FNS Documents & Resources

The FY 2024 TEFAP funding memorandum provides guidance on full-year food and administrative funding allocations.

This is a new information collection for the contract of the study titled “Evaluating the Interview Requirement for SNAP Certification.” The purpose of this collection is to help FNS describe the effects of waiving the interview requirement, including SNAP agency processes and staff experiences with implementing the no-interview demonstration, analyzing the differences in outcomes for SNAP applicants and recipients, and identifying key lessons to inform future policy or implementation.

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).

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

This memo provides State agencies with guidance on allowable use of advanced automation technologies. 

Technical assistance resources for Summer EBT implementing agencies to determine eligibility and meet program implementation deadlines. 

This memorandum provides information about the approximately $943 million in additional support for emergency food programs that USDA is providing in fiscal year 2024 under the statutory authority of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act for distribution through TEFAP.

TEFAP Administrative Funds and Food Entitlement Allocations

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.