
04/16/14
Obsoletes Policy Memorandum dated 03/10/14
Summary
- Effective immediately, Section 4006 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 requires a change to SNAP Utility Allowance policy.
- For initial applications filed 3/10/14 or later, implement this change immediately.
- For active cases, implement this change at the next SNAP REDE.
- SNAP units are allowed the Air Conditioning /Heating Standard if they are receiving or have received a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) payment of $21 or more during the month of application or in any of the last 12 months.
- Expecting to receive a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) payment no longer qualifies SNAP Units to receive the Air Conditioning /Heating Standard.
- The following forms are revised with the new LIHEAP question:
- Form 4764 and Form 4765, mailing on or around March 26, 2014.
- Form 1893, mailing on or around April 4, 2014.
- Form 683
- Form 683B
- Form 2378B
- Form 4891
- The LIHEAP utility question is revised in ABE.
- Changes to the LIHEAP question in IES and the PSI script will be completed in the near future.
- The SNAP Web Caculator's LIHEAP utility question is revised.
Who Qualifies for the SNAP Utility Allowance Based on the Receipt of LIHEAP?
SNAP units qualify for the Air Conditioning /Heating Standard ($380) if they are receiving or have received a payment of $21 or more during the month of application or in any of the last 12 months from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) ( in Chicago paid through CEDA). Accept the customer's statement that a payment was received.
Form Revisions
The following forms are revised with the new LIHEAP question:
- Form 4764 and Form 4765, mailing on or around March 26,2014.
- Form 1893, mailing on or around April 4, 2014.
- Form 683
- Form 683B
- Form 2378B
- Form 4891
Initial Applications
For initial applications filed 3/10/14 and after, SNAP units may be allowed the Air Conditioning /Heating Standard if they are receiving or have received a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) payment of $21 or more during the month of application or in any of the last 12 months.
Example 1: Mr. B files a SNAP application on March 10. During the interview Mr. B states he received a LIHEAP payment of $100 on March 3. Allow Mr. B the Air Conditioning/Heating Standard.
Example 2: Ms.C received a LIHEAP payment of $100 in January. On March 10, Ms. C files a SNAP application and indicates on the her application that she received a LIHEAP payment in January of more than $21. Allow the Air Conditioning Heating Standard.
Active Cases
For active cases, implement this change at the next REDE. Allow the Air Conditioning/ Heating Standard when the SNAP unit receives or have received a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) payment of $21 or more during the month of application or in any of the last 12 months.
System Changes
ABE has been modified to display the new LIHEAP utility question. Changes to the LIHEAP question in IES and the PSI script will be completed soon.
SNAP Calculator
The LIHEAP utility question is revised in the SNAP calculaor.
MANUAL REVISIONS
Michelle R.B. Saddler
[signed copy on file]
Secretary, Illinois Department of Human Services
Forms referenced:
Form 683
Form 683B
Form 1893
Form 4764
Form 4765
Form 4891
Form 2378B