Findings Of Fact The Petitioner was the recipient of approximately $50 per month in low income home energy assistance benefits in the assistance period immediately prior to the one at issue. She is a grandmother and is raising six grandchildren in her home. Her only income is social security and Aide to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) benefits. There is no dispute in this proceeding that the Petitioner is financially qualified to receive the subject low income home energy assistance benefits. The Petitioner requires the subject benefits in order to pay for fuel oil and gas for home heating and cooking. Sometime in December, 1982, the Petitioner received an application form for the subject benefits from the HRS office in Gainesville, Florida. She filled out the form and gave it to her niece, Charlotte Bright, who testified in this proceeding, for mailing. Charlotte Bright mailed the form on the evening of December 26, 1982, in Gainesville. She looked on the mailbox in which she mailed the letter, and observed that the posted times for the Postal Service to pick-up letters from that box were at 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. that day. Accordingly, she realized that the letter could not be postmarked until December 27, 1982. She had earlier been told by an employee of the Respondent that a postmark of December 27, 1982, was acceptable. Accordingly, being conscious of the requirement that the letter be mailed so as to be postmarked on the 27th and knowing that the 5:00 p.m. pick-up deadline for the 26th had already passed, she wrote on the envelope (which is in evidence in this proceeding as Respondent's Exhibit 2) the following language, "I mailed this letter December 27, 1982, before 12:00 midnight, please accept this letter." In fact, although she mailed the letter on the 26th and wrote the notation regarding its mailing time to the effect that it was mailed effectively on December 27, the letter was shown to have been picked-up in Gainesville, taken to Jacksonville where it was postmarked on December 28, 1982, and then returned to Gainesville for ultimate delivery to the Respondent, which occurred on approximately December 29 or 30, 1982. It was Ms. Bright's belief, in acting on behalf of the Petitioner, that by mailing the letter in such a way for delivery in Gainesville, that it should have been postmarked the 27th and delivered that day, or at least the following day, but with a postmark which would have complied with the rule cited below, which effectively sets the deadline for posting at midnight December 27, 1982.
Recommendation Having considered the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, the evidence in the record and the candor and demeanor of the witnesses, it is, hereby RECOMMENDED: That Mrs. Lillie Kelly be declared eligible for participation in the home energy assistance program and that the appropriate benefits for which she is financially entitled be awarded her. DONE and ENTERED this 28th day of February, 1983, in Tallahassee, Florida. P. MICHAEL RUFF 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 28th day of February, 1983. COPIES FURNISHED: Mrs. Lillie M. Kelly P.O. Box 39 High Springs, Florida 32643 James Sawyer, Esquire District III Legal Counsel Department of HRS 2002 NW 13th Street Gainesville, Florida 32601 David H. Pingree, Secretary Department of HRS 1323 Winewood Blvd. 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; Rule 10 CER 80-11, Low Income Energy Assistance Program, amended by Rule 10 CER 81-4, Florida Administrative Code.
Findings Of Fact Petitioner James Burdett requested a hearing on March 13, 1981. After the required informal conference with a supervisor in Respondent Department Petitioner requested a formal hearing. Petitioner failed to appear at the scheduled hearing. On January 19, 198 Burdett, a white male, filed a Household Application for low income energy assistance. No one in his household is a migrant or migrant farm worker, no one receives food stamps, and no one else has applied for the low income energy assistance. He lives with six (6) other persons and receives a bill for use of fuel oil. By Notice of Application Denial mailed February 4, 1981 Petitioner was informed that he was denied assistance for the reason that his monthly household income exceeded the maximum income for a household of his size. Action was taken by Respondent within 45 days of Petitioner's application, and he was promptly notified of the reason for denial of benefits. Respondent presented three (3) exhibits which showed that Petitioner had a house old income for the month of January in excess of $1,016.00. Under Rule 10 CER 80-11.07, Determination of Eligibility Based on Income, Florida Administrative Code, and the applicable chart Petitioner Burdett's household income exceeds the income limit of $926.00 for a household of seven (7) persons.
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 13th day of May, 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 13th day of May, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: Mr. James Burdett 425 Arricola Avenue St. Augustine, Florida 32004 Paul C. Doyle, 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
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 Sue Kammer requested a formal hearing after the required informal conference with a supervisor employed by Respondent Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. On June 16, 1981 Kammer, a white female who lives alone, filed a Household Application for low income energy assistance. She was notified on June 17, 1981 that the application must be accompanied by verification of income and a Medical Certification for Cooling. She filed the verification of income and notified the Respondent that the medical certificate had been sent to the Central Florida Migrant and Community Health Center, Inc. This clinic closed, and Petitioner sought help from the clinic in Sanford, Florida. A physician there notified Petitioner by letter dated July 30, 1981 that the medical conditions required to show eligibility for cooling benefits could not be found on Petitioner's medical chart, and therefore he could not sign the medical certificate. Petitioner then sought help from her former physician, who signed the certificate, and Petitioner filed it on August 6, 1981. The Notice of Application Denial was dated July 25, 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: Ms. Sue Kammer 2500 Howell Branch Road, #349 Winter Park, Florida 32792 Samuel P. Stafford, Esquire David H. Pingree, Secretary Department of HRS Attn: Susan B. Kirkland, Esquire 400 West Robinson Street, Department of HRS Suite 912 1323 Winewood Boulevard Orlando, Florida 32801 Tallahassee, Florida 32301
Findings Of Fact The Petitioner, Cheryl Gayheart, applied for low income home energy assistance payments by an application filed with the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services at its New Port Richey service center on November 18, 1983. After reviewing the application and determining that additional verification was needed, the Department sent a letter to Petitioner requesting additional verification of the Petitioner's income on November 22, 1983, by United States Mail at the following address: 7 Sunnydale Street, Hudson, Florida 33568 The Petitioner did not receive the Department's letter requesting additional verification of income. The zip code used by the Petitioner on her application, as indicated above, was 33568. This was the wrong zip code for the area to which the Petitioner had recently moved. The correct zip code should have been 33567. On December 6, 1983, the Department denied the Petitioner's application and found her ineligible for participation in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program because it had not received a reply to its letter of November 22, 1983. Prior to the deadline of the program, the Petitioner contracted the Department through the local food stamp office concerning her pending application for low income home energy assistance. At that time, she was told that she would hear from the Department concerning her application. The first notice she received from the Department was notice of the denial of her application. The Petitioner testified at hearing that she earned $3.70 per hour for eight hours four days per week at all times relative to her application. She and her two children receive food stamps, live in Zone 4, and constitute a family of three.
Recommendation Because the Petitioner did not actually receive the Department's letter requesting additional information, and because the Petitioner contacted the Department prior to the deadline concerning her pending application and was not advised of the pending request for additional information, it is recommended that the Petitioner's application for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program benefits be reinstated. Further, it is recommended that the Petitioner receive low income home energy assistance benefits based upon the income figures and family size provided in paragraph seven of the Findings of Fact, supra. DONE AND RECOMMENDED this 1st day of June 1984 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 1st day of June 1984. COPIES FURNISHED: Ms. Cheryl Gayheart 7 Sunnydale Street Hudson, Florida 33568 Carol M. Wind, Esquire Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services 2255 East Bay Drive Clearwater, Florida 33546 David M. Pingree, Secretary Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services 1323 Winewood Boulevard Tallahassee, Florida 32301
Findings Of Fact Petitioner Christie Neilsen requested a hearing by a letter written on March 25, 1981. After the required informal conference with a supervisor in respondent Department Petitioner requested a formal hearing. On January 15, 1981 Neilsen, a white male, filed a Household Application for low in home energy assistance. No one in his household is a migrant or migrant farm worker, and no one else has applied for the low income energy assistance. He lives with his wife and receives a bill for use of kerosene for heating. By Notice of Application Denial mailed February 10, 1981 Petitioner was informed that he was denied assistance for the reason that his monthly income exceeded the maximum income for a household of his size. The action was taken by Respondent within 45 days of the application, and Petitioner was promptly notified of the reason for denial of benefits. Petitioner did not dispute the evidence presented by Respondent Department but was convinced the income limit by household size was unfair, especially since the price of fuel has increased. Under Rule 10 CER 80-11.D7, Determination of Eligibility Based on Income, Florida Administrative Code, and the applicable chart Petitioner Neilsen's household income exceeds the income limit of $418.00 for a household of two (2) persons.
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 13th day of May, 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 13th day of May, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: Mr. Christie Neilsen 1136 Winthrop Street Jacksonville, Florida 32206 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
Findings Of Fact On April 21, 1982, Petitioner, Darnell Hunter, filed an application for energy assistance under the Low Income Energy Assistance Program with Respondent, Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. The application was completed and signed by Jodi Fischer, a social worker with the Broward Center for the Blind. The application was accompanied by a letter from Fischer which explained that Hunter was in the hospital undergoing surgery and had given his permission for Fischer to sign the application on his behalf. The application was received at Respondent's Fort Lauderdale District Office on April 23, 1982, which was the last day for filing applications under the program. Based upon a review of the application, it was denied by letter dated May 25, 1982, on the ground Hunter "did not sign and date the application (himself)." Thereafter, Petitioner requested an administrative hearing to appeal the Department's decision. Petitioner died on August 30, 1982, which was the day prior to the final hearing. When the application was filed, Petitioner resided alone in his household. The total countable monthly income far the household during April, 1982, was $344. This amount was less than the monthly income limitation of $359 for households having one person. Therefore, Hunter was otherwise eligible for assistance based upon his April income. Under normal procedure, the Department has a representative visit an applicant whenever an application is incomplete, or does not contain the signature of the applicant because Respondent did not discover that Fischer had signed the application on behalf of Hunter until after the time for filing applications had expired, it did not avail itself of this procedure. It construed the application as being unacceptable from the date of filing, and contends that no remedy exists under the circumstances to cure the defect.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is RECOMMENDED that the application of Darnell Hunter for energy assistance be DENIED. DONE and ENTERED this 7th day of September, 1982. DONALD R. ALEXANDER 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 September, 1982. COPIES FURNISHED: Ms. Jodi Fischer Hearings Broward Center for the Blind 650 North Andrews Avenue Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311 Ms. Nancy Tango Department of HRS 201 West Broward Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
The Issue Whether Petitioner should have been considered for benefits from the Low Income Energy Assistance Program pursuant to Section 409.508, Florida Statutes; Rule 10 CER 80-11, Low Income Energy Assistance Program, amended by Rule 10 CER 81-4, Administrative Code.
Findings Of Fact Petitioner Rachel N. Farmer requested a hearing by a letter received in the office of the Respondent on April 2, 1981. After an informal conference with a supervisor in Respondent Department Petitioner requested a formal hearing. Petitioner is a black female who lives in Macclenny, Baker County, Florida She receives aid from the state and federal governments in the amount of $75.00 biweekly. She wrote a letter to Respondent Department, received on April 4, 1981, requesting information as to why she had not received a check to help on her light bill. After Respondent denied benefits on the grounds that no application had been received Respondent forwarded the letter to the Division of Administrative Hearings as a request for hearing. Petitioner testified in her own behalf. At the hearing Petitioner stated that on March 19, 1981 she had submitted by mail to Respondent an application consisting of one sheet on which she bad indicated her income. Respondent submitted a statement by the worker in charge of the records in the area in which Petitioner lived which stated that diligent search had been made of the files and logs but no application had been received from Petitioner. From observing the demeanor of the parties the earing Officer finds that Petitioner Farmer mistakenly believed hat she had sent in an application for low income energy benefits but that in fact she had not submitted the proper application. The Hearing Officer further finds that the form Petitioner may have filed was filed by mailing on March 19, 1981.
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 5th day of June, 1981, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. DELPHENE C. STRICKLAND Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 200 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 5th day of June, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: Ms. Rachel N. Farmer Baker Manor, Apt. #8 Macclenny, Florida 32063 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
Findings Of Fact The Petitioner, Peggy Sue Hynson, applied for low income home energy assistance payments by an application filed with the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services at its New Port Richey service center on November 8, 1993. After reviewing the application and determining that additional verification was needed, the Department sent a letter to Petitioner requesting additional verification of the Petitioner's income on November 13, 1983, by United States Mail at the following address: 305 West Pinewood Drive, Holiday, Florida 33590. The Petitioner did not receive the Department's letter requesting additional verification of income. On November 29, 1983, the Department denied the Petitioner's application and found her ineligible for participation in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program because it had not received a reply to its letter of November 13, 1983. Prior to the deadline of the program, the Petitioner contacted the Department through the local food stamp office concerning her pending application for low income home energy assistance. At that time, she was told that the Department was behind and that she would hear from the Department concerning her application. The first notice she received from the Department was notice of the denial of her application. The Petitioner testified at hearing that her husband earned $112 per week during the period of eligibility determination, which was the only income in the family. Petitioner, her husband, and her child receive food stamps, live in Zone 4, and constitute a family of three.
Recommendation Because the Petitioner did not actually receive the Department's letter requesting additional information, and because the Petitioner contacted the Department prior to the deadline concerning her pending application and was not advised of the pending request for additional information, it is recommended that the Petitioner's application for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program benefits be reinstated. Further, it is recommended that the Petitioner receive low income home energy assistance benefits based upon the income figures and family size provided in paragraph six of the Findings of Fact, supra. DONE AND RECOMMENDED this 1st day of June 1984 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 1st day of June 1984. COPIES FURNISHED: Ms. Peggy Sue Hynson 305 West Pinewood Drive Holiday, Florida 33590 Carol M. Wind, Esquire Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services 2255 East Bay Drive Clearwater, Florida 33546 David M. Pingree, Secretary Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services 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 Mary L. Sullivan 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 Sullivan, at that time living with her husband and three (3) children, 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 word "denied" before he signed the form. No medical condition was checked on the form to show that Petitioner was in need of a controlled temperature to prevent adverse effects which would be life-threatening. Petitioner did not dispute the evidence presented by Respondent Department but testified that she suffers from diabetes and her husband had died of a cardiac condition subsequent to her application for cooling benefits. Her testimony was corroborated by her son who testified as her witness. Petitioner and her son stated that the physician who signed the Medical Certification for Cooling was not her physician and produced a number of prescription containers with her name and the name of a physician other than the physician who signed the certificate denying a medical need for cooling.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law the Hearing Officer recommends that Petitioner be granted thirty (30) days in which to submit a medical statement from her attending physician. If the certificate submitted shows that a medical need for cooling existed at the time of Petitioner's application, low income energy assistance benefits should be granted Petitioner. If no certificate is submitted within thirty (30) days from the date hereof, or if the medical statement submitted fails to show the requisite need, benefits should be denied, and a Final Order denying benefits should be entered. DONE and ORDERED this 2nd 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 2nd day of February, 1982. COPIES FURNISHED: Ms. Mary L. Sullivan 805 East Strong Street Pensacola, Florida 32501 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 additional low income energy assistance under Section 409.508, Florida Statutes (1980), Home Energy Assistance Program; Rule 10 CER 80-11, Low Income Energy Assistance Program, amended by Rule 10 CER 81-4, Florida Administrative Code.
Findings Of Fact Petitioner David Harvey requested a hearing on April 8, 1981. After the required informal conference with a supervisor in Respondent Department Petitioner requested a formal hearing. On January 6, 1981 Harvey, a black male, filed a Household Application for low income energy assistance. No one in his household is a migrant or migrant farm worker, and no one else applied for the low income energy assistance. He lives alone in Jacksonville, Florida, has an income of $286.50 each month and receives a bill for the use of kerosene for heating purposes. Petitioner was issued a check in he amount of $200.00 to assist him in paying his heating costs for the month of January. The action was taken by Respondent within 45 days of Petitioner's application, and he was promptly paid low income energy assistance Petitioner did not dispute the evidence presented by Respondent, the facts of his residence or income, or the type of fuel used but stated that kerosene was expensive and his primary source of heat. He had expected greater benefits since is bill was large and he is crippled and old. Respondent's witness produced the signed application of Petitioner, a map of the State of Florida depicting our (4) climatic regions and a chart for determining the amount of low income energy assistance heating payments for each of the our (4) regions based on monthly income of the applicant and the type of fuel used for fully vulnerable and partially vulnerable Households. The amount of $200.00 was the correct amount accordance to the chart under the facts provided by Petitioner.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law the Hearing Officer recommends that a final order be entered approving the amount of Low Income Energy Assistance Program benefits allocated to Petitioner David Harvey. DONE and ORDERED this 11th day of June, 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 11th day of June, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: Mr. David Harvey 3138 Bridier Street Jacksonville, Florida 32206 Leo J. Stellwagen, Esquire Department of HRS 920 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
