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December 29, 2005

Reed: Deduction change benefits food stamp users

PROVIDENCE - An increase in a utility deduction available to Rhode Island food stamp recipients should help them with food and utility costs this winter, according to U.S. Sen. Jack Reed.

The Rhode Island Democrat said the state Department of Human Services told him today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved its request to increase the state's Standard Utility Allowance from $375 to $520.

The state uses the allowance in its food stamp program to allow recipients to deduct utility expenses from their total income, enabling recipients to receive more aid to buy food, according to Reed's office.

Posted by Jack Perry  at 4:47 PM | Permalink