Findings Of Fact Petitioner Herbert Dean requested a hearing on April 22, 1981. After the required informal conference with a supervisor in Respondent Department Petitioner requested a formal hearing. On January 16, 1981 Dean, 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 applied for the low income energy assistance. He lives with one other person in Dunnellon, Florida, receives food stamps and receives a bill for the use of wood for heating purposes. Petitioner was issued a check in the amount of $36.00 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 as promptly paid low income energy assistance benefits. 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 wood was expensive and his primary source of heat, although he used electricity for fuel at times. He said that the $36.00 he received did not help him much and be till owed a light bill of $148.17. His income is $258.00 monthly. Respondent's witness produced the signed application of Petitioner, a map of the State of Florida depicting four (4) climatic regions and a chart for determining the amount of low income energy assistance heating payments for each of the four (4) regions based on monthly income of the applicant and the type of fuel used for fully vulnerable and partially vulnerable households. he amount of $36.00 was the correct amount according 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 Herbert Dean. 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. Herbert Dean Post Office Box 652 Dunnellon, Florida 32630 James A. Sawyer, Esquire Department of HRS 3001 SW Broadway Ocala, Florida 32671 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 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; 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 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
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 Theora Foster requested a hearing on April 17, 1981. After the required informal conference with a supervisor in Respondent Department Petitioner requested a formal hearing. On January 16, 1981 Foster, a black female, filed a Household Application for low income energy assistance. No one in her household is a migrant or migrant farm worker, and no one else applied for the low income energy assistance. She lives with three (3) other persons in Avon Park, Florida, receives food stamps and receives a bill for the use of natural gas for heating purposes. For the month of January, 1981 her gross monthly income was $341.00. Petitioner was issued a check in the amount of $26.00 to assist her in paying her heating costs for the month of January. The action was taken by Respondent within 45 days of Petitioner's application, and she was promptly paid low income energy assistance benefits. Petitioner did not dispute the evidence presented as to her residence, her income or the type of fuel used, but she stated she paid all of her heating bills and produced paid receipts to prove her assertions. Since she pays her own heating bills she had expected more money. Respondent examined Petitioner's receipts and did not contest the contention that Petitioner paid all of her own heating costs. Respondent produced the signed application of Petitioner, a map of the State of Florida depicting four (4) climatic regions and a chart for determining the amount of low income energy assistance heating payments for each of the four (4) regions based on monthly income of the applicant and the type of fuel used for fully vulnerable and partially vulnerable households. The correct amount to be paid according to the chart under the facts provided by Petitioner was $84.00.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law the Hearing Officer recommends that a final order be entered approving $84.00 as the amount of Low Income Energy Assistance Program benefits that should have been allocated to Petitioner Theora Foster. DONE and ORDERED this 17th 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 17th day of June, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: Mrs. Theora Foster 302 Lakeside Park Avon Park, Florida 33815 Anthony N. DeLuccia, Jr., Esquire Department of HRS 8800 Cleveland Avenue, South Post Office Box 06085 Fort Myers, Florida 33906 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 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
The Issue Whether Petitioner is eligible for low income energy assistance as provided in Chapter 50-167, Laws of Florida; Rule 10 CER 80-11 amended by 10 CER 01-4.08 through 4.11, Florida Administrative Code.
Findings Of Fact Petitioner Muriel L. Lanton requested a hearing by telephone and by a letter received in the office of Respondent on March 2, 1981. After having an informal conference with a supervisor in Respondent Department Petitioner requested a formal hearing. On January 7, 1981 Lanton, a white female, filed a household application for low income energy assistance. No one in her household is a migrant or migrant farm worker, and no one else has applied for the low income energy assistance. She lives alone in a house and receives a bill for use of electricity for heating. Her gross monthly income is $322.80 non-earned income. by Notice of Application Denial mailed February 19, 1981 Petitioner was informed that she was denied assistance for the reason that her adjusted monthly income exceeded the monthly income limits for a household of her size. Petitioner did not appear but sent word to the Hearing Officer by the witness for Respondent that she did not think it fair to count the amount deducted for Medicare as income. Witness for the Respondent substantiated the evidence received and explained the procedure followed for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program. Under Rule 10 CER 80-11.07, Petitioner Lanton's household income exceeds the income limit of $318.00 for a household of one person. Action was taken by Respondent within 45 days of Petitioner's application, and she was promptly notified of the reason for denial of benefits.
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 27th day of March, 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 27th day of March, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: Ms. Muriel L. Lanton 1110 Marigold Street Parker, Florida 32401 John L. Pearce, Esquire Department of HRS 2639 North Monroe Street, Suite 200-A Tallahassee, Florida 32303 Susan S. Kirkland, Esquire Department of HRS 1317 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 Robert William Stewart requested a formal hearing after the required informal conference with a supervisor employed by Respondent Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. On June 17, 1981 Stewart, a white male who lives with his wife, filed a Household Application for low income energy assistance. He was notified on July 15, 1981 that the application must be accompanied by a Medical Certification for Cooling showing that his health condition or the health condition of his wife was life-threatening without cooling. No medical certificate has been filed to show a life-threatening condition, and in fact the medical certificate filed shows the statement relative to a life-threatening condition requiring cooling was purposefully blotted out before the physician signed the certificate.
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 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. Robert W. Stewart 7532 Thelma Way, #8 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 Fred A. Newman requested a hearing by a letter dated February 28, 1981. After the required informal conference with a supervisor in Respondent Department Petitioner requested a formal hearing. Petitioner failed to appear at both the first and second scheduled hearings. On January 22, 1981 Newman, a white 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 has applied for the low income energy assistance. He lives with one other person, receives food stamps and receives a bill for use of liquid propane for heating. By Notice of Application Denial mailed February 5, 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. Tie action was taken by Respondent within 45 days of Petitioner's application, and he was promptly notified of the reason for denial Of benefits. Petitioner did not appear. Respondent presented avidence (Respondent's Composite Exhibit 1) which shows that Petitioner has a gross combined income of $428.00 per month. Under Rule 10 CER 80-11.07, Determination of Eligibility Based on Income, Florida Administrative Code, and the applicable chart Petitioner Newman'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. Fred A. Newman RD 2, Box 214 (Mulberry Street, Lake Weir Village) Oklawaha, Florida 32679 James A. Sawyer, Esquire Department of HRS 3001 SW Broadway Ocala, Florida 32672 Alvin J. Taylor, Secretary Attn: Susan B. Taylor, 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 Chapter 80-167, Laws of Florida; Rule 10 CER 80-11, amended by Rule 10 CER 81-4.08 through 4.11, Florida Administrative Code.
Findings Of Fact Petitioner Gregg Hilbert requested a hearing on February 24, 1981, and an informal conference with a supervisor in Respondent Department was held. On January 24, 1981 Hilbert, a white 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 has applied for the low income energy assistance. He lived with four (4) other persons and receives a bill for use of liquid propane for heating. By Notice of Application Denial mailed February 20, 1981 Petitioner was informed that he was denied assistance for the reason that he failed to furnish specified information as to the size of his household. Action was taken by Respondent within 45 days of Petitioner's application, and he was promptly notified of the reason for denial of benefits. Petitioner did not include on his application a person living in his household during the month he applied for benefits, and he also failed to furnish verification of his income within the specified deadline of ten (10) working days. He failed to appear at the hearing although he had 14 days notice of the hearing and telephone notice from Respondent.
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 24th day of April, 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 24th day of April, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: Mr. Gregg Hilbert 169 West King Street St. Augustine, Florida 32084 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
Findings Of Fact Petitioner Wiggins requested a hearing by telephone and by a letter received in the office of Respondent on February 27, 1981. After having an informal conference with a supervisor in Respondent Department Petitioner requested a formal hearing. On January 12, 1981 Audrey O. Wiggins, a white female, filed a Household Application for low income energy assistance. No one in her household is a migrant or migrant farm worker, and no one else has applied for the low income energy assistance. She lives in a house with her husband and received a bill for use of electricity for heating. Her gross non-earned monthly income is $425.40. By Notice of Application Denial mailed February 11, 1981 Petitioner was informed that she was denied assistance for the reason that her monthly income exceeded the monthly income limits for a household of her size. Petitioner did not dispute the evidence presented by Respondent but stated that it was very difficult to live on the income of herself and her husband and would appreciate any help they could receive. Witness for the Respondent substantiated the evidence received and explained the procedure followed for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program. Under Rule 10 CER 80-11.07 Petitioner Wiggins' household exceeds the income limit of $418.00 for a household of two (2) persons. Action was taken by Respondent within 45 days of Petitioner's application, and she was promptly notified of the reason for denial of benefits.
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 27th day of March, 1981, in Tallahassee, 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 27th day of March, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: Audrey O. Wiggins 1958B Long Bay Road Middleburg, Florida 32068 Paul C. Doyle, Esquire Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services 5920 Arlington Expressway Post Office Box 2417F Jacksonville, Florida 32231 Mr. Alvin J. Taylor Secretary Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services 1323 Winewood Boulevard Tallahassee, Florida 32301
