M E M O R A N D U M

IM-120  09/20/02 VARIABLE STANDARD DEDUCTION FOR FOOD STAMP PROGRAM


SUBJECT:
VARIABLE STANDARD DEDUCTION FOR FOOD STAMP PROGRAM
 
DISCUSSION:
Effective October 1, 2002, the standard deduction used when calculating food stamp benefits depends upon the number of eligible members in the Eligibility Unit (EU).  The standard deductions are as follows:
  • 1-4 members...........$134
  • 5 members............$147
  • 6 or more members.......$168

    •  

    Example 1: James and Mary Jacobs and their four children under age 22 reside at the same supercase address.  James is disqualified for an intentional program violation and is not an eligible member of the EU.  The standard deduction of $147 for the EU is based upon five persons (Mary and the four children).

The new standard deductions will be implemented during mass adjustment of active cases the weekend of September 21, 2002, as described in IM Memorandum #117 09/18/02.  Actions for October 2002 taken prior to September 21, 2002, are completed with the current $134 standard deduction.  Actions taken after September 21, 2002, are completed with the new standard deductions.

The budget calculation areas of Legacy (FBCA) and FAMIS (Eligibility Determination and WIBCA) will use the appropriate standard deduction when calculating food stamp benefits.  When completing a manual budget calculation after September 21, 2002, use the new variable standard deductions for October 2002 and thereafter.
 
NECESSARY ACTION:
  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
  • No action is required by the worker when using LEGACY or FAMIS budget calculation areas.  When completing a manual budget, use the appropriate standard deduction.
NEY
Distribution #6
IM-119
[ 2002 Memorandums ]
 IM-121