MR #15.20: Change in SNAP Utility Standards and Income and Deduction Standards October 2015

09/17/15

Summary

This manual release contains policy changes to the SNAP Utility Standards and the Gross/Net Income Standards and Deductions effective October 2015.

As a result of our annual review of the SNAP utility standards, the amounts are reduced as follows:
- Air Conditioning/Heating Standard $364
- Limited Utility Standard $258
- Single Utility Standard $58
- Telephone Standard $27
System changes are effective October 2015 and were completed in ACM, IES and IPACS on 09/15/15. Active cases will be updated effective for 10/01/15.
Federal law provides for an increase in the Maximum Monthly Gross and Net Income Standards, the Standard Deductions, and the Maximum Excess Shelter Deduction ($504), effective 10/01/15.
The SNAP allotments, including the Basis of Issuance Table and the minimum monthly benefit amount for 1-2 person households remain unchanged.
The SNAP 200% FPL Gross Income Standard is increased for categorically eligible qualifying member households.
Active cases will be centrally updated at the close of their processing schedule effective for 10/1/15.
System changes to the ABE and Web SNAP calculators and the expedited questions in IES and ABE are effective 10/01/15.
The Program Standards Chart WAG 25-03-02(pdf) is revised with the new standard amounts.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program brochure (DHS 124) is revised.
Various references to the Automated Intake System (AIS) have been removed.

SNAP Utility Standards
Form Revision
MANUAL REVISIONS
Forms referenced:

SNAP Utility Standards

As a result of our annual review the SNAP utility standards are reduced. Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has approved the following changes to be implemented effective 10/01/15.

Air Conditioning/Heating Standard $364
Limited Utility Standard increased $258
Single Utility Standard increased $58
The Telephone Standard is increased $27

Increase in SNAP Standards

Federal law provides for an increase in the Maximum Monthly Gross and Net Income Standard and the Standard Deduction amounts. The Maximum Excess Shelter Deduction is increased to $504. In addition to these changes, we are revising the 200% FPL Maximum Gross Income Standards used to determine SNAP categorical eligibility for qualifying member units.

System Changes

System changes are effective October 2015 and were completed in ACM, IES and IPACS on 09/15/15.
Active cases will be centrally updated at the close of their processing schedule effective for 10/01/15.
System changes to the ABE/WEB SNAP Calculators and the expedited questions in ABE/IES are effective 10/01/15.

Maximum Monthly Income Eligibility Standards

SNAP Unit Size	Maximum Gross Income Standards 130% FPL	Maximum Gross Income Standards 200% FPL	Maximum Net Income Standards
1 Person	$1,276	$1,962	$981
2 Persons	1,726	2,655	1,328
3 Persons	2,177	3,348	1,675
4 Persons	2,628	4,042	2,021
5 Persons	3,078	4,735	2,368
6 Persons	3,529	5,428	2,715
7 Persons	3,980	6,122	3,061
8 Persons	4,430	6,815	3,408
9 Persons	4,881	7,508	3,755
10 Persons	5,322	8,201	4,102
Each Add'l Member	+451	+693	+347

Gross Monthly Income Eligibility Standards- Elderly Disabled as Separate Unit

SNAP Unit Size	Gross Income Standard
1 Person	$1,619
2 Persons	2,191
3 Persons	2,763
4 Persons	3,335
5 Persons	3,907
6 Persons	4,479
7 Persons	5,051
8 Persons	5,623
9 Persons	6,195
10 Persons	6,767
Each Add'l Member	+ 572