NORTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA
August 23, 2005

IM #4966

TO:		County Social Service Directors
Economic Assistance Policy Regional Representatives
Economic Assistance Policy Quality Control Reviewers

FROM:	Blaine Nordwall, Director, Economic Assistance Policy

SUBJECT:		FOOD STAMP STANDARD, THRIFTY FOOD PLAN AND
		INCOME ELIGIBILITY LEVEL CHANGES

PROGRAMS:	Food Stamps

RETENTION: 	Until Manualized
		
The following income eligibility level, standard deduction, shelter deduction, utility standard, telephone standard, and Thrifty Food Plan changes are effective October 1, 2005.

1.	The gross income standards at 430-05-50-10-05 are as follows:

	H.H. Size		Max. Incr.	H.H. Size	Max. Incr.

	1		    1,037	      9	$	3,863
		2	 		1,390		10	 	4,217
		3	 		1,744		11	 	4,571
		4	 		2,097		12	 	4,925
		5	 		2,450		13	 	5,279
		6	 		2,803		14	 	5,633
		7	 		3,156		15	 	5,987
		8	 		3,509                 Each Add. Member	+354

2.	The net income standards at 430-05-50-10-10 are as follows:

	H.H. Size		Max. Incr.	H.H. Size	Max. Incr.

		1		$    798		  9	$	2,972
		2	   		1,070		10	 	3,244
		3	 		1,341		11	 	3,516
		4	 		1,613		12	 	3,788
		5	 		1,885		13	 	4,060
		6	 		2,156		14	 	4,332
		7	 		2,428		15	 	4,604
		8	 		2,700                 Each Add. Member	 +272
3.	The companion household gross monthly income limits at 430-05-30-30 are as follows:

	H.H. Size		Max. Incr.	H.H. Size	Max. Incr.

		1		$	1,316		  5	$	3,109
		2	 		1,765		  6	 	3,558
		3	 		2,213		  7	 	4,006
		4			2,661		  8	 	4,454
			                              Each Add. Member	  	 +449

4.	The standard deduction at 430-05-50-10-10, 430-05-55-05, and 430-05-60-05 remains at $134 for a household size of 1-4; and changes to $157 for a household size of 5; and $179 for a household size of 6+.

5.	The maximum allowable shelter deduction at 430-05-50-10-10 and 430-05-55-40 changes to $400.

6.	The Thrifty Food Plan at 430-05-60-05 are:

	H.H. Size		Amount    	H.H. Size	Amount

		1		 $	152		  5	$	601
		2	 	   	278		  6	  	722
		3	 		399		  7	  	798
		4	 		506		  8	  	912
					                   Each Add. Member	 +114

7.	The fair market value of a vehicle at 430-05-45-05 remains at $4,650.

8.  	Utility Standards at 430-05-55-40:

a.	Standard Utility Allowance (HL SU):

Households responsible for heating/cooling costs or in receipt of LIHEAP including Tribal LIHEAP or renter/heat paid benefits are entitled to the full Standard Utility Allowance (HL SU on the EXSA screen) of $476.00, which includes all utility expenses.  

b.	Limited Utility Allowance (LU SA):

Households not entitled to the HL SU that incur at least two of the following utility expenses are entitled to the Limited Utility Allowance (LU SA on the EXSA screen) of $185.00.

				Water
				Sewer
				Garbage
				Electricity
				Telephone

c.	    Minimum Utility Standard (MU):

Households not entitled to the HL SU or LU SA that incur at least one of the following utility expenses are entitled to the Minimum Utility Standard (MU on the EXSA screen) of $147.00.
	
				Water
				Sewer
				Garbage
				Electricity

  d.	     Telephone Standard (TL):

Households not entitled to the HL SU, the LU SA or MU that incur telephone expenses only are entitled to the Telephone Standard (TL on the EXSA screen) of $38.00. 

Table changes will be made at the State Office and a mass change will be run to incorporate the above changes when October benefits are authorized.  This change will result in all food stamp cases being unauthorized.  

REMINDER: Certification Manual 430-05-65-65 “10-Day Advance Notice Not Required” - A 10-day advance notice is not required for adjustments to eligibility standards, benefits, deductions, utility standards, grant adjustments, and changes in federal benefits.  Adequate notice must be provided.  The State Office provides mass media notices.

The updated benefit calculators for the Food Stamp Program are available on the county I drive in the Economic Assistance, Food Stamp folder.  Both the Excel and Lotus 123 versions include the updated Thrifty Food Plan, Standard Deduction and Shelter Max that are effective October 1, 2005 in this IM.  The benefit calculator on the DHS website is updated to include these changes and will be made available October 1, 2005.  

The Food Assistance Program Eligibility Requirements has been updated, attached and will be available on the “I” drive October 1, 2005.