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Resource | Policy Memos SNAP - Publication of the Race and Ethnicity Data Collection Final Rule

Through this rulemaking, FNS aims to improve the quality of race and ethnicity data collected and to ensure program benefits are distributed without regard to race, color, or national origin.

12/20/2023
Resource | Federal Register Notices Final Rule: SNAP - Revision of Civil Rights Data Collection Methods

With this final rule, FNS is revising Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program regulations that cover collecting and reporting race and ethnicity data by state agencies on persons receiving benefits from SNAP. 

12/14/2023
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP Auth-Reauth - Business Integrity

This memo clarifies business integrity requirements and factors that FNS may and may not consider when determining a firm’s participation in SNAP.

12/01/2023
Resource | Policy SNAP Benefit Issuance

On Sept. 30, 2023,  the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act, was signed into law to provide funding for the federal government through Nov. 17, 2023. This memorandum is intended to clarify the impact of the continuing resolution on upcoming SNAP benefit issuance.

10/16/2023
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 | Policy SNAP Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information

We adjust SNAP maximum allotments, deductions, and income eligibility standards at the beginning of each federal fiscal year. 

10/01/2023
Resource | Guidance Documents SNAP Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) Policy Guide

The purpose of this guide is to consolidate guidance and policy on serving able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs).

09/29/2023
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP: FY 24 Discretionary Exemptions for ABAWDs - Not Adjusted for Carryover

FNS has estimated the number of new discretionary exemptions each state has earned for FY 2024. States that operated under a statewide waiver of the ABAWD time limit did not earn any new exemptions.

09/25/2023
Resource | Federal Register Notices Provisions to Improve the SNAP Quality Control System

USDA is issuing this notice of proposed rulemaking to improve SNAP's quality control system as required in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. 

09/19/2023
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP Improvements to Federal Financial Accounting

This communication is intended to provide states with information about a change in the FNS accounting process for obligating SNAP funds.

09/18/2023
Page updated: October 14, 2021