Utility Standards SR 97-27, 08/97 (FSM-A)

Allow a deduction for utility costs which are incurred separately from rent or mortgage. See Table I Food Stamp Deductions. Use one of the following methods:

• the actual costs that exceed the standard to which the household is entitled; or

• heat and utilities standard for individuals who pay for heating or cooling costs, unless the actual costs exceed the standard; or

• the utilities-only standard for individuals who do not pay for heating/cooling but pay for the cost(s) of electricity, cooking fuel, water/sewer fees, garbage collection, or basic fees for one phone; or

• telephone standard for individuals who incur only telephone expenses and are not entitled to the heat/utilities standard or utilities-only standard.

For assistance groups who share utility expenses for the same dwelling and for assistance groups with a member who is excluded due to illegal alien status, failure to comply with SSN requirements, or failure to complete the Form 752, Affidavit of Citizenship, prorate the appropriate standard or actual charges.

Allow switching between using a standard and using actual costs only at the end of each certification period.

Exception: Apply only the actual rental charges for individuals having costs for electricity or cooking fuel included in their rental amount even if they are billed separately for excess costs (e.g., living in public housing with central utility meters and charged only for excess costs, a penalty charge for over-usage).

Exceptions:

• Consider households receiving Low Income Home Energy Assistance Act (LIHEAP) payments as having incurred out-of-pocket utility costs. Apply the full heat and utilities standard for 12 months after receipt of the LIHEAP payment,

- whether the household actually incurs separate heating or utility costs or

- whether the assistance is paid directly or indirectly for the benefit of the household.

- Individuals who share a prorated utilities-only standard are eligible for the prorated amount of the heat and utilities standard.

• Consider households that receive HUD or FHA utility reimbursements for heating or cooling as having incurred out of pocket utility costs if the amount of the reimbursement is less than actual costs. Apply the higher amount of either:

- the full heat and utility standard or

- the utilities only standard or

- actual costs minus the reimbursed amount.

- Individuals who share utilities are eligible for the prorated amount of the appropriate standard.