Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Information
We adjust SNAP maximum allotments, deductions, and income eligibility standards at the beginning of each federal fiscal year.
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 a SUA, which is the average cost of utilities in the state or local area. Different states may use different terms to describe these allowances.
SNAP Special Rules for the Elderly or Disabled
To get SNAP benefits, you must apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including resource and income limits.
SNAP Eligibility
To get SNAP benefits, you must apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including resource and income limits, which are described on this page. SNAP income and resource limits are updated annually.
How Do I Apply for SNAP Benefits?
SNAP helps low-income people buy the food they need for good health. SNAP benefits are not cash. SNAP benefits are provided on an electronic card that is used like an ATM or bank card to buy food at most grocery stores. To get SNAP benefits, your income and other resources have to be under certain limits.
Applicant/Recipient
Facts About SNAP
PART 273—SNAP Certification of Eligible Households
Household concept: A household is composed of one of the following individuals or groups of individuals, unless otherwise specified in paragraph (b) of this section.
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.
Questions and Answers: FY 2019 Homeless Shelter Deduction Memo
The attached questions and answers provide policy clarifications to address state agency concerns regarding the Food and Nutrition Service's Feb. 8, 2019, Information Memorandum which discussed Section 4004 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018.