M E M O R A N D U M

IM-47 03/05/01  EXCESS SHELTER DEDUCTION
FOOD STAMP MANUAL REVISION #8
SECTION 1115.035.25.05


SUBJECT:
EXCESS SHELTER DEDUCTION
FOOD STAMP MANUAL REVISION #8
SECTION 1115.035.25.05
 
DISCUSSION:
Effective Friday, March 9, 2001, for households approved March 1, 2001, or after, the maximum excess shelter deduction is $340.  Households certified prior to March 1, 2001, continue to use the shelter cap of $300 until the household is recertified for food stamp benefits.

FBCA is programmed to use the correct shelter maximum.  In order for FBCA to determine the correct shelter maximum, it is necessary to ensure the correct date is entered in the approval date field of FBCA.  When completing FBCA, the following procedures apply:

  • For approvals, enter the date the FBCA is being completed.
  • For interim changes, enter the approval date of the most current certification.
Entering the incorrect date in the approval field of FBCA may result in issuing an incorrect benefit amount. 
Example 1: Ms. M. completed a recertification application 02/15/01. The FBCA is completed 02/28/01 and the approval is entered into the system the same date.  The date entered in the approval date field on FBCA is 02/28/01.  The maximum excess shelter deduction is $300.

Example 2: Same situation as above, except the approval is not entered into the system until after 03/01/01.  It is necessary to update the date in the approval date field on FBCA to the date the approval is being entered in the system.  The maximum excess shelter deduction is $340.

Example 3: An initial application taken 02/10/01 is processed 03/02/01. In this example, it is necessary to complete two budgets.  The date entered in the approval date field on FBCA is 03/02/01 for both budgets.  However, the maximum excess shelter deduction is $300 for 02/01 and $340 for 03/01.

Example 4: A household applied 11/08/00 and on 11/26/00 was certified 12/00 through 05/01.  On 04/02/01 the household reports they moved.  When completing the FBCA for the interim change, the date entered in the approval date field on FBCA is 11/26/00.  This ensures the maximum excess shelter deduction of $300 is used for the adjustment even though the adjustment is completed after March 1, 2001. 

The online manual is revised to show the new policy.  A hard copy of the Intranet Manual is being printed and mailed to each county.  This policy revision is included. 
 
NECESSARY ACTION:
  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
  • Effective March 1, 2001, or after, ensure the new excess shelter deduction is applied for all households certified/recertified for food stamp benefits. 
  • Ensure the excess shelter deduction of $300 for active food stamp households is applied until recertification on or after March 1, 2001.
  • Enter the approval date of the current certification on FBCA when completing adjustments to ensure the correct shelter maximum is applied. 
JW
Attachment not available online
Distribution #3


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