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Resource | Policy Memos 2022 Commissioners Letter - SNAP Policy on Public Charge

This is a letter clarifying public charge policy as it pertains to SNAP participation. The letter was sent to SNAP state commissioners in Jan. 2022.

10/19/2022
Resource | Policy Memos Joint Letter on Public Charge

This is a letter clarifying public charge policy as it pertains to SNAP participation. The letter is jointly signed by FNS and USCIS.

10/19/2022
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2021-0037 DHS Letter - Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility

This letter provides key information about a change in the way the Department of Homeland Security is administering the public charge ground of inadmissibility.

10/19/2022
Resource | Policy Memos DHS Letter - Update to Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility Letter

This letter is an update to the April 12, 2021 letter that USCIS issued concerning public charge and how it interacts with the food assistance programs, including SNAP.

10/19/2022
Resource | Policy Memos Carta de los Comisionados de 2022- Política SNAP sobre la Carga Publica

Esta es una carta que aclara la política de la carga publica en lo que se refiere a participación de SNAP. La carta fue enviada a los comisionados estatales de SNAP en enero de 2022.

01/12/2022
Resource | Policy Memos Carta conjunta sobre la carga publica

Esta es una carta que aclara la política de carga pública en lo que respecta a la participación en SNAP. La carta está firmada conjuntamente por FNS y USCIS.

01/05/2022
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2011-0055 SUA Annual Review and Adjustment - Option to Postpone Annual Adjustment

This memorandum provides a policy option to states to help soften the impact that reduced SUAs might have on SNAP households in certain state.

09/21/2011
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2010-0043 SNAP - Standard Utility Allowance Annual Review and Adjustment Waiver for Certain States

Due to the impact on SNAP benefits resulting from continuing fluctuations in energy prices, FNS is modifying the Standard Utility Allowance blanket waiver memorandum of Oct. 14, 2010 to allow certain states to extend fiscal year (FY) 2010 SUA amounts through March 31, 2011.

12/02/2010
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2009-0052 SNAP - Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) Annual Review and Adjustment Biennial Option

It has come to FNS's attention that, due to unusual shifts in utility costs, SNAP benefits to needy families may decrease when states make annual SUA adjustments this year - even if the circumstances of those households remain constant.

08/18/2009
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2005-0057 Adjusting Standard Utility Allowances for the 2005-2006 Winter

Several state agencies have recently asked FNS to approve increases in their Standard Utility Allowances (SUA’s) for heating and cooling based on projections of substantial price increases in energy sources – particularly natural gas. We are aware of broad interest in the issue of the impact of higher energy prices on household budgets and appreciate the conferences and correspondence that bring this issue to our attention.

12/09/2005
Page updated: October 14, 2021