Findings Of Fact On March 16, 1982, the Petitioner, Erwin V. Kunz, filed a household application for financial assistance under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. After its review of this application, the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services advised the Petitioner of its denial on the ground that he and his wife have more than the prescribed monthly income to be eligible. The Petitioner resides with his wife in their household in Ocala. Their total countable monthly income is $498.47 which is paid by the Social Security Administration. This amount exceeds the monthly income limitation of $474.00 for households having two persons. Therefore, the Petitioner is ineligible for assistance. The Petitioner does not dispute the Department's determination that his total monthly countable income exceeds the acceptable income limitations prescribed by the Department. However, he contends that because of high utility bills, and other recurring costs, he is in need of assistance to meet his financial burdens. Unfortunately, only countable income received during the month of the application is relevant in determining eligibility for benefits.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is RECOMMENDED that the application of Erwin V. Kunz for energy assistance be denied. THIS RECOMMENDED ORDER entered on this 16th day of July, 1982, in Tallahassee, Florida. WILLIAM B. THOMAS, 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 16th day of July, 1982. COPIES FURNISHED: Mr. Erwin V. Kunz 476 Spring Drive Ocala, Florida 32672 Joseph E. Hodges, Esquire 2002 North West 13th Street Gainesville, Florida 32601 Susan B. Kirkland, Esquire Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services Building 1, 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; Rule 10 CER 80-11, Low Income Energy Assistance Program, amended by Rule 10 CER 81-4, Florida Administrative Code.
Findings Of Fact Petitioner Simmie McNair requested a hearing by a letter received in the office of Respondent on March 24, 1981. After the required informal conference with a supervisor in the Respondent Department Petitioner requested a formal hearing. On January 10, 1981 McNair, 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 has applied for the low income energy assistance. She lives with four (4) other persons and receives a bill for use of electricity for heating. By Notice of Application Denial mailed February 2, 1981 Petitioner was informed that she was denied assistance for the reason that her monthly household income exceeded the maximum income limits for a household of her size. The action was taken by Respondent within 45 days of Petitioner's application, and she was promptly notified of the reason for denial of benefits. Petitioner did not dispute the evidence presented by Respondent Department but felt that assistance should have been based on need. Petitioner McNair's monthly household income during the month of her application was $908.60.
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 2nd day of June, 1981, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. DELPHENE C. STRICKLAND Hearing Officer on of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 200 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 2nd day of June, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: Mrs. Simmie McNair 1850 East 24th 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
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 Dorothy Jaycox requested a hearing by letter dated September 4, 1981. After the required informal conference with a supervisor in the Respondent Department Petitioner requested a formal hearing. On July 8, 1981 Jaycox, a white female who lives alone, filed a Household Application for low income energy assistance with the required Medical Certification for Cooling. By Notice of Application Denial Petitioner was informed that she was denied assistance for the reason that her monthly household income exceeded the maximum income limits for a household of her size. The action was taken by Respondent within 45 days of Petitioner's application, and she was promptly notified of the reason for denial of benefits. Petitioner did net dispute the evidence presented by Respondent Department but felt that assistance should have been based on need, and that her treatment was unfair inasmuch as she was first notified that her application had been approved and that it was later disapproved because Respondent had erroneously determined that she was eligible for benefits. Jaycox's monthly household income during the month of her application was $334.00.
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 9th day of October, 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 9th day of October, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: Ms. Dorothy Jaycox 7517 North 40th Street, Apt. K-202 Tampa, Florida 33604 Janice Sorter, Esquire Department of HRS W. T. Edwards Facility 4000 West Buffalo Avenue Tampa, Florida 33614 Alvin J. Taylor, Secretary Attn: Susan B. Kirkland, Esquire Department of HRS Building One, Room 409 1323 Winewood Boulevard Tallahassee, Florida 32301
Findings Of Fact Petitioner Ethel C. Armstrong requested a formal hearing after the required informal conference with a supervisor employed by Respondent Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. On June 27, 1981 Armstrong, a seventy-seven (77) year old woman who lives alone, filed a Household Application for low income energy assistance with the required Medical Certification for Cooling. By Notice of Application Denial Petitioner was informed the she was denied assistance for the reason that her monthly household income exceeded the maximum income limits for a household of her size. The action was taken within 45 days of Petitioner's application, and she was promptly notified of the reason for denial of benefits. Petitioner did not dispute the evidence presented by Respondent Department but felt that assistance should have been based on need. Armstrong's monthly household income during the month of her application was at least $322.30.
Recommendation Based on the for going Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law the Hearing Officer recommends that a final order be entered by the Respondent Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services denying low income energy benefits to Petitioner. DONE and ORDERED this 15th day of December, 1981, in Tallahassee, Florida. DELPHENE C. STRICKLAND Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 15th day of December, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: Ms. Ethel C. Armstrong 2207 Olney Road Lakeland, Florida 33801 Anthony N. DeLuccia, Jr., Esquire Department of HRS 8800 Cleveland Avenue, South Post Office Box 06085 Fort Myers, Florida 33907 David H. Pingree, Secretary Attn: Susan B. Kirkland, Esquire Department of HRS Building one, Room 406 1323 Winewood Boulevard Tallahassee, Florida 32301
Findings Of Fact Petitioner Burkhardt Beck requested a hearing and, after the required informal conference with a supervisor in the Respondent Department, requested a formal hearing. On June 5, 1981 Beck, a white male who lives with three (3) other people, filed a Household Application for low income energy assistance together with the required Medical Certification for Cooling. By Notice of Application Denial mailed July 17, 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. Petitioner Beck's monthly household income during the month of his application was $649.50.
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 14th day of October, 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 14th day of October, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: MR. BURKHARDT BECK 2972 SARDINIA AVENUE SPRINGHILL, FLORIDA 33526 JOSEPH E. HODGES, ESQUIRE DEPARTMENT OF HRS 2002 NORTHWEST 13TH STREET OAK PARK EXECUTIVE SQUARE GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA 32601 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; Rule 10 CER 80-11, Low Income Energy Assistance Program, amended by Rule 10 CER 81-4, Florida Administrative Code.
Findings Of Fact Petitioner Mabel W. Ephraim requested a hearing by a letter received in the office of Respondent on March 24, 1981. After the required informal conference with a supervisor in the Respondent Department Petitioner requested a formal hearing. On January 23, 1981 Ephraim, 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 has applied for the low income energy assistance. She lived with two (2) other persons in January of 1981 and received a bill for use of electricity for heating purposes. By Notice of Application Denial mailed February 24, 1981 Petitioner was informed that she was denied assistance for the reason that her monthly household income exceeded the maximum income limits for a household of her size. The action was taken by Respondent within 45 days of Petitioner's application, and she was promptly notified of the reason for denial of benefits. Petitioner did not dispute the evidence presented by Respondent Department but felt that assistance should have been based on need, particularly since a third (3rd) child had been born in February after the application was filed and two (2) other children stayed with her at times. Petitioner Ephraim's monthly household income during the month of her application was $580.00.
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 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: Ms. Mabel W. Ephraim 7580 Weaver Drive Pensacola, Florida 32504 Jon W. Searcy, Esquire Department of HRS 160 Governmental Center Post Office Box 12836 Pensacola, Florida 32576 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 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 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 was provided an opportunity to make a written application 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, Florida Administrative Code.
Findings Of Fact Petitioner Callie Robinson requested a hearing through her attorney by a letter received in the office of the Respondent on April 24, 1981. After several informal conferences with a supervisor in Respondent Department and the Assistant District Counsel Petitioner requested a formal hearing. Petitioner is a black female who lives with her three (3) children in a rented home. She receives a bill for use of propane gas for heating. She is not employed, and her gross income is through the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program and other public welfare agencies. Petitioner did not dispute the evidence presented by Respondent that she never completed or signed an official Low income Energy Assistance Program application for benefits or that he was given an official application form complete with filing instructions and an official brochure explaining the application and eligibility requirements of the state administered program. Petitioner completed the eleventh (11th) grade in school and can read. Petitioner understood from an inquiry to an employee of Respondent Department employed as a caseworker in the d to Families with Dependent Children Program that she would automatically qualify for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program. he caseworker with whom Petitioner spoke had referred her to the Low Income Energy Assistance Program in the same building because he caseworker's primary concern was clients' eligibility for the Aid to Families with Dependent Children Program. Petitioner mistakenly believed she did not have to fill out the application or low income energy assistance benefits inasmuch as she qualified or aid to families with dependent children. Petitioner called as her witness a friend who had completed her own application for benefits and at the time was encouraging others to file for benefits by handing out application blanks and brochures explaining the program. The witness gave an application and brochure to Petitioner who casually laid them aside and did not read them, believing it was unnecessary. From observing the demeanor of the parties and the witnesses the Hearing Officer finds ttot Petitioner Robinson mistakenly believed that because of her eligiblility for the Aid to Families with Dependent Children benefits she would automatically qualify for and be granted benefits under the Low Income Energy Assistance Program. She failed to listen attentively to the Respondent's caseworker and did not report to the office which took written applications for low income energy assistance benefits. She further failed to listen to her friend and witness who had herself reported to said office made written application and had distributed an application form and brochure to Petitioner. Petitioner failed to read the information furnished to her which would have informed her that she must fill out and submit a written application for Low Income Energy Assistance Program benefits.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law the Hearing Officer recommends that low income energy enefits be denied Petitioner. DONE and ORDERED this 2nd 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 2nd day of June, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: R. A. Culbertson, Esquire Greater Orlando Area Legal Services, Inc. Osceola County 1200 Central Avenue, Suite 110 Kissimmee, Florida 32741 Sam Stafford, Esquire Department of HRS 400 West Robinson Street, Suite 912 Orlando, Florida 32801 Alvin J. Taylor, Secretary Attn: Susan E. Kirkland, Esquire Department of HRS Building One, Room 406 1323 Winewood Boulevard Tallahassee, Florida 32301
The Issue Two issues are potentially raised in this cause, as follow: Did the Petitioner made a timely application? Did the Petitioner's income exceed the established limits of eligibility?
Findings Of Fact The Petitioner, Nathaniel Ali, made an application for low income home energy assistance, which was stipulated by the parties to have been timely received by the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. However, the Petitioner did not verify his income as required, which resulted in the Department's letter to him dated January 5, 1983, requesting verification of his income. This letter established a suspense date of January 17, 1983, for response. It stated that in the event no response was forthcoming by said date the application would be denied. The Petitioner testified that he did not receive the Department's letter of January 5, 1983. His testimony is found to be credible in this regard. The Petitioner produced evidence of his income for the 30 days preceding his application. His records reflected that he received $99.66 as income from his position as a student assistant and $500 from his income as a construction worker over The Christmas break. His total income for the 30 days prior to his application was $599.66.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is that the application of the Petitioner, Nathaniel Ali, be approved and that he receive low income home energy assistance. DONE and RECOMMENDED this 16th day of August, 1983, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. STEPHEN F. DEAN Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1550 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 16th day of August, 1983. COPIES FURNISHED: Mr. Nathaniel Ali 2506 Stroud Avenue, 207 Tampa, Florida 33609 Janice Sortor, Esquire Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services 4000 West Buffalo Avenue Tampa, Florida 33614 David H. Pingree, Secretary Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services 1323 Winewood Boulevard Tallahassee, Florida 323017
