WAC 388-450-0195. Does the department use my utility costs when calculating my basic food or WASHCAP benefits?

(1) The department uses utility allowances instead of the actual utility costs your assistance unit (AU) pays when we determine your: (a) Monthly benefits under WAC 388-492-0070 if you receive Washington state combined application project (WASHCAP); or (b) Shelter cost income deduction under WAC 388-450-0190 for basic food. (2) We use the following amounts if you have utility costs separate from your rent or mortgage payment: (a) If your AU has heating or cooling costs or receives more than $20 in low income home energy assistance program (LIHEAP) benefits from the heat and eat program under WAC 388-400-0047 each year, you get a standard utility allowance (SUA) of $515. (b) If your household does not receive a LIHEAP heat and eat payment and the reason is solely because of your immigration status, you get a SUA of $515. (c) If your AU does not qualify for the SUA and you have any two utility costs listed in subsection (3) of this section, you get a limited utility allowance (LUA) of $406. (d) If your AU has only telephone costs and no other utility costs, you get a telephone utility allowance (TUA) of $58. (3) "Utility costs" include the following: (a) Heating or cooling fuel; (b) Electricity or gas; (c) Water; (d) Sewer; (e) Well installation/maintenance; (f) Septic tank installation/maintenance; (g) Garbage/trash collection; and (h) Telephone service. (4) If you do not have a utility cost separate from your rent or mortgage payment and do not receive LIHEAP from the heat and eat program under WAC 388-400-0047 , you do not receive a utility allowance.