification is provided.

Example 12: Recertification – Ongoing SLAM / Dependent Care Expenses

Shannon (she/her) submits her Recertification. She provides paystubs totaling $1,400 per month in wages and verifies new Dependent Care Expenses totaling $1,600 per month. She also verifies $1,000 in rent per month. During the interview, when asked about the dependent care expense, she explains: "I have a childcare voucher through the state. They pay most of it. I only pay $60 per month out of pocket."

Required Action for Worker Regarding SLAM:

In this instance, Shannon is not behind her Dependent Care expenses but has indicated that her out-of-pocket responsibility differs from the Dependent Care expense amount previously reported. Seeing as the SLAM is ongoing and Shannon is at Recertification, she will need to provide verification that supports her justification before she can receive credit for the expense. You must send an optional VC-1 for Dependent Care Costs, which in this case would be documentary evidence from the Child Care provider or the state agency showing child care subsidy amount and her out-of-pocket responsibility. You must then detail this in the Narrative. The Dependent Care expense record must be ended and the case processed without giving credit for the expenses until verification is provided.

Example 12: Recertification - Increased SLAM / Vague Response

Ahmed (he/him) submits his recertification. A Work Number match shows consistent earnings for a job known to BEACON. During the interview, Ahmed confirms that the Work Number wages totaling $1,100 per month are current and accurate. He also verifies that he pays $1,400 per month in rent, an increase from $1,200 per month verified at IR. When asked how he's been meeting expenses, Ahmed states: "I manage. I get by somehow."

Required Action for Worker Regarding SLAM:

Since this is a vague and inconclusive response and the SLAM circumstances have now increased at Recertification, you must send a mandatory VC-1 for Living Above Means. The case must not be processed until verification is received. You must enter a detailed Narrative documenting Ahmed's response and that mandatory verification was requested.

Example 13: EDSAP Household at Recertification - Ongoing SLAM / Cold Calls Unsuccessful

Harold (he/him) is 68 years old and on EDSAP. He submits his recertification confirming that he receives $1,250/month in RSDI and verifies that he pays $1,700 per month in rent. This is the same information that exists in the case record. Although Harold’s case is not subject to an interview at Recertification, he must be contacted to clarify the ongoing SLAM circumstance. You attempt two cold calls and Harold does not answer.

Required Action for Worker Regarding SLAM:

Since both cold call attempts were unsuccessful, and Harold is not required to complete an interview, you must send a mandatory VC-1 for Living Above Means and write a detailed narrative. You must NOT schedule an interview. The EDSAP recertification must not be processed until verification is received.

Example 14: Reapplication - Increased SLAM circumstance

Chloe (she/her) submits an application for SNAP benefits, 18 months after her close closed. When she was receiving SNAP benefits, Chloe had gross wages of $1200 per month, was receiving $600 per month in Child Support income and her rent was $2,000 per month. Chloe reapplies for SNAP benefits and provides new paystubs showing that her gross wages remain the same and that she has not received the $600 per month in Child Support income for the last 2 months, which the worker verified and confirmed through RAPID Report. She also submits verification that her rent is now $2,200 a month. When engaged about her SLAM circumstance, Chloe states she has not been able to pay rent for several months and does not know what to do.

Required Action for Worker Regarding SLAM

Since Chloe is reapplying for benefits, you must follow procedures for new SLAM at Application. Because she is reporting that she does not know how she will be able to meet her expenses, and states she does not have any other income or assets, you must not issue a VC-1. You must write a detailed narrative and process the application without delay if all financial and nonfinancial requirements have been met. This SLAM circumstance must be addressed the next reporting period.

Example 15: Recertification - Ongoing SLAM (Case Reinstated)

Nelson Abraham’s (he/him) recertification closed 22 days ago. On day 23 after the closing, Nelson visits a local DTA office and submits the outstanding verification that was requested of him at Recertification. The worker reinstates Nelson’s recertification. Nelson had verified at recertification that his rent was $800 per month. He had also verified that he receives $600 per month in long-term disability benefits. During the interview, Nelson stated that his circumstances had not changed since submitting his IR, 6 months prior. When asked how he has been meeting expenses, Nelson states: "I do what I can. I do just enough to keep my head above water".

Required Action for Worker Regarding SLAM

Since this is a vague and inconclusive response and the SLAM circumstances remain the same at Recertification, you must send a mandatory VC-1 for Living Above Means. The case must not be processed until verification is received. You must enter a detailed Narrative documenting Nelson's response and that mandatory verification was requested.

Last Update: July 9, 2026

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