Keller V. Thompson

This appeal is concerned with the validity of the rules and regulations of the Department of Social Services and Housing (hereinafter "DSS&H") announced by it in January 1974, in its Manual Memo No. 250, distributed to its public welfare staff (income maintenance), that effective as of February 1, 1974, it would implement a full flat grant system of payment of benefits to eligible general assistance single persons and childless couples. Previous to such proposed effective date, eligible general assistance single persons, as well as childless couples, had received their monthly benefit payments on a partial flat grant basis, that is, each had been allotted an amount for non-shelter needs which was determined by averaging the costs for such needs on statewide basis as determined by DSS&H and in addition thereto a separate payment for shelter cost, if any.