FOOD STAMP MANUAL REVISION #41
SECTION 1105.015.00
SECTION 1115.035.25.05
SECTION 1115.035.25.15
SECTION 1115.035.25.30
SECTION 1130.099 APPENDIX A

Effective October 1, 2001, the 130% of poverty standards have increased.  Begin using the new income maximums on notices sent to food stamp households certified October 1, 2001, and beyond.  Also, use the new standards to determine the action to be taken on a reported change by an earned income household that may affect benefits issued October 1 and later.  The Earned Income Households Change Reporting Requirements chart has been revised and can be found at Section 1130.099 Appendix A.  A paper copy is not being printed for distribution to staff.

Revised Issuance Tables for each household size are being sent with a separate memorandum.

Income/Budgeting Changes:

The excess shelter maximum for non-elderly/disabled households increases to $354 for households certified after March 1, 2001. The excess shelter maximum remains at $300 for households certified prior to March 1, 2001.  The standard utility allowance increases to $248.  All other income deductions remain at their current level.

The deductions are:

• $134 standard deduction;

• $354 excess shelter maximum for non-elderly/disabled households certified after March 1, 2001.  Households with an elderly or disabled member continue to have no limit on their excess shelter deduction;

• $300 excess shelter maximum for households certified prior to March 2001;

• $248 standard utility allowance;

• $88 non-heating/cooling standard;

• $26 telephone standard.

The Update Process:

State Office automatically adjusts the allotments for all households certified on or prior to September 21, 2001. 

FCAS/FPAR are updated with code 7 in Field 6, code 66 in Field 9, and the new adjustment figures.  A computer listing is generated for each caseload indicating the cases that have been adjusted and the allotment amounts. 

FBCA:

FBCA will be updated with the new allotment figures and shelter standards effective September 24, 2001.  Any budgets completed during the time the system is unavailable will need to be computed manually.  Workers should ensure that they use the appropriate tables when determining the allotment for the household.

October Expedited Issuances:

October expedited benefits pending in the system on September 21 for issuance October 1, 2001, will be adjusted.

Approvals:

For any case approved/adjusted after September 21, 2001, for October payroll or later, use the new issuance tables.

Mass Notification:

A notice is being sent to notify households of a possible increase in benefits.  See example on next page.

                      IMPORTANT NOTICE TO FOOD STAMP PARTICIPANTS FROM 
                                  THE MISSOURI DIVISION OF FAMILY SERVICES

Your food stamp benefits may have changed this month.  The food stamp issuance amounts have increased.  The shelter expense deduction and standard utility deduction have also increased. Your food stamp budget was adjusted due to these changes.  If your issuance was affected, you will receive an increase in your food stamp benefits.

The change is effective for October 2001.  If you feel the new allotment is incorrect or the Division of Family Services has misapplied federal laws or regulations regarding this adjustment, you have the right to a fair hearing.  If you wish to request a hearing, please contact your local Family Services Office within 10 days of receipt of this notice.

If you have any questions, please contact your local Family Services Office.

•  Review this memorandum with staff.

•  File the revised manual pages in the hard copy of the Food Stamp manual.

•  Destroy the current Earned Income Households Change Reporting Requirements table.

•  Use the new issuance tables to determine any Food Stamp allotments for October 2001 or later.