TO:	  Commissioners; TA Directors; HEAP Directors

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

SUBJECT:	Food/Non-Food Guidelines for the Financial Statement for Utility Assistance

EFFECTIVE DATE:	October 1, 2002

CONTACT PERSON:	Central Team (TA) at 1-800-343-8859; extension 3-9344

This is to provide you with updated information on the Food/Non-Food Expenses used on the Financial Statement (DSS-3596) for utility arrearage assistance.

The DSS-3596 allows for Food/Non-Food monthly expenses.  The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance establishes guidelines for these expenses based on the Food Stamp Program's Thrifty Food Plan that is updated annually.  The effective date for these updated guidelines is October 1, 2002.  These amounts are only guidelines.   The Food/Non-Food amounts used for this expense are to be based on the actual monthly expenses of the household up to the maximum amounts listed below.  Households may exceed these guidelines only under special circumstances such as special dietary needs or a medical condition.  These cases should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Household Size	Food/Non-Food Expense	
1	$ 208	
2	$ 384	
3	$ 549	
4	$ 698	
5	$ 830	
6	$ 994	
7	$ 1,100	
8	$ 1,257	
Each Additional Person	+ $ 158