FNS Documents & Resources

Several state agencies have recently asked FNS to approve increases in their Standard Utility Allowances (SUA’s) for heating and cooling based on projections of substantial price increases in energy sources – particularly natural gas. We are aware of broad interest in the issue of the impact of higher energy prices on household budgets and appreciate the conferences and correspondence that bring this issue to our attention.

It has recently come to our attention that under PL 104-204 and 106-419, benefits paid by the Veterans Administration to the children of Vietnam veterans born with congenital spina bifida and certain other birth defects are excludable as income for food stamp purposes.

The Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004  requires school districts to directly certify for free school meals any child who is a member of a household receiving assistance under the Food Stamp Program.

On Dec. 8, 2004, the President signed The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2005. This law contains a provision which excludes from consideration as income in the Food Stamp Program additional pay received by military personnel as a result of deployment to a combat zone.

We have been asked whether to adopt for food stamp benefit purposes the $48.17 average cost for prescription drug purchases that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) calculated. The answer is yes, with some caveats. We have prepared two new Q&As to outline how this should work.

Over the past few months, we have learned that some local offices suggest that clients withdraw their applications. The suggestion or recommendation that a client withdraw impinges on the voluntary character of a withdrawal.

Recent regulatory and waiver policy has been focused on allowing states to simplify the reporting of changes in earned income. There has been increasing interest in addressing reporting and budgeting of certain types of fluctuating unearned income as well.

Attached is a fourth series of Q&As developed to address questions arising from states’ enactment of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (PL 105-33). The answers do not establish new policy. They are an interpretation of the relevant provisions and their intent, and should serve as a guide until issuance of regulations.

Cumulative Questions and Answers on Certification and Work Issues in PRWORA

Balanced Budget Act of 1977 (PL 105-33) Questions and Answers - Set 2