Policy Directive                                                      Issuance Number: FSC 04-15

Food Stamp Certification Manual                     Issuance Date: 10-01-04

From: Joni Jones, Director                                Expiration Date: Until Superseded

Subj: Food Stamp Basis of Issuance

Pages to be Deleted     Dated                                   Pages to be Added      Dated

Food Stamp Basis of Benefit Issuance 10/1/03      Food Stamp Basis of Benefit Issuance 10/1/04

Appendix D                                             01/01/04        Appendix D                                            10/01/04

************************************************************************

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Effective October 1, 2004 maximum food stamp benefit amounts and income levels for

households increase as indicated on the attached Basis of Issuance Chart.

Budget deductions will change as follows:

1.                  Standard deduction will remain $134 for household sizes 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Household size 5 will change from $149 to $153.

Household size 6 and up will change from $171 to $175.

2.                  Standard utility allowance will increase to $229.

3.                  Maximum excess shelter deduction will change from $378 to $388.  Aged/Disabled households have no excess shelter deduction limit.

Inquiries to:  Curtisteen Brooks, Food Stamp Section, (501) 682-8285