MR #09.21: Increase in FS Utility Standards and the Federal Minimum Wage

Summary:

This release provides policy for the increase in the FS Utility Standards and the Federal minimum wage.

As a result of our annual review of state utility standards, Food & Nutrition services (FNS) has approved an increase in the Air Conditioning/Heating Standard, Limited Utility Standard, Single Utility Standard, and the Telephone Standard.

The FS Utility Standards increase is effective 08/09.

Air Conditioning/Heating Standard to $304.
Limited Utility Standard is increased to $190.
The Single Utility Standard is increased to $41.
The Telephone Standard is increased to $29.
ACM and AIS calculations will reflect the increased utility standard amounts for 08/09 food stamp issuances.
System changes to the FS Web Calculator and the expedited questions in AIS are effective 08/01/09.
A change in federal law increases the federal minimum wage to $7.25 per hour effective 07/24/09.
The Program Standards chart in WAG 25-03-02 is revised with the new utility standard amounts and the Federal minimum wage increase.