All DHHS rules posted on or after January 5, 2023 are available on the DHHS Rulemaking page.
| Food Supplement Rule 197A SUA-COLA Changes for FFY 2017; 10-144 CMR, Chapter 301, Sections FS-000-1 and FS-555-5 pages 1-11 | FS-000-1 | FS-555-5 |
|
Concise Summary: This rule adopts annual changes in the standard utility allowances (SUA) and cost of living allowances (COLA) used to calculate benefits. The annual changes are mandated by federal regulations 7 CFR 273.9(a) and (d), and are based on USDA Food and Nutrition Sevices (FNS) requirements. The 2017 SUA values are based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for fuel and utilities from June 2015 to June 2016. They had to be in place on October 1, 2016, and an emergency rulemaking was done to meet that deadline. This rulemaking makes the emergency rule permanent. The COLA values did not require an emergency rulemaking because they represent increases in allowances and, as such, can be applied retroactively to October 1, 2016.
While the COLA values increased, SUA values decreased for FFY 2017. The marginal decrease in the SUAs and marginal increase in the COLAs will have minor impacts on household benefit amounts, and will affect housesholds based on factors distinct to each household. Some members may see a minor increase in benefits, while others will have a minor decrease.
Effective Date: December 19, 2016 | ||
| View Comments: Summary of Comments | Posted: | |