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Note that effective January 1, 2010, every active FS household is eligible for the HCSUA instead of the LUA. One Utility Allowance (OUA) Households that are responsible for paying only one non-heating, non-cooling, and non-phone utility are entitled to the OUA. Households must verify that they must pay one non-heating, non-cooling, and non- phone utility bill to receive the OUA. The OUA is $62.00 effective October 1, 2013. Note that effective January 1, 2010, every active FS household is eligible for the HCSUA instead of the OUA. Telephone Standard Households that are only responsible for paying for telephone costs are entitled to the Telephone Standard. This includes landline and wireless telephones. Households must verify that they are billed for telephone services. The Telephone Standard is $55 effective October 1, 2013. Note that effective January 1, 2010, every active FS household is eligible for the HCSUA instead of the Telephone Standard. A FS group living with and sharing costs with another individual or group is entitled to a full utility allowance. Case Processing When Expenses are Unverified Effective January 1, 2010, an active FS household is not required to document utility costs, since IMA will automatically refer all FS recipients for a LIHEAP payment. A household who is applying for FS and not currently receiving FS may need to document utility costs in order to be determined eligible for FS. Once determined eligible, the customer is eligible for the HCSUA allowance. Example Ms. Grier applies for Food Stamps on March 31. She states she pays rent and heating/cooling costs. She brings her rent receipt, but does not have proof of her utility expense. There is no record in ACEDS of a LIHEAP payment. The worker determines her eligibility without using a utility expense and finds she is not eligible for Food Stamps for the prorated month of March, but is eligible for an allotment effective April 1. Since she is now a FS recipient, she is expected to receive a LIHEAP payment. The caseworker enters the HCSUA and redetermines her allotment for April and subsequent months. Example Mr. Allen is certified for FS through June 30 and comes in to recertify on June 13. Since he is currently a FS recipient, he is expected to receive a LIHEAP payment. The worker gives Mr. Allen the HCSUA when determining eligibility for the new certification period.

Example

Ms. Allawi applies for FS on August 10. She rents but does not pay separate heating/cooling costs. There is no record of a LIHEAP payment. The worker determines Ms. Allawi’s eligibility without giving her the HCSUA. Ms. Allawi’s income makes her ineligible for FS. The worker denies the application without redetermining eligibility using the HCSUA.