Does a timeshare count as an asset?
Short answer: Usually yes, at whatever it could be sold for. Many timeshares have little or no resale value, which can make them count for very little.
Figures change periodically. Double-check current amounts before relying on them.
A timeshare is generally a countable asset because it is not the person’s home. Its countable value is its equity value: what it could realistically be sold for, minus any amount owed.
Because the resale market for many timeshares is weak, the countable value may be very low, sometimes close to nothing. To show that, gather:
- the deed or contract;
- recent statements of maintenance fees and any loan balance;
- a resale listing, a broker’s opinion or evidence of attempts to sell.
Some states treat property that cannot be sold despite reasonable efforts as excluded while efforts continue.
Things to watch:
- Giving the timeshare away to a family member is a transfer for the look-back. If its value is low, the penalty may be small or none.
- Ongoing fees reduce savings; paying them is not a gift.
- Timeshare exit companies that charge large up-front fees are a common scam. The state insurance department or consumer protection office may take complaints.
Report the timeshare on the application even if you believe it has no value.
Getting help
Every situation is different, and small facts can change the answer. If this question affects a real decision, especially with a spouse at home, a home, gifts or a trust, a Certified Medicaid Planner can apply your state’s rules to your situation. As a rough guide, published fees for help with an application range from about $500 to $6,000, and hourly help from about $150 to $600.
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Last updated for 2026. General information only, not legal or financial advice. Medicaid Answers is a free educational resource published by Medicaid Answers Foundation.