M E M O R A N D U M

IM-117  09/18/02  THE OCTOBER BENEFIT ADJUSTMENT


SUBJ ECT:
THE OCTOBER BENEFIT ADJUSTMENTS

FOOD STAMP MANUAL REVISION #31
SECTION 1105.015.00
SECTION 1115.035.25.05
SECTION 1115.099
SECTION 1130.099 APPENDIX A
 
DISCUSSION:
The weekend of September 21, 2002, we will complete the food stamp mass adjustment to update the October 2002 regular payroll in the Legacy and FAMIS systems.  This adjustment implements the net and gross income increases made in the Food Stamp Program effective October 1, 2002, the increase in the standard deduction, and the increase in the excess shelter expenses for households without an elderly/disabled member. 

Effective October 1, 2002, the 130% of poverty standards have increased.  Begin using the new income maximums on notices sent to food stamp households certified October 1, 2002, and after.  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 is revised and can be found at Section 1130.099 Appendix A.  A paper copy is not being printed for distribution to staff.

Revised Food Stamp Basis of Issuance Tables for each household size will be available on the Intranet.  You will be notified when they are available.

This memorandum addresses the changes to policy and the Legacy process and FAMIS process. 

Budgeting Changes:

The excess shelter maximum for non-elderly/disabled households increases to $367.  The standard utility allowance and the non-heating/cooling standard remain the same. 

The standard deduction remains at $134 for households with four members or less but increases with households with five or more members.  Additional information regarding this change is addressed in a separate memorandum. 

The deductions are:

  • $134 standard deduction for households with four members or less, $147 for households with five members, and $168 for households with six or more members;
  • $367 excess shelter maximum for non-elderly/disabled households.  Households with an elderly or disabled member continue to have no limit on their excess shelter deduction;
  • $248 standard utility allowance;
  • $88 non-heating/cooling standard; and
  • $26 telephone standard.
The maximum gross income limits for households with an elderly or separate household status have increased.  Below is the new gross limit chart.  The manual is updated with the new chart.
 
 
165% of Poverty Level
Household Size
Maximum Gross Income Level
1
$1,219
2
$1,642
3
$2,066
4
$2,489
5
$2,913
6
$3,336
7
$3,760
8
$4,183
  Each additional +$424

State Office automatically adjusts the allotments for all households certified on or prior to September 20, 2002. 

LEGACY PROCESS

In the Legacy System, FCAS/FPAR are updated with code 07 in Field 6, code 66 in Field 9, and the new adjustment amounts. 

FBCA will be updated with the new allotment amounts, excess shelter maximum, and the new standard deductions effective September 23, 2002.  Any budgets completed during the time the system is unavailable will need to be computed manually.  Workers should ensure they use the appropriate tables when determining the allotment for the household.

For any case approved/adjusted after September 20, 2002, for October payroll or later, use the new issuance tables.

For cases adjusted in Legacy, a computer listing is generated for each caseload indicating the cases that have been adjusted and the allotment amounts. 

FAMIS PROCESS

In FAMIS, the EU Action Log (FM40) will show the action date of September 21 or 22, 2002, with the action as "Increase" or "No Change", if the case is automatically adjusted.  The Payment History screen (FM5F) will show the new adjustment amounts.

The eligibility determination in FAMIS and the WIBCA screen will be updated with the new allotment amounts, excess shelter maximum, and the new standard deductions effective September 23, 2002.  FAMIS will be in inquiry mode only during the FAMIS mass adjustment.  No budgets can be run until September 23, 2002.

No listing will be generated for cases adjusted in FAMIS.

NOTE: Only cases that fully convert in FAMIS will be adjusted.  Cases that do not fully convert are put into the controlled flow.  Because cases in the controlled flow are not adjusted, it will be a priority the week of September 16, 2002, to work the cases in the controlled flow to ensure that all cases in FAMIS are adjusted. 

To prevent other cases from going into the controlled flow, after Wednesday, September 18, 2002, do not select cases to come off the manual conversion list. 

Cases on the manual conversion list are adjusted in Legacy.

OCTOBER EXPEDITED ISSUANCES

October expedited benefits pending in the Legacy and FAMIS systems on September 20 for issuance October 1, 2002, will be adjusted. 

MASS NOTIFICATIONS

A notice is being sent to households of a possible increase in benefits.  See the following example.
 

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 excess shelter maximum and the  standard deduction have increased for some households.  Your food stamp budget was adjusted due to these changes.  If your issuance was affected by these changes, you will receive an increase in your food stamp benefits. 

The change is effective for October 2002.  You have the right to a fair hearing  if you feel the new allotment amount is incorrect or the Division of Family Services has misapplied federal laws or regulations regarding this adjustment.  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.
 
 
NECESSARY ACTION:
  • Review this memorandum with all appropriate staff.
  • File the revised manual pages in the hard copy of 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 2002 or later.
REM
Distribution #6
IM-116
[ 2002 Memorandums ]
IM-118