This memo clarifies business integrity requirements and factors that FNS may and may not consider when determining a firm’s participation in SNAP.
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.
USDA is issuing this notice of proposed rulemaking to improve SNAP's quality control system as required in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018.
USDA FNS is providing notice of a new computer matching program (CMP) between FNS and the state agencies that administer SNAP. The CMP allows state agencies access to the National Accuracy Clearinghouse (NAC) as a tool to prevent individuals from receiving SNAP benefits in more than one state simultaneously, commonly referred to as duplicate participation.