SUBJECT:
BUDGETING UTILITY STANDARDS IN FAMIS
FOOD STAMP MANUAL UPDATE #11 1115.035.25.25
DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this memorandum is to clarify existing policy regarding public housing costs and to introduce revised policy for budgeting the utility standards for the Food Stamp Program.
- Allow the SUA for the entire certification period when EUs reside in public housing with shared meters and are only charged for excess utility costs during the cooling or heating season.
Example: An elderly individual resides in a senior citizens housing complex. Utilities are included in the rent, but residents are billed $10 per month for excess cooling costs in June, July, and August for the use of an air condition er. Allow the SUA during the entire certification period.
- EUs with individuals who are ineligible due to failure to apply for or refusal to provide an SSN, immigrant status, not meeting the 18 to 50 year old work requirement, or failure to comply with a required action in a means-tested program receive the entire SUA, NHCS, LUA, and/or telephone standard if the EU is entitled to the standard.
Example: Mr. A’s son is ineligible for the Food Stamp Program due to not meeting the 18 to 50 year old work requirement. The EU does not incur a heating or cooling expense but is responsible for electric, water, and sewage expenses. Allow the EU the entire NHCS.
Programming changes are made in FAMIS effective May 7, 2006 . The change will be made at next eligibility determination. At next contact, review any eligibility units with prorated utility standards or utility standards only allowed for a portion of the certification period.
Food Stamp Manual Section 1115.035.25.25 is revised.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
JM