SUBJECT:
UTILITY EXPENSES PAID BY AN INELIGIBLE STUDENT FOR THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM
DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this memorandum is to clarify procedures for budgeting utility expenses paid by an ineligible student. Memorandum IM-124 dated 10/21/05, introduced two new edits and an ISD to alert eligibility specialists that a utility standard decision is needed or in question. An ISD occurs when an ineligible student is responsible for the primary heating/cooling expense and PR is entered on the Utility Expense Standard (FMXJ) screen. Programming changes are made to allow staff to enter NE on the Utility Expense Standard (FMXJ) screen when an ineligible student is responsible for the EU's primary heating/cooling expense.
Utility expenses are recorded on the Shelter Expense (FMXK) screen in FAMIS and the utility standard decision is recorded on the Utility Expense Standard (FMXJ) screen. When an ineligible student is responsible for these expenses FAMIS determines whether they are allowable.
Expenses paid by an ineligible student are not included as a deduction on the EU's budget. Enter all expenses paid by the ineligible student into FAMIS. When the ineligible student is responsible for the primary heating/cooling expense, enter “NE” in the Standard Utility Allowance field on the Utility Expense Standard (FMXJ) screen. The message “Utility expense exists, please review utility standard decision” is displayed after pressing CTRL. Press F9=FLOWFWD to proceed with the application.
If the EU received Energy Assistance, enter EA on the Utility Expense Standard (FMXJ) screen in the Standard Utility Allowance field. FAMIS budgets the SUA for the EU. The EU is entitled to the SUA based on the receipt of EA even if the ineligible student is responsible for the expense.
Comments must be entered detailing the shelter expenses. Review the Budget Summary (FM4A) screen prior to authorizing any action. Press F15=EXPSUM to view the Expense Summary (FM34) screen. Any expenses paid by the ineligible student will be excluded with the reason code “INELIG STDNT”, unless the EU received EA and the EA code is entered.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.