CLARIFICATION

Memorandum IM#-33 introduced policy for two or more EUs sharing a residence and share one or more utility costs, that each EU may receive the full appropriate utility standard.  Do not prorate the SUA for individuals who are ineligible for the following reasons: 

• immigrants ineligible due to immigrant status (immigrant not meeting the criteria of an eligible immigrant, temporary immigrant, or undocumented immigrant); 
• individuals who fail to apply for or refuse to provide an SSN;
• individuals not meeting the 18 to 50 year old work requirement; 
• individuals who are disqualified; or 
• individuals who fail to comply with a required action in a means-tested public assistance program.

NEW POLICY 

Food stamp policy is changed to allow the use of the SUA for households in public housing with shared meters that are only charged for excess utility costs. This change is effective 
August 1, 2003.  Determine eligibility for and issue restored benefits at the next recertification.

Example:  An elderly individual resides in a senior citizen housing complex.  Utilities are included in the rent, but the individual is billed $10.00 per month for excess utilities in June, July, and August for use of an air conditioner.  Allow the SUA only for the months the household is billed for excess utilities.

• Discuss this memorandum with all appropriate staff. 

• Beginning August 1, 2003, allow the appropriate standard for each EU in the household. 

• Determine eligibility for and issue restored benefits at the next recertification.

• Allow the SUA for public housing individuals during the months the households are billed for excess utility costs.