The Issue Two issues are potentially raised in this cause, as follow: Did the Petitioner made a timely application? Did the Petitioner's income exceed the established limits of eligibility?
Findings Of Fact The Petitioner, Nathaniel Ali, made an application for low income home energy assistance, which was stipulated by the parties to have been timely received by the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. However, the Petitioner did not verify his income as required, which resulted in the Department's letter to him dated January 5, 1983, requesting verification of his income. This letter established a suspense date of January 17, 1983, for response. It stated that in the event no response was forthcoming by said date the application would be denied. The Petitioner testified that he did not receive the Department's letter of January 5, 1983. His testimony is found to be credible in this regard. The Petitioner produced evidence of his income for the 30 days preceding his application. His records reflected that he received $99.66 as income from his position as a student assistant and $500 from his income as a construction worker over The Christmas break. His total income for the 30 days prior to his application was $599.66.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is that the application of the Petitioner, Nathaniel Ali, be approved and that he receive low income home energy assistance. DONE and RECOMMENDED this 16th day of August, 1983, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. STEPHEN F. DEAN Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1550 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 16th day of August, 1983. COPIES FURNISHED: Mr. Nathaniel Ali 2506 Stroud Avenue, 207 Tampa, Florida 33609 Janice Sortor, Esquire Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services 4000 West Buffalo Avenue Tampa, Florida 33614 David H. Pingree, Secretary Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services 1323 Winewood Boulevard Tallahassee, Florida 323017
The Issue Whether Petitioner is eligible for low income energy assistance as provided in Section 409.508, Florida Statutes (1980), Home Energy Assistance Program; Rules 10 CER 81-5 through 81-13, Low Income Energy Assistance Program, amended by Rules 10 CER 81-16 and 81-17, Florida Administrative Code.
Findings Of Fact Petitioner Lucy Jeffery requested a formal hearing after the required informal conference with a supervisor employed by Respondent Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. On June 9, 1981 Jeffery, at that time living with three (3) other people, filed a Household Application for low income energy assistance with the required Medical Certification (Form 137, May '81). By Notice of Application Denial Petitioner was informed that she was denied assistance for the reason that her medical statement indicated her medical condition did not require cooling in order to prevent "life-threatening" adverse effects. The action was taken within 45 days of Petitioner's application, and she was promptly notified of the reason for denial of benefits. The medical practitioner who signed the Medical Certification for Cooling wrote the words "Gastro intestinal condition not life threatening but medically prudent" before he signed the form. Petitioner did not dispute the evidence presented but felt that her medical condition warranted cooling and that she should be allowed benefits for that purpose.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law the Hearing Officer recommends that a final order be entered by the Respondent Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services denying low income energy benefits to Petitioner. DONE and ORDERED this 10th day of February, 1982, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. DELPHENE C. STRICKLAND Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 10th day of February, 1982. COPIES FURNISHED: Ms. Lucy Jeffery 1849 21st Street Sarasota, Florida 33580 Anthony N. DeLuccia, Jr., Esquire Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services 8800 Cleveland Avenue, South Post Office Box 06085 Fort Myers, Florida 33907 David H. Pingree, Secretary Attn: Susan B. Kirkland, Esquire Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services Building One, Room 406 1323 Winewood Boulevard Tallahassee, Florida 32301
Findings Of Fact Petitioner Jose Alvarado requested a formal hearing after the required informal conference with a supervisor employed by Respondent Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. On July 2, 1981 Alvarado, a white male who lives with two (2) other persons, filed a Household Application for low income energy assistance. He was notified on July 6, 1981 that the application must be accompanied by a Medical Certification for Cooling, and he was requested to submit the medical certificate by July 20, 1981. He failed to file the certificate by July 27, 1981 and a call to the telephone number furnished by Petitioner was attempted, but there was no answer. Petitioner stated at the hearing that he had tried to get the physician to sign the certificate, but the physician was on vacation. Petitioner filed the signed certificate on July 31, 1981. The Notice of Application Denial was mailed on August 28, 1981.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law the Hearing Officer recommends that a final order be entered by the Respondent Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services granting low income energy benefits to Petitioner. DONE and ORDERED this 7th day of December, 1981, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. DELPHENE C. STRICKLAND, Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 7th day of December, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: Mr. Jose Alvarado 1875 Caralee Boulevard, Apt. 2 Orlando, Florida 32807 Samuel P. Stafford, Esquire Department of HRS 400 West Robinson Street, Suite 912 Orlando, Florida 32801 David H. Pingree, Secretary Attn: Susan B. Kirkland, Esquire Department of HRS Building One, Room 406 1323 Winewood Boulevard Tallahassee, Florida 32301
Findings Of Fact Petitioner Jerry Pettit requested a formal hearing after the required informal conference with a supervisor employed by Respondent Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. On June 9, 1981, Pettit, a white male who lives with four (4) other persons, filed a Household Application for low income energy assistance with the required Medical Certification for Cooling. By Notice of Application Denial Petitioner was informed that he was denied assistance for the reason that his monthly household income exceeded the maximum income limits for a household of his size. The action was taken within 45 days of Petitioner's application, and he was promptly notified of the reason for denial of benefits. Petitioner did not dispute the evidence presented by Respondent Department but felt that assistance should have been based on need. Pettit's monthly household income during the month of his application was $1,189.00.
Recommendation Based, on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law the Hearing Officer recommends that a final order be entered by the Respondent Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services denying low income energy benefits to Petitioner. DONE and ORDERED this 5th day of November, 1981, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. DELPHENE C. STRICKLAND Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 5th day of November, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: Mr. Jerry E. Pettit Post Office Box 457 Niceville, Florida 32578 Jon W. Searcy, Esquire Department of HRS 160 Governmental Center Post Office Box 12836 Pensacola, Florida 32576 David H. Pingree, Secretary Attn: Susan B. Kirkland, Esquire Department of HRS Building One, Room 406 1323 Winewood Boulevard Tallahassee, Florida 32301
The Issue Whether Petitioner is eligible for low income energy assistance as provided in Section 409.508, Florida Statutes (1980), Home Energy Assistance Program; Rules 10 CER 81-6 through 81-13, Low Income Energy Assistance Program, amended by Rules 10 CER 81-16 and 81-17, Florida Administrative Code.
Findings Of Fact Petitioner Rosa Jackson requested a formal hearing after the required informal conference with a supervisor employed by Respondent Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. On July 7, 1981 Jackson, a black female who lives alone, filed a Household Application for low income energy assistance. She was notified on July 5, 1981 that the application must be accompanied by a Medical Certification for Cooling, and she was requested to submit the certificate that had been forwarded to her. She failed to file the certificate, and another form was forwarded to her on September 3, 1981. No medical certificate has been filed. Petitioner stated at the Hearing that she had intended to mail it but never did. She did not have the required medical certificate with her at the hearing.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law the Hearing Officer recommends that a final order be entered by the Respondent Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services denying low income energy benefits to Petitioner. DONE and ORDERED this 4th day of December, 1981, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. DELPHENE C. STRICKLAND Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 4th day of December, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: Ms. Rosa Jackson Route 5, Box 61 Elbert Lane Pensacola, Florida 32503 Jon Searcy, Esquire Department of HRS 160 Governmental Center Post Office Box 12836 Pensacola, Florida 32576 David H. Pingree, Secretary Attn: Susan B. Kirkland, Esquire Department of HRS Building One, Room 406 1323 Winewood Boulevard Tallahassee, Florida 32301
Findings Of Fact Petitioner Mary Cecelia Williams requested a formal hearing after the required informal conference with a supervisor employed by Respondent Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. On June 28, 1981 Williams, a black female who lives with two other person , filed a Household Application for low income energy assistance together with a medical certificate (Form 137 May 81) which had the words "which would be life-threatening" crossed out by the physician. She was notified on July 2, 1981 that the application was denied for the reason that the physician did not indicate the need for cooling services was life-threatening. Petitioner did not dispute the fact the medical certification was altered but stated at the hearing that she had no money to see another physician. Both Petitioner and her son have breathing difficulties and she believes her application for cooling benefits should be reconsidered.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law the Hearing Officer recommends that a final order be entered by the Respondent Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services denying low income energy benefits to Petitioner. DONE and ORDERED this 11th day of December, 1981, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. DELPHENE C. STRICKLAND Hearing Officer Department of Administration Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 11th day of December, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: Mary Cecelia Williams 1112 NW Seventh Avenue Gainesville, Florida 32601 James Sawyer, Esquire Department of HRS 2002 NW 13th Street Oak Park Executive Square Gainesville, Florida 32601 David H. Pingree, Secretary Attn: Susan B. Kirkland, Esquire Department of HRS Building One, Room 406 1323 Winewood Boulevard Tallahassee, Florida 32301
The Issue Whether Petitioner is eligible for low income energy assistance as provided in Section 409.508, Florida Statutes (1980) Home Energy Assistance Program; Rules 10 CER 81-5 through 81-13, Low Income Energy Assistance Program, amended by Rules 10 CER 81-16 and 81-17, Florida Administrative Code.
Findings Of Fact Petitioner Ruby P. Hutchinson requested a formal hearing after the required informal conference with a supervisor employed by Respondent Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. On June 23, 1981, Hutchinson, who lives alone, filed a Household Application for low income energy assistance with the required Medical Certification for Cooling. By Notice of Application Denial Petitioner was informed that she was denied assistance for the reason that her monthly household income exceeded the maximum income limits for a household of her size. The action was taken within 45 days of Petitioner's application and she was promptly notified of the reason for denial of benefit. Petitioner did not dispute the evidence presented by Respondent Department but felt that assistance should have been based on need. Hutchinson's monthly household income during the month of her application was $352.30.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, the Hearing Officer recommends that a final order be entered by the Respondent Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services denying low income energy benefits to Petitioner. DONE and ORDERED this 15th day of December, 1981, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. DELPHENE C. STRICKLAND Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 15th day of December, 1981 in Tallahassee, Florida. COPIES FURNISHED: Ruby P. Hutchinson 1715 North Combee Road Lakeland, Florida 33805 Anthony N. DeLuccia, Jr., Esquire Department of HRS 8800 Cleveland Avenue, South Post Office Box 06085 Fort Myers, Florida 33907 David H. Pingree, Secretary Attn: Susan B. Kirkland, Esquire Department of HRS Building One, Room 406 1323 Winewood Boulevard Tallahassee, Florida 32301
Findings Of Fact Petitioners Dorothy and Willie Taylor, who live with three (3) other persons, filed a Household Application for low income energy assistance. On July 21, 1981 they were reminded to send in a Medical Certification for Cooling (Form 137, May '81) by August 4, 1981 so that their eligibility for benefits could be determined. No medical statement form was submitted by Petitioners. Thereafter, on August 28, 1981, they were notified that their application was denied for the reason that the required information to show eligibility for benefits had not been submitted. Petitioner did not dispute the evidence and testimony presented by Respondent but offered as evidence a signed Medical Certification for Cooling showing that Petitioners were not in need of cooling for a medical condition which requires controlled temperature to prevent adverse effects which would be life-threatening.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law the Hearing Officer recommends that a final order be entered by the Respondent Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services denying low income energy benefits to Petitioners. DONE and ORDERED this 3rd day of February, 1982, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. DELPHENE C. STRICKLAND Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 3rd day of January, 1982. COPIES FURNISHED: Mr. and Mrs. Willie Taylor David H. Pingree, Secretary 952 North 46th Avenue Attn: Susan B. Kirkland, Esquire Pensacola, Florida 32546 Department of HRS Building One, Room 406 Jon W. Searcy, Esquire 1323 Winewood Boulevard Department of HRS Tallahassee, Florida 32301 160 Governmental Center Post Office Box 12836 Pensacola, Florida 32576
Findings Of Fact Petitioner lives alone in a public housing project where she pays only a portion of her rent. She has extraordinary medical expenses as a result of a degenerative disease. Petitioner receives $377 monthly in Social Security benefits. After deducting the premium for Medicare, Petitioner's income is $360. Petitioner made application for low income energy assistance benefits for her home cooling costs. Respondent denied that application for benefits for the sole reason that Petitioner's income exceeds the maximum income permitted.
Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is, therefore, RECOMMENDED THAT: A final order be entered denying Petitioner's application for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program benefits. RECOMMENDED this 15th day of September, 1982, in Tallahassee, Florida. LINDA M. RIGOT Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1550 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 15th day of September, 1982. COPIES FURNISHED: Ms. Patricia Margaret Remer 1310 Northwest 16th Street Apartment 410 Miami, Florida 33125 Leonard Helfand, Esquire Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services 401 Northwest Second Avenue Suite 1040 Miami, Florida 33128 Mr. David Pingree Secretary Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services 1323 Winewood Boulevard Tallahassee, Florida 32301
Findings Of Fact Petitioner Roslyn Moody requested a hearing by a letter received in the office of Respondent on May 7, 1981. After the required informal conference with a supervisor in the Respondent Department Petitioner requested a formal hearing. On January 6, 198 Moody, a white female, filed a Household Application for low income energy assistance. She lives alone in an apartment in the Hotel Putman for which she pays $225.00 rent each month. She cleans her own apartment, does her own laundry and pays for the soap and other necessary items. She receives no bill for heating fuel, and her rent has not increased during the past year. The hotel in which she lives is subsidized by HUD, and Petitioner is charged a flat rental fee. She is not charged for excess utilities or a utility surcharge which includes heating costs. By Notice of Application Denial mailed January 6, 1981 Petitioner was informed that she was denied assistance for the reason that she is not responsible for paying her heating bill and therefore is not eligible for the program benefits. The vulnerability of Hotel Putman and Petitioner was provided by the hotel operator upon inquiry by the Respondent. The action was taken by Respondent within 45 days of Petitioner's application, and she was promptly notified of the reason for denial of benefits. Petitioner did not dispute the evidence presented by Respondent Department but as convinced that she should be eligible since she pays rent and the cost of her own upkeep and her income is low.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law the Hearing Officer recommends that low income energy benefits be denied Petitioner. DONE and ORDERED this 8th day of June, 1981, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida DELPHENE C. STRICKLAND Hearing Officer on of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 200 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 8th day of June, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: Ms. Roslyn Moody 225 West New York Avenue Hotel Putman - Apt. 419 Deland, Florida 32720 Leo J. Stellwagen, Esquire Department of HRS 5920 Arlington Expressway Post office Box 2417-F Jacksonville, Florida 32231 Alvin J. Taylor, Secretary Attn: Susan B. Kirkland, Esquire Department of HRS Building One, Room 406 1323 Winewood Boulevard Tallahassee, Florida 32301
