Standardization of State Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowances (RIN 0584-AE69)
New collection (Request for a new OMB Control Number)
No
Regular
Comment filed on proposed rule
11/20/2019
11/04/2019
Prior to publication of the final rule, the agency should provide to OMB a summary of all comments received on the proposed information collection and identify any changes made in response to these comments.
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
36 Months From Approved
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0
0
0
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This is a new collection for proposed rule, Standardization of State Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowances (SUAs), which would create a clearer and more consistent nationwide policy by standardizing the methodology for standard utility allowances. Heating and cooling SUAs would be calculated annually by FNS instead of this being a State responsibility. Other types of allowances for other utility costs would subsequently be capped at a percentage of the heating and cooling allowance (with the exception of an updated telecommunications SUA that would be a capped amount rather than percentage and set nationally by FNS). State agencies would still be responsible for calculating SUAs other than the HCSUA, however, the amounts may not exceed the cap set by FNS. These figures would continue to be updated annually and reflective of utility costs in each State. The Department believes that standardizing the SUA methodology would help make SUAs and the program more equitable and would also improve program integrity by ensuring SUAs better reflect what households are paying for utilities.
Once FNS receives OMB approval for the collection associated with this rule, FNS intends to merge this data collection with 0584-0496 following final rule making.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Appendix C - Legal Authority Reg.docx
Appendix D Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Standardization of State Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowances_Tribal Impact Statement-1.pdf
State Agency Respondents