The term “personal effects” refers to a person’s personal property, usually items of particular significance that are carried or worn. According to the Revised Code of Washington, personal effects normally include jewelry, clothing, toiletries, or other such items. In Minnesota’s Eligibility Policy Manual, personal effects also include culturally or religiously significant items, items one requires due to a disability or illness, pets, or items related to hobbies and education. Personal effects do not include items held only for financial purposes. Nor do personal effects include items in the home that are not of particular significance; these are instead deems household goods. While all personal effects are also household goods, not all household goods are personal effects as can be seen in 16 CFR § 444.1.
[Last updated in July of 2020 by the Wex Definitions Team]