MR #14.11: SNAP Utility Allowance-LIHEAP Payment Change

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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