Findings Of Fact Petitioner Marcia Stevens requested a hearing by a letter received in the office of Respondent on February 20, 1981. After the required informal conference with a supervisor in Respondent Department Petitioner requested a formal hearing. On February 13, 1981 Stevens, a black female, filed a household application for low income energy assistance. No one in her household is handicapped or a migrant or migrant farm worker, and no one else has applied for the low income energy assistance. She lives with three other people and receives a bill for use of electricity for heating. By Notice of Application Denial mailed February 18, 1981 Petitioner was informed that she was denied assistance for the reason that her monthly income exceeded the maximum income limit for a household of her size. Petitioner did not dispute the evidence presented by Respondent Department but thought it unfair to consider only the one month's income with the light bill so high. Under Rule 10 CER 80-11.07 and the applicable chart Petitioner Stevens' household income exceeds the income limit of $621.00 for a household of four (4) 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, 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. Marcia Stevens 4121 NE First Terrace Gainesville, Florida 32601 Joseph E. Hodges, Esquire Department of HRS 2002 NW 13th Street Oak Park Executive Square Gainesville, Florida 32601 James A. Sawyer, Esquire Department of HRS 3001 SW Broadway Ocala, Florida 32671 Susan B. 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 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 Joseph L. Davis requested a hearing by a letter received in the office of Respondent on March 4, 1981. After having an informal conference with a supervisor in Respondent Department Petitioner requested a formal hearing. On January 20, 1981 Davis, a black male, filed a household application for low income energy assistance. No one in his household is handicapped or a migrant or migrant farm worker, and no one else has applied for the low income energy assistance. He lived in a house with two (2) other people and received a bill for use of natural gas for heating. He received $50.00 per month rent from Emma Milligan who lived in his home until her death on February 19, 1981. The Social Security payments to him and his wife who lives in his home are $549.70. By Notice of Application Denial mailed February 5, 1981 Petitioner was informed that he was denied assistance for the reason that his adjusted monthly income exceeded the monthly income limits for a household of his size. Petitioner did not dispute the evidence presented by Respondent but stated that in fact he received only $50.00 per month rent from his mother-in- law, Emma Milligan. The witness for Respondent substantiated the evidence received and explained the procedure followed for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program. Under Rule 10 CER 80-11.07, Florida Administrative Code, Petitioner Davis' household income exceeds the income limit of $519.00 for a household of three (3) persons even though he may have received only $50.00 of the $258.00 non-earned income of the third member 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.
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 31st 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 31st day of March, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: Mr. Joseph Lee Davis 1230 Spearing Street Jacksonville, Florida 32206 Paul C. Doyle, Esquire Department or HRS 5920 Arlington Expressway Post Office Box 2417-F Jacksonville, Florida 32231
Findings Of Fact Petitioner Joannah Reed requested a hearing by telephone and by a written Request for Hearing received in the office of Respondent on March 17, 1981. After having an informal conference with a supervisor in Respondent Department Petitioner requested a formal hearing. On February 5, 1981 Reed, a black female, filed a Household Application for low income energy assistance. No one in her household is handicapped or a migrant or migrant farm worker, and no one else has applied for the low income energy assistance. She lives in a housing project with three (3) other people and receives a bill for use of electricity for heating. Three (3) members of her household receive food stamps, and the gross monthly earned and non-earned income is $789.10. By Notice of Application Denial mailed February 26, 1981 Petitioner was informed that she was denied assistance for the reason that her adjusted monthly income exceeded $612.00, the maximum income limit for a household of her size. Petitioner did not dispute the evidence presented by Respondent but was dissatisfied with the income limits by household size. She stated that many people lied about their income and received benefits, but she told the truth and was denied. The witness for Respondent substantiated the evidence received and explained the procedure followed for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program. Under Rule 10 CER 80-11.07, Florida Administrative Code, Petitioner Reed's household income exceeds the income limit of $621.00 for a household of four (4) 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. DONE and ORDERED this 31st 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 31st day of March, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: Ms. Joannah Reed 2023 NW 34th Avenue Gainesville, Florida 32605 Joseph E. Hodges, Esquire Department of HRS 2002 NW 13th Street Oak Park Executive Square Gainesville, Florida 32601
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 Frank Buscaglia requested a hearing by a letter received in the office of Respondent on April 1, 1981. After the required informal conference with a supervisor in Respondent Department Petitioner requested a formal hearing. On January 7, 1981 Buscaglia, 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 his wife and receives a bill for use of liquid propane 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. 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 dispute the evidence presented by Respondent Department but was convinced the income limit by household size was unfair, especially since the cost of living is so high that his income will not permit so essential an expenditure as hospitalization insurance for his wife. He stated that it appears that if only 25 percent of the eligible needy applied for low income energy assistance that the $19.7 million set aside for Florida's needy should be re-reviewed and the funds used for those whose monthly income slightly exceeded the guidelines. He is a World War II veteran, having been awarded the Silver Star and the Croix de Guerre. Respondent agreed at the hearing to determine whether illegal aliens were eligible for the low income energy assistance. Under Rule 10 CER 80-11.07, Florida Administrative Code, and the applicable chart Petitioner Huscogiias 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 7th 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 7th day of April, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: Mr. Frank Buscaglia Route 1, Box 220 Oklawaha, Florida 32679 James A. Sawyer, Esquire Department of HRS 3001 SW Broadway Ocala, Florida 32671 Susan B. Kirkland, Esquire Department of HRS 1323 Winewood Boulevard Tallahassee, Florida 32301
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 On July 11, 1981, Petitioner, Epifano Rodriguez, filed a household application for cooling assistance under the Low Income Energy Assistance Program with Respondent, Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. Petitioner resides in Lee County, Florida, which is a part of the South Cooling Climatic Region for purposes of determining the level of assistance to be given claimants. Although the application required that applicant furnish his social security number and monthly countable income, he failed to do so. On July 14, 1981, the Department requested the claimant furnish the omitted information. Because he failed to comply with this request, the application was ultimately denied. Applicant and his wife are the only members of the household. Because of an acute or chronic medical condition, he is required to cool his residence. Through testimony at the hearing, Petitioner provided his social security number and monthly household income which totaled $394.25. This amount falls within the income limitations for households having two persons. Rodriguez also agreed to furnish verification of his monthly income to Department representatives no later than November 10, 1981, which is approximately one week after he receives his next social security checks. If such verification is supplied, Rodriguez will be entitled to $241 in cooling assistance benefits.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is RECOMMENDED that the application of Epifano Rodriguez be GRANTED and he be given cooling assistance in the amount of $241 provided that he furnish verification of his monthly household income to Department representatives in Fort Myers, Florida, no later than Tuesday, November 10, 1981; otherwise the application should be denied. DONE and ENTERED this , in Tallahassee, Florida. 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 22nd day of October, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: Epifano Rodriguez 5900 Winkler Road Fort Myers, Florida 33907 Anthony DeLuccia, Esquire 8000 Cleveland Avenue, South Fort Myers, Florida 33907
Findings Of Fact Petitioner Kenneth B. Duncan requested a hearing by a letter received in the office of Respondent on February 9, 1981. After the required informal conference with a supervisor in Respondent Department Petitioner requested a formal hearing. Petitioner failed to appear at the first hearing scheduled but appeared at the second hearing. On January 6, 1981 Duncan, 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 has applied for the low income energy assistance. He lives with one other person and receives a bill for use of electricity 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. 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 dispute the evidence presented by Respondent Department but was convinced the income limit by household size was unfair, especially since his son, who is a member of his household, does not contribute any money he makes from the CETA Program to the home but uses all the home facilities. Under Rule 10 CER 80-11.07, Florida Administrative Code, and the applicable chart Petitioner Duncan'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 8th 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 8th day of April, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: Mr. Kenneth B. Duncan 9313 Spring Road Ocala, Florida 32672 James A. Sawyer, Esquire Department of HRS 3001 SW Broadway Ocala, Florida 32671 Susan B. Kirkland, Esquire Department of HRS 1323 Winewood Boulevard Tallahassee, Florida 32301
Findings Of Fact By application for Home Energy Assistance dated November 16, 1982 (Exhibit 1) , Ora Andrews, Petitioner, listed her name, the names of her three daughters, and four of their nine children on the eight lines on the application form as occupants of the same household. She also included total family income of $1,239 per month. On a separate page she listed the names of her other five grandchildren living in her household and mailed these documents to Respondent. When the energy benefits for Petitioner were computed, the second sheet had become separated from the application, the benefit was computed for an eight-member household (including the applicant), and Petitioner was forwarded a check for $13, presumably the low income home energy assistance to which an applicant with the income reported by Petitioner in an eight-member household was entitled. Maximum income below which a household may be eligible for home energy assistance is $1,288 per month. Accordingly, Petitioner qualified for such assistance. By the time thin application was submitted, Respondent had sufficient funds for only partial payment of the maximum amount authorized and had established, by emergency rule, the amounts to be paid under modified tables similar to the tables listed in 10C-29.19(4), Florida Administrative Code. The amount payable under this emergency rule was not presented at the hearing. Neither Respondent's sole witness nor Respondent's attorney presented any evidence to show how the benefit received by Petitioner was computed, the rules under which the benefit was computed, or other evidence to show the $13 paid to Petitioner was, indeed, correct.
Findings Of Fact On July 6, 1981, Petitioner, Corine Thomas, filed a household application for cooling assistance under the Low Income Energy Assistance Program with Respondent, Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. Petitioner resides in Santa Rosa County, Florida, which is part of the North Cooling Climatic Region for purposes of determining the level of assistance to be given claimants. The application was ultimately denied by Respondent on August 28, 1981, on the ground Petitioner's monthly countable income exceeded that authorized by Department rule. When the application was filed, Petitioner and one other person lived in her household. Their total countable monthly income for July, 1981, was $524, which exceeds the $418 income limitation for households having two persons. Except for the excessive income, Petitioner was otherwise qualified to receive cooling assistance. Applicant contended the other person residing in her household when the application was filed was only temporary and has subsequently moved. However, he did reside there when the application was filed on July 6, 1981 and must be included as a member of her household for purposes of determining eligibility.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is RECOMMENDED that the application of Corine Thomas for cooling assistance be DENIED. DONE and ENTERED this 3rd day of December, 1981, in Tallahassee, Florida. 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 3rd day of December, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: Corine Thomas 1611 Okaloosa Street Milton, Florida 32570 Jon W. Searcy, Esquire Department of HRS 160 Governmental Center Pensacola, Florida 32522
Findings Of Fact Petitioner Frank Schrepfer requested a hearing by a letter received in the office of Respondent on February 20, 1981. After the required informal conference with a supervisor in Respondent Department Petitioner requested a formal hearing. On January 15, 1981 Schrepfer, a white male, filed a household application for low income energy assistance. No one in his household receives food stamps or other subsidies, or 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 daughter and receives a bill for use of electricity for heating. By Notice of Application Denial mailed February 11, 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. Petitioner did not dispute the evidence presented by Respondent Department but was convinced the income limit by household size was unfair, especially since he has large medical bills and is blind. His wife is also partially blind and ill, and his daughter is ill. He has applied for no other form of public aid. Under Rule 10 CER 80-11.07 and the applicable chart Petitioner Schrepfer's income exceeds the income limit of $519.00 for a household of three (3) persons. Action was taken by Respondent within 45 days of Petitioner's application, and he 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: Mr. Frank Schrepfer 2360 SW Sixth Avenue Ocala, Florida 32670 Joseph E. Hodges, Esquire Department of HRS 2002 NW 13th Street Oak Park Executive Square Gainesville, Florida 32601 James A. Sawyer, Esquire Department of HRS 3001 SW Broadway Ocala, Florida 32671 Susan B. Kirkland, Esquire Department of HRS 1317 Winewood Boulevard Tallahassee, Florida 32301
