Findings Of Fact On July 15, 1981, Petitioner, Mary E. Hopkins, 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 Escambia 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 September 7, 1981, on the ground she had excessive income. Petitioner is the only member of her household. She receives a total countable monthly income of $317.10, which exceeds the monthly income limitation of $316 for households having only one person. Hopkins is in need of cooling due to the existence of a medical condition (respiratory) which requires a controlled condition to prevent adverse effects which would be life-threatening. Except for her level of income, she was otherwise qualified to receive assistance. Applicant did not dispute the fact that her income is in excess of the income limitations prescribed by Department rule. However, she urged that an exception be made in her case because of her genuine need for cooling assistance.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is RECOMMENDED that the application of Mary E. Hopkins 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: Mary E. Hopkins 8316 Binkley Street Pensacola, Florida 32504 Jon W. Searcy, Esquire Department of HRS 160 Governmental Center Pensacola, Florida 32522
The Issue Whether Petitioner is eligible for low income energy assistance as provided in Chapter 80-167, Laws of Florida; 10 CER 80-11 amended by 10 CER 81-4.08 through 4.11.
Findings Of Fact Petitioner Florida C. Graham requested a hearing by telephone and by a letter received in the office of Respondent on February 28, 1981. After having an informal conference with a supervisor in Respondent Department Petitioner requested a formal hearing. On January 5, 1981 Graham, 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 subsidized housing with one child and received a bill for use of electricity for heating. Her gross monthly income is $585.00 earned income. Twenty percent (20 percent) of her gross monthly earned income of $585.00 is $117.00 which results in a total adjusted gross income of $468.00. By Notice of Application Denial mailed February 5, 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 dispute the evidence presented by Respondent but stated: I request a hearing due to the fact that my present Electric bill is far more than I anticipated and I'm not sure at the present time just how I shall go about paying it before my electricity will be cut off. I do not at this time or no other time expect the Energy Assistance program to pay my bills, but I could genuinely use some financial assistance if it's truly there for the ones that show a need. Witnesses 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 and the applicable chart for District III, Marion County Unit 42, Petitioner Graham's 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. DONE and ORDERED this 13th day of March, 1981, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. DELPHENE C. STRICKLAND Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings 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 March, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: Ms. Florida C. Graham 2425 SW Third Street, Lot 137 Ocala, Florida 32670 Joseph E. Hodges, Esquire Department of HRS James A. Sawyer, Jr., Esquire 2002 NW 13th Street Department of HRS Oak Park Executive Square 3001 SW Broadway Gainesville, Florida 32601 Ocala, Florida 32671
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 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 Samuel Gumpee requested a hearing by a letter received in the office of Respondent on July 31, 1981. After the required informal conference with a supervisor in the Respondent Department Petitioner requested a formal hearing. On June 5, 1981 Gumpee, a black male, filed a Household Application for low income energy assistance with the required Medical Certification for Cooling. He lives with one other person and receives food stamps. By Notice of Application Denial mailed June 26, 1981 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 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 felt that assistance should have been based on need and that medicare payments should not be counted as monthly income. Petitioner Gumpee's monthly household income during the month of his application was $420.00.
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 17th day of September, 1981, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. DIANE CLEAVINGER Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1550 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 17th day of September, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: Mr. Samuel Gumpee 1011 Hamilton Avenue Panama City, Florida 32401 John L. Pearce, Esquire Department of HRS 2639 North Monroe Street, Suite 200-A Tallahassee, Florida 32303 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 March 23, 1982, Petitioner, Frances McGill, filed a household application for energy assistance under the Low Income Energy Assistance Program with Respondent, Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. Based upon a review of the information submitted by Petitioner, the application was denied by notice dated April 27, 1982, on the ground McGill had an excessive monthly income. Thereafter, Petitioner requested an administrative hearing to appeal the Department's decision. Petitioner resides in her household with one other person. The total countable monthly income for the household during March, 1982, was $561. This amount exceeded the monthly income limitation of $474 for households having two persons. Therefore, McGill was ineligible for assistance based upon her March income. Applicant did not dispute the Department's determination that her total monthly countable income during March, 1982, exceeded acceptable income limitations prescribed by the Department. However, a large part ($370) of the income received in March was recently terminated, and it now falls within acceptable guidelines. Additionally, Petitioner pointed out that she is unemployed, has large medical bills, and is in genuine need of financial assistance.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is RECOMMENDED that the application of Frances McGill for energy assistance be DENIED. DONE and ENTERED this 29th day of July, 1982, 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 29th day of July, 1982. COPIES FURNISHED: Ms. Frances McGill 310 North West 7th Avenue, No. 2 Miami, Florida 33128 Leonard Helfand, Esquire Department of HRS 402 North West 2nd Avenue, Suite 1040 Miami, Florida 33128
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. Respondent Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services was designated in Section 409.508, Florida Statutes 1980) , Home Energy Assistance Program, as the state agency to administer the Federal Home Energy Assistance Program as provided in Title III, Public Law 96-223, "Home Energy Assistance Act of 980." Pursuant thereto Respondent instituted the Low Income Energy Assistance Program. A timely Household Application for benefits on an approved form was received from Petitioner. The application was promptly processed by the Respondent Department. A Notice of application Denial was mailed to Petitioner notifying him that his household income exceeded the monthly income and therefore he was ineligible for benefits. Petitioner made a timely request for a hearing. After an informal conference with a supervisor of Respondent Department this administrative hearing was scheduled. immediately prior to commencement of the hearing, in the presence of all parties, Petitioner was advised of his rights and instructed as to the procedures to be followed at the hearing. Respondent's witness offered four (4) composite exhibits which were entered as evidence.
Findings Of Fact Petitioner Fernando Torres requested a hearing by a letter received in the office of Respondent on March 2, 1981. After the required informal conference with a supervisor in the Respondent Department Petitioner requested a formal hearing. On January 13, 1981 Torres, a Hispanic 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 alone and receives a bill for use of electricity for heating. By Notice of Application Denial mailed February 18, 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 Petitioner's application, and he as 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, particularly since the cost of living has increased. Petitioner Torres' monthly household income is $847.60. Under Rule 10 CER 80-11.07, Determination of Eligibility Based on Income, Florida Administrative Code, and the applicable chart Petitioner's income exceeds the income limit of $316.00 for a household of one person.
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 21st 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 21st day of May, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: Mr. Fernando Torres 2224 Lime Tree Drive Edgewater, Florida 32032 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 The issue is whether Petitioners' household income was within the maximum income limits.
Findings Of Fact Nazario and Frances Lopez applied for Low Income Energy Assistance Program benefits on June 22, 1981, as a two-person household. Their application was denied because their household income for the month of June was $452. The maximum income limit for a two-person household is $418. Mr. and Mrs. Lopez were otherwise qualified for these benefits. Effective at the end of June, the Social Security disability benefits payable to Frances Lopez in the amount of $203 were discontinued, and they received $249 in July.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, the Hearing Officer recommends that low income energy assistance benefits be denied Petitioners. DONE and ORDERED this 20th day of October, 1981, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. STEPHEN F. DEAN, 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 20th day of October, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: Mr. and Mrs. Nazario Lopez 11250 South West 197th Street, Apt. 134 Miami, Florida 33157 Leonard Helfand, Esquire Department of HRS Room 1040, Rhode Building 401 North West Second Avenue Miami, Florida 33128 Alvin J. Taylor, Secretary Attn: Susan B. Kirkland, Esquire Department of HRS Building One, Room 405 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 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
Findings Of Fact Petitioner and his wife live together in subsidized housing on Miami Beach. They are both disabled, and they receive a combined monthly income of $421 in social security benefits. They have no other income, earned or unearned. Petitioner made application for low income energy assistance benefits for his home cooling costs. Respondent denied that application for benefits since the maximum monthly income for a two-person household is $418. Except for exceeding the maximum income limit, Petitioner is otherwise eligible for low income energy assistance benefits. A lady who assists Petitioner in caring for himself and his wife stays with them two or three nights a week. Petitioner pays her a few dollars a day when he is able and charges her nothing for any meals or for her room when she stays with Petitioner and his wife. This same lady also spends several nights a week with a friend of Petitioner's, and she has her own apartment for which she pays rent.
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 Energy Assistance Program benefits. RECOMMENDED this , in Tallahassee, Florida. LINDA M. RIGOT, 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 December, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: Eugene Cash 245 Ninth Street, Apt. 4 Miami Beach, Florida 33139 Leonard Helfand, Esquire District XI Legal Counsel Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services 401 N.W. 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 Petitioners Mr. and Mrs. John Wallace Beck requested a hearing by a letter received in the office of Respondent on March 12, 1981. After the required informal hearing with a supervisor in Respondent Department Petitioners requested a formal hearing. On January 29, 1981 Mr. Beck, 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 receives a bill for use of electricity for heating. By Notice of Application Denial mailed March 3, 1981 Petitioners were informed that they were denied assistance for the reason that their monthly income exceeded the maximum income for a household of their size. Action was taken by Respondent within 45 days of Petitioners application, and they were promptly notified of the reason for denial of benefits. Petitioners did not dispute the evidence presented by Respondent Department but were convinced the income limit by household size was unfair. Mr. Beck said he felt the federal government misled people by advertising that there was money available and even extending the deadline to apply but that when need was demonstrated no funds for heating were granted him. He has applied for no other form of public aid. Under Rule 10 CER 80-11.07, Florida Administrative Code, and the applicable chart Petitioners' income exceeds the income limit of $418.00 for a household of two (2) people.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law the Hearing Officer recommends that low income energy benefits be denied Petitioners. DONE and ORDERED this 6th 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 6th day of April, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: Mr. and Mrs. John Wallace Beck 202 Portage Path Road Dade City, Florida 33525 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
