18 Miss. Code. R. 14-18.9 - Standard Utility Allowances

A. Households will receive the appropriate utility allowances in place of actual costs at initial certification, recertification and when a household moves:

1. A standard utility allowance (SUA) that includes heating or cooling;

a) This is available to households that incur heating or cooling expenses separately from their rent or mortgage; and

b) To households that receive direct or indirect assistance from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Act Program (LIHEAP).

2. A limited or basic utility allowance (BUA) that includes at least two electricity and fuel utilities other than heating or cooling; or

3. A standard telephone allowance.

B. Households whose telephone bill is their only separately billed utility expense must use the standard telephone allowance.

C. Only households that do not qualify for the SUA, BUA or standard telephone allowance may claim actual utility expenses, which must be verified. MDHS will not prorate a SUA that includes heating or cooling costs provided to a household that lives and shares heating or cooling expenses with others.

Notes

18 Miss. Code. R. 14-18.9

7 CFR §273.9(d)(6)

Adopted 3/15/2022 Amended 10/20/2023 Amended 12/9/2024 Amended 2/17/2025