The Department intends to amend rule 65A-1.603, F.A.C., to update the standard and basic utility allowances, as well as the telephone standard and homeless shelter deduction.

 

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 and basic utility allowances, as well as the telephone standard and homeless shelter deduction.

SUMMARY: The standard utility allowance, basic utility allowance, and homeless shelter deduction will all be increased. The telephone standard will be reduced.

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, FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 414.31, FS.

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 [phone] or [e-mail].

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

65A-1.603 Food Assistance Program Income and Expenses.

(1) Rounding Income and Expenses. With the exception of the benefit reduction, cents resulting from budget calculations are retained at each level in determining the assistance group’s (AG’s) food assistance benefits. The benefit reduction is rounded up to the next whole dollar.

(2) Standard Utility Allowance. A standard utility allowance (SUA) of $361 $359 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 $291 $290 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 $50 $52 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 $152 $143 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.

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,___

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Shanise Jackson

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Chad Poppell

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: October 4, 2019

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: October 14, 2019