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Resource | Policy SNAP Use of Nonmerit Personnel in SNAP Administration

This memo seeks to clarify existing policy and flexibilities regarding the use of nonmerit personnel in the administration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

03/21/2024
Resource | Policy SNAP Online Application Policy Clarification

This memo reiterates and clarifies existing online application policy for state agencies. 

02/20/2024
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 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 | Policy Memos SNAP FY 2024 Cost-of-Living Adjustments

This memorandum provides the FY 2024 Cost-of-Living Adjustments to the SNAP maximum allotments, income eligibility standards, and deductions. Under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, COLAs are effective as of Oct. 1, 2023.

08/03/2023
Resource | Policy Memos SNAP – Ensuring Timely Benefits to Eligible Households

This memorandum provides a reminder to state agencies that under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, all eligible households must have the opportunity to participate in SNAP within 30 days of application or seven days if they are entitled to expedited service.

12/02/2022
Resource | Policy Memos Implementation of the National Accuracy Clearinghouse Interim Final Rule Memo

This landmark rule establishes requirements for state agencies to use the NAC, an innovative technology-based solution designed to identify and prevent duplicate participation. As a result, this rule takes significant steps to both enhance program integrity by reducing the risk of improper payments and improve customer service by requiring state agencies to take timely action to resolve NAC matches. 

10/05/2022
Resource | Policy Memos Memorandum on Tribal Consultation Requirements

USDA FNS, Tribes, and SNAP state agencies share goals to improve nutrition and health for American Indians/Alaskan Natives (AI/AN) through nutrition assistance and nutrition education.

09/13/2022
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0007 Revised Guidance for Use of Vendor/Private Staff in Call Centers: 2020 Update

Building on best practices to date and consistent with USDA’s efforts to improve customer service and increase state flexibility within the bounds of the law, while continuing to encourage states as laboratories of innovation, FNS is once again expanding allowable activities for states seeking to use vendor/private staff in call centers

02/06/2020
Resource | Notices Child Nutrition Programs Income Eligibility Guidelines (2019-2020)

This notice announces the Department's annual adjustments to the Income Eligibility Guidelines to be used in determining eligibility for free and reduced price meals and free milk for the period from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.

03/20/2019
Page updated: October 14, 2021