Ops Memo 2014-42: SNAP: Collecting New Utility Information

Overview
Section 4006 of the Agricultural Act of 2014, also known as the Farm Bill, included new rules for States regarding Heat and Eat (H-EAT) programs. To comply with requirements in the bill, the Department developed new utility statements that require “yes” or “no” responses from clients. The BEACON changes are part of the BEACON Build 46.3, scheduled for June 16, 2014.

The responses must be obtained at application, recertification and throughout the certification period whenever a client's address or utility expenses change. Clients’ responses to these statements will provide information necessary for the Department to apply the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) to the household’s benefit calculation.

Purpose of Memo
This memo:

• outlines the conversion strategy for existing SUAs;
• details the new utility statements and BEACON changes;
• advises case managers of responsibility for obtaining responses to utility statements; and
• advises staff of the Pre-H-EAT conversion of cases with existing H-EAT periods.