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.
This information collection addresses the state agency reporting burden associated with the following state agency options under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Establishing and reviewing standard utility allowances (SUAs) and establishing methodology for offsetting cost of producing self-employment income.
The proposed rule would revise SNAP regulations to standardize the methodology for calculating standard utility allowances.
Letters to various directors of Human Services with attached public charge fact sheet.
This study develops standard methodologies that might be used to construct standard utility allowances, which are used by States as part of the SNAP eligibility and benefit determination.
FNS has received several inquiries regarding the eligibility of participants in the Department of Homeland Security's new Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program for SNAP benefits.
This memorandum provides a policy option to states to help soften the impact that reduced SUAs might have on SNAP households in certain state.