FNS Documents & Resources

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 a SUA, which is the average cost of utilities in the state or local area. 

The Q&A describes the temporary increase to the maximum monthly allotments and exclusion of pandemic unemployment compensation payments from SNAP income. 

This information collection addresses the state agency reporting burden associated with the following state agency options under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Establishing and reviewing standard utility allowances (SUAs) and establishing methodology for offsetting cost of producing self-employment income.

The proposed rule would revise SNAP regulations to standardize the methodology for calculating standard utility allowances. 

In October 2019, FNS published a proposed rule entitled “Standardization of State Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowances.” This action modernizes the standard utility allowances used in calculating Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in order to enhance program integrity and ensure equity among program participants.

History of the Summer Food Service Program from 1968 - 2010.

This document describes funds provided to American Indians/Alaska Natives that are excluded by federal law when determining eligibility for the FDPIR program.