Page 444

CHAPTER 9 - FOOD STAMP CASE CHANGES

INTRODUCTION 9.1

The District or Federal government may initiate certain changes which may affect the entire or a significant portion of the caseload of households receiving FS benefits. This chapter addresses special rules that are applied when a change is made that:

 simultaneously affects the entire caseload;  affects a significant portion of the caseload; or  Involves conducting individual desk reviews in place of a mass change.

Mass change to the caseload is defined as changes that affect the eligibility requirements, amount of benefits, deductions, standards, etc., which may result in an increase or decrease of FS benefits to the entire caseload or a significant portion of the caseload.

Depending on the type of mass change, the District will provide different types of notification to the entire caseload or the affected households. In certain situations, the District will publicize the mass change through the news media, posters in ESA service centers, issuance locations or other sites frequented by certified households. In other situations, the District will mail a general notice to the households. In some situations, the District must mail an individual Notice of Adverse Action to each household affected by the change.

LEGAL AUTHORITY 9.2 AREA/TOPIC DISTRICT FEDERAL Case Changes D.C. Official Code §§4-205.05a; 4- 210.01, et seq.; 4-204.07, et seq. FS: 7 C.F.R. §§ 273.12, 273.13, 272.12, 273.2 MASS CHANGES 9.3

The District or Federal government may initiate changes to the entire or a significant portion of the caseload of households receiving benefits. These mass changes include, but are not limited to:

 income eligibility standards;  shelter and dependent care deductions;  maximum FS allotments (the Thrifty Food Plan);  standard deductions;  utility Standards (annual and seasonal adjustments); • periodic Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs) to Old Age, Survivors and Disability (OASDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veteran’s Benefits and other Federal benefits;  periodic adjustments in payment levels in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and General Assistance Programs such as Interim Disability Assistance (IDA) and General Assistance for Children (GAC); and  legislative or regulatory changes to the FS eligibility and/or benefit criteria

FEDERAL FOOD STAMP CHANGES 9.4

The Federal government may periodically make adjustments to eligibility standards, allotments, and certain deductions. Annual adjustments to the following: income eligibility standards, maximum allotments,