TO:	  Commissioners; TA Directors; FS Directors; WMS Coordinators; CAP Coordinators

FROM:	Patricia A. Stevens, Deputy Commissioner, Division of Temporary Assistance

SUBJECT:	Updated-FS Standards for October 1, 2001

EFFECTIVE DATE:	October 1, 2001

CONTACT PERSON:	FS Questions – Regional Representatives:  Western Region (518) 473-0332; Central Region (518) 474-9344; Eastern Region (518) 473-1469; MRB/A Upstate Questions – Don Evensen (518) 474-9109.  Metro Region (212) 383-1435.  MRB/A NYC Questions – Stephen Cohen (212) 383-1652

	The USDA has notified us of the October 1, 2001 cost-of-living adjustments to the Food Stamp Program.  There are changes in Income Eligibility Limits and Thrifty Food Plan amounts which were already announced in GIS 01 TA/DC029 on August 10th, 2001.  This GIS is to advise districts that based upon the new maximum allotment amounts listed in GIS 01 TA/DC029, the related MRB/A's (Upstate August 18th & 25th; NYC September 22nd & 23rd) are using the following rebudgeted amounts in eligible cases:

	1.	Boarder/Lodger Exclusion:	$135 for one or $248 for two.

	2.	Personal Care Shelter Amount:	reduced by $5.00.

No INF or ADM will be issued regarding this change.