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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 | 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
Basic page SNAP Eligibility

To get SNAP benefits, you must apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including resource and income limits, which are described on this page. SNAP income and resource limits are updated annually.

10/01/2023
Basic page Elegibilidad de SNAP

Para obtener los beneficios del SNAP, debe presentar una solicitud en el estado en el que vive actualmente y debe cumplir con ciertos requisitos, como los límites de recursos e ingresos, que se describen en esta página. Los límites de ingresos y recursos del SNAP se actualizan anualmente.

10/01/2023
Basic page SNAP Special Rules for the Elderly or Disabled

To get SNAP benefits, you must apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including resource and income limits.

10/01/2023
Basic page Normas especiales de SNAP para los ancianos o personas discapacitadas

Para obtener beneficios de SNAP, usted debe solicitar en el estado en el que vive actualmente y debe cumplir con ciertos requisitos, incluso los límites de recursos e ingresos.

10/01/2023
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP FY 2022 Cost-of-Living Adjustments

This memorandum provides the federal FY 2022 Cost-of-Living Adjustments to the SNAP maximum allotments for the 48 contiguous states and D.C., Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, COLAs are effective as of Oct. 1, 2021.

08/16/2021
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP – Emergency Allotments

FNS intends to issue updated SNAP – Emergency Allotments guidance to provide benefits to certain eligible households, including those receiving SNAP benefits at the statutory maximum, that were previously deemed ineligible for emergency allotments by USDA.

04/01/2021
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP - Changes in Combined Application Project Benefit Allotments due to the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021

The Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 increases SNAP benefits by raising maximum allotments to 115 percent of the June 2020 value of the Thrifty Food Plan; effective from Jan. 1, 2021 until June 30, 2021.

01/29/2021
Resource | Policy Proposed Rule: SNAP Standardization of State Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowances

The proposed rule would revise SNAP regulations to standardize the methodology for calculating standard utility allowances. 

10/03/2019
Page updated: October 14, 2021