The Department intends to amend rule 65A-1.603, F.A.C., to update the standard utility allowance, basic utility allowance, and telephone standard used to determine an assistance group’s benefits.

 

DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Economic Self-Sufficiency Program

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

65A-1.603Food Assistance Program Income and Expenses

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The Department intends to amend rule 65A-1.603, F.A.C., to update the standard utility allowance, basic utility allowance, and telephone standard used to determine an assistance group’s benefits.

SUMMARY: The amendments accomplish the following: 1) The standard and basic utility allowances are reduced; and 2) The telephone standard is increased.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: The Department used a checklist to conduct an economic analysis and determine if there is an adverse impact or regulatory costs associated with this rule that exceeds the criteria in section 120.541(2)(a), F.S. Based upon this analysis, the Department has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 414.45, F.S.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 414.31, F.S.

IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN THE FAR.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Jodi Abramowitz. Jodi can be reached at [e-mail].

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

65A-1.603 Food Assistance Program Income and Expenses.

(1) No change.

(2) Standard Utility Allowance. A standard utility allowance (SUA) of $366 $370 must be used by AGs who incur, or within the eligibility period expect to incur, heating or cooling expenses separate and apart from their rent or mortgage and by AGs who receive direct or indirect assistance authorized under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981. Actual utility expenses are not allowed. Any additional utility expenses, including the telephone standard, are not used.

(3) Basic Utility Allowance. A basic utility allowance (BUA) of $298 $293 must be used by AGs who do not incur heating or cooling expenses, but do incur utility expenses such as electricity, fuel, water, sewerage, or garbage pickup, separate and apart from their rent or mortgage. Actual utility expenses are not allowed. Any additional utility expenses, including the telephone standard, are not used.

(4) Telephone Standard. A telephone standard of $52 $48 must be used by AGs who incur only a telephone expense. Actual telephone expenses are not allowed. Any additional utility expenses, including the SUA or BUA, are not used.

(5) Homeless Shelter Deduction. A homeless shelter deduction of $160 $157 must be used by homeless AGs who do not receive free shelter throughout the month and incur or expect to incur shelter expenses unless higher expenses are claimed.

(6) No change.

(7) This rule will be reviewed and repealed, modified, or renewed through the rulemaking process five years from the effective date.

Rulemaking Authority 414.45 FS. Law Implemented 414.31 FS. History–New 1-31-94, Formerly 10C-1.603, Amended 1-12-99, 5-25-03, 8-22-05, 2-17-09, 12-13-09, 11-1-10, 12-25-11, 10-16-12, 8-11-13, 11-30-14, 1-31-16, 6-6-17, 4-4-18, 8-15-18, 12-3-19, 11-25-20. Amended____

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Renita Robinson

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Shevaun L. Harris

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: October 4, 2021

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: October 12, 2021