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 | Proposed Rule
Proposed Rule: SNAP Standardization of State Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowances
The proposed rule would revise SNAP regulations to standardize the methodology for calculating standard utility allowances.
10/03/2019