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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 | Federal Register Documents Information Collection: SNAP Reporting of Lottery and Gambling and Resource Verification

This is a revision of a currently approved collection and existing burden in use without a valid OMB control number in SNAP. This information collection captures the burden associated with the requirement that states make ineligible SNAP participants with substantial lottery or gambling winnings and establish cooperative agreements with gaming entities within their states to identify SNAP participants with substantial winnings. 

04/07/2022
Resource | Proposed Rule Proposed Rule: Revision of Categorical Eligibility in the SNAP

USDA proposes updating the regulations to refine categorical eligibility requirements based on receipt of TANF benefits. Specifically, the Department proposes: (1) to define “benefits” for categorical eligibility to mean ongoing and substantial benefits; and (2) to limit the types of non-cash TANF benefits conferring categorical eligibility to those that focus on subsidized employment, work supports and childcare. The proposed rule would also require state agencies to inform FNS of all non-cash TANF benefits that confer categorical eligibility.

10/21/2019
Resource | Comment Request Revision of Categorical Eligibility in SNAP - Reopening of Comment Period

The Food and Nutrition Service proposed to make changes to SNAP regulations to refine categorical eligibility requirements based on receipt of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits. 

10/18/2019
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2019-0059 SNAP - FY 2020 Cost of Living Adjustments

This memorandum provides the FY 2020 Cost-of-Living Adjustments to the SNAP maximum allotments, income eligibility standards and deductions. COLAs are effective as of Oct. 1, 2019.

07/24/2019
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2019-0049 Q&As on SNAP E&T Provisions of the Farm Bill

The attached questions and answers are in response to changes made by Section 4005 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, enacted on Dec.20, 2018, to the SNAP Employment and Training program and certain Able-bodied Adults without Dependents work policies.

05/17/2019
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2008-0058 Clarification of Farm Bill Certification Provisions of SNAP - Questions and Answers #3

Attached are additional questions and answers in response to issues raised by state agencies on SNAP certification and eligibility provisions of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008.

11/20/2008
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2008-0048 Q&As on Certification Issues from the 2008 Farm Bill #2

Questions and answers on the certification issues in the 2008 Farm Bill. 

08/29/2008
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2008-0042 Questions and Answers on the Farm Bill

Attached are questions and answers on issues related to the Employment and Training provisions of the Farm Bill.

08/01/2008
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2008-0031 Food Stamp Provisions of the Farm Bill

On June 18, 2008, Congress enacted PL 110-246. Attached is an implementing memo describing the Food Stamp provision of The Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008.

07/03/2008
Page updated: October 14, 2021