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Resource | Policy Questions and Answers Concerning the Implementation of Regulatory Changes to Standard Utility Allowances (SUAs)

This memorandum covers questions related to provisions in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Standardization of Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowances rule and the implementation process. FNS plans to publish additional question and answer guidance in the following months.

12/20/2024
Resource | Policy SNAP - Implementation of Regulatory Changes to Standard Utility Allowances

The final rule, SNAP: Standardization of State Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowances, was published in the Federal Register on Nov.18, 2024. This final rule amends SNAP regulations for calculating standard utility allowances (SUAs) and expands allowable shelter expenses to include basic internet costs. The rule also finalizes updates to the treatment of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program payments. This memo provides a summary of the final rule provisions.

12/03/2024
Resource | Policy Final Rule - SNAP: Standardization of State Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowances

This final rule amends SNAP regulations for calculating standard utility allowances (SUAs) and expands allowable shelter expenses to include basic internet costs. The rule also finalizes updates to the treatment of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program payments. 

11/18/2024
Resource | Research and Data FY 2023 Reported SNAP Application Processing Timeliness

Fiscal year 2023 SNAP reported application processing timeliness rates. 

07/31/2024
Resource | Training and Outreach Storage and Distribution Strategies for Halal Foods in TEFAP

Strategies that TEFAP program operators can implement to better serve halal-observant households.

06/12/2024
Resource | Training and Outreach National Processing Agreement Approved Processors

List of NPA approved processors for USDA Foods in Schools by school year.  

11/02/2023
Resource | Technical Assistance Processor Material Prices

The average material prices are listed by school year and used by processors participating in the USDA Foods processing program.

10/31/2023
Resource | Policy Standard Utility Allowances

States annually update Standard Utility Allowances (SUAs) to reflect changes in utility costs. When determining a household’s eligibility, states consider a household’s total shelter costs, including the cost of utilities. Since actual utility costs are often hard to determine, states can use SUAs, which are standard amounts that represent low-income household utility costs in the state or local area. SUAs may be used in lieu of the household's actual costs when determining eligibility and benefit amount.

10/01/2023
Resource | Research and Data FY 2022 Reported SNAP Application Processing Timeliness

Fiscal year 2022 SNAP reported application processing timeliness rates. 

08/18/2023
Resource | Webinars/Videos USDA Foods Processing Program: Tips on How to Efficiently and Effectively Utilize USDA Foods Diverted to Processors

This webinar provided an overview of the USDA Foods Processing program and shared some tips on how to effectively manage USDA Foods diverted to processors.

08/12/2022
Page updated: October 14, 2021