M E M O R A N D U M

IM-55 03/19/01  STANDARD UTILITY ALLOWANCE
NON-HEATING/COOLING STANDARD
FOOD STAMP MANUAL REVISION #10
SECTION 1115.035.25.15


SUBJECT:
STANDARD UTILITY ALLOWANCE 
NON-HEATING/COOLING STANDARD
FOOD STAMP MANUAL REVISION #10
SECTION 1115.035.25.15
 
DISCUSSION:
Effective April 1, 2001, the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) and the Non-Heating/Cooling Standard (NHCS) is changed.  This change is due to rising natural gas heating costs.

The shelter expense changes are as follows:

  • $209.00 standard utility allowance;
  • $88.00 non-heating/cooling standard;
Automated Process: The weekend of March 24, 2001, we will complete a mass adjustment which increases the Standard Utility Allowance from $202.00 to $209.00 and the Non-Heating/Cooling Standard (NHCS) from $80.00 to $88.00.  The adjustment is effective April 1, 2001.  A computer listing is generated for each caseload indicating the cases that have been adjusted and the allotment amounts.  No turnaround IM-105s are sent.

April expedited benefits pending in the system on March 24, 2001 for April 1, 2001, will not be adjusted.  Listings will be sent to the county offices for review.  To determine if action is needed, complete a budget for April using the appropriate new utility standard.  If the new budget results in an increase in the amount of benefits, change the pending FISU in the system to 
reflect the new amount.  Action should be taken to ensure benefits are received by the household on the first day of the new certification period.

Manual Process:  FBCA will be updated with the new shelter standard March 24, 2001 for budgets completed for April 1, 2001 or later.  Any budget completed during the time the system is unavailable will need to be computed manually. For any case approved/adjusted after March 24, 2001 for April or later, use the new SUA and NHCS.

Mass Notification:  A notice is being sent to notify households of a possible increase in benefits.  See example below.

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

Your food stamp benefits may have changed this month.  The standard utility deduction and the non-heating/cooling standard have 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 as a result of the standard utility allowance OR the non-heating/cooling standard.

The change is effective April 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.

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.
  • Use the new SUA and NHCS for budgets effective April 1, 2001.
BJK
Distribution #6


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