Attached are questions and answers in response to issues raised by the states, through various discussions, concerning SNAP provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 includes a 13.6 percent increase in maximum Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, which equates to a $24 increase for a one–person household.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 suspends restrictions on Able Bodied Adults Without Dependent participation in SNAP as of April 1, 2009 continuing through Sept. 30, 2010, unless state agencies choose to impose specific work requirements.
Attached is an implementation memorandum describing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
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.
This notice reminds state agencies of the requirements of the Food Stamp Program regulations and suggests guidelines for development of standard utility and/or telephone allowances by presenting examples of some of the methodologies used by states to develop these allowances.