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.
This proposed rule implements the provision of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 that gives the Department of Agriculture the authority to promulgate regulations for the operation and administration of the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program.
This rule allows state agencies the option to use their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program vehicle allowance rules rather than the vehicle rules ordinarily used in the Food Stamp Program where doing so will result in a lower attribution of resources to food stamp households.
In accordance with the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, the housing allowance for military personnel living in privatized housing will be permanently excluded from income when determining household eligibility for free and reduced price meals or free milk in all of the child nutrition programs.
This rulemaking proposes to amend Food Stamp Program regulations to implement 11 provisions of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 that establish new eligibility and certification requirements for the receipt of food stamps.
The Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2001 requires the DoD to pay certain low-income service members and their families a family subsistence allowance of up to $500 per month so they will not have to rely on food stamps.
The interim rule and this final rule implement three legislative requirements that affect the application and certification process for the WIC program.