M E M O R A N D U M

IM-40  03/27/02 STANDARD UNTILITY ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSEHOLDS WITH DISQUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS


SUBJECT:
STANDARD UTILITY ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSEHOLDS WITH DISQUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS
 
DISCUSSION:
Effective April 1, 2002, allow the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) in its entirety for individuals ineligible due to:
  • failure to apply for or refusal to provide an SSN,
  • ineligibility due to immigrant status (immigrant not meeting the criteria of an eligible immigrant, temporary immigrant, or undocumented immigrant),
  • not meeting the 18 to 50 year old work requirement, or
  • failure to comply with a required action in a means-tested public assistance program.
This is a change in current policy that excludes a pro rata share of the SUA for these ineligible individuals.  The policy for prorating other shelter costs has not changed.  Continue to prorate other shelter costs such as rent or mortgage expense, the non-heating cooling standard (NHCS), and the telephone standard among the household members who are disqualified or ineligible and who pay for or are billed for the expense.

Example: The food stamp household consists of Mr. and Mrs. J. and three children.  Mr. J. is an ineligible immigrant.  He pays the rent of $400 and the utilities.  The household is entitled to the SUA.  Count a pro rata share of the rent ($320) and all of the SUA for the four eligible household members. 

Implement this change in policy:

  • for initial food stamp applications certified for April 1, 2002, or later, or 
  • for currently participating households at the next recertification effective April 1, 2002, or later.
The Food Stamp Manual is being revised to reflect this change in policy and will be issued at a later date.
NECESSARY ACTION:
  • Discuss this memorandum with all appropriate staff.
  • Implement this policy effective for initial food stamp applications certified for April 1, 2002, or later.
  • Implement this policy for currently participating households at the next recertification effective April 1, 2002.
HJK
Distribution #6

IM-39
[ 2002 Memorandums ]
 IM-41