FNS Documents & Resources

The purpose of this memo is to transmit national target areas and procedures for management evaluations for FY 2016. FNS, with input from the regional offices, has identified four national target areas for the ROs to review.

This memorandum provides a policy option to states to help soften the impact that reduced SUAs might have on SNAP households in certain state.

Section 4116 of the Farm Bill, Review of Major Changes in Program Design, requires USDA  to identify standards for major changes in operations of state agencies' administration of SNAP.

Due to the impact on SNAP benefits resulting from continuing fluctuations in energy prices, FNS is modifying the Standard Utility Allowance blanket waiver memorandum of Oct. 14, 2010 to allow certain states to extend fiscal year (FY) 2010 SUA amounts through March 31, 2011.

The designated FY 2011 national target areas for management evaluation reviews are listed.

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.

Several state agencies have recently asked FNS to approve increases in their Standard Utility Allowances (SUA’s) for heating and cooling based on projections of substantial price increases in energy sources – particularly natural gas. We are aware of broad interest in the issue of the impact of higher energy prices on household budgets and appreciate the conferences and correspondence that bring this issue to our attention.

This rulemaking proposes to amend Food Stamp Program regulations to implement 11 provisions of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 that establish new eligibility and certification requirements for the receipt of food stamps.

This notice reminds state agencies of the requirements of the Food Stamp Program regulations and suggests guidelines for development of standard utility and/or telephone allowances by presenting examples of some of the methodologies used by states to develop these allowances.