37.70.608    ADJUSTMENT OF PAYMENTS TO AVAILABLE FUNDS

(1) When funds are not available to serve all eligible households, the department may, at its option, take any or all of the following steps as needed:

(a) reduce the maximum benefit amounts of the benefit award matrices;

(b) limit eligibility to only financially needy households with a member 60 years of age or older or with a member who is disabled and receiving supplemental security income or social security income based on permanent and total disability;

(c) deny all subsequent applications.

(2) If additional funds become available to serve eligible households, the department may, at its option, take any or all of the following steps as needed:

(a) increase the maximum benefit amounts of the benefit award matrices;

(b) extend the duration of the current heating season beyond April 30; or

(c) increase the maximum income standards for eligibility, if permitted by federal law.

History: 53-2-201, MCA; IMP, 53-2-201, MCA; NEW, 1982 MAR p. 732, Eff. 4/16/82; AMD, 1983 MAR p. 1362, Eff. 9/30/83; TRANS, from SRS, 1998 MAR p. 2059; AMD, 2002 MAR p. 3635, Eff. 11/28/02; AMD, 2005 MAR p. 1786, Eff. 9/23/05.