The proposed rule amendment increases the standard utility allowance and the telephone standard used in calculation of benefits for the Food Assistance Program. One additional statement has been added to the rule regarding treatment of child ...

 

DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES

Economic Self-Sufficiency Program

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

65A-1.603Food Assistance Program Income and Expenses

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The proposed rule amendment increases the standard utility allowance and the telephone standard used in calculation of benefits for the Food Assistance Program. One additional statement has been added to the rule regarding treatment of child support paid out being a deduction in the food assistance budget.

SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: The Food Assistance Program standard utility allowance, telephone standard, and child support paid out deduction.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 414.45 FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 414.31 FS.

IF REQUESTED IN WRITING AND NOT DEEMED UNNECESSARY BY THE AGENCY HEAD, A RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:

DATE AND TIME: July 25, 2014, 10:00 a.m.

PLACE: 1317 Winewood Boulevard, Building 3, Room 455, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0700

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT IS: Bob Hoelzle, Economic Self-Sufficiency Program, [phone], 1317 Winewood Blvd., Bldg. 3, Room 419, Tallahassee, FL. 32399-0700, [e-mail]

 

THE PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS:

 

65A-1.603 Food Assistance Program Income and Expenses.

(1) No change.

(2) Standard Utility Allowance. A standard utility allowance (SUA) of $337 $335 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) No change.

(4) Telephone Standard. A telephone standard of $36 $33 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) No change.

(6) Child Support Paid Out.  Legally obligated child support payments are a deduction for the Food Assistance Program.

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,_________.