Excerpted from "Social Security Handbook". See the up-to-date, official Social Security Handbook at ssa.gov.

2142. Valuation of In-kind Support and Maintenance

2142.1 How is in-kind support and maintenance valued?

There are two rules we use for placing a value on in-kind support and maintenance: the "one-third reduction rule (VTR)" and the "presumed maximum value rule (PMV)." These rules are explained in the subsections below.

2142.2 What is the "one-third reduction rule"?

Under the one-third reduction rule, an amount equal to one-third of the applicable FBR is considered the value of the in-kind support and maintenance.

Note: The $20 general income exclusion does not apply to the income counted under the one-third reduction rule.

2142.3 When does the one-third reduction rule apply?

The one-third reduction rule applies if you:

Live in another person's household throughout a calendar month, except for temporary absences (see §2145); and
Receive both food and shelter from within the household. (See §2143 and §2147 for additional information on the one-third reduction rule.)

2142.4 What is the "presumed maximum value rule"?

Under the presumed maximum value rule, we presume that the value of support and maintenance does not exceed a certain maximum amount (see §2144). However, if you can show that the actual value is lower than the presumed maximum value, we use the lower value to determine your countable income. (See §2147.)