FNS Documents & Resources

This memorandum provides the fiscal year 2018 Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) to the SNAP maximum allotments, income eligibility standards, and deductions. Under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 COLAs are effective as of Oct. 1, 2017.

The memorandum that follows is intended to update earlier guidance provided to state agencies on the treatment of gift cards in determining Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program eligibility and benefits.

The memorandum that follows is intended to update earlier guidance provided to state agencies on the treatment of retirement accounts in determining SNAP eligibility.

A recently enacted law changes the treatment of the $25 supplemental weekly Unemployment Compensation payment authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2OO9 (ARRA) authorized.

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.

For over thirty years, SNAP has deducted the cost of telephones in determining a household's eligibility and benefit amounts, either by deducting actual telephone bills or standard telephone allowances.

Recently, it has been brought to the national office's attention that there is some confusion concerning the treatment of income received from the Summer Youth Employment Opportunities element under the Workforce Investment Act.

This memo clarifies which retirement accounts the Act expressly excludes from resources.