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MS 5498

[1]

Volume 2 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) MS 5498 - R. 10/1/25 – OMTL - 681 Non-Heating and Non-Cooling Costs - Basic Utility Allowance (BUA)

The BUA is a standard utility amount budgeted monthly for households that do not incur heating or cooling costs. To be eligible for the BUA, the household must be billed for at least two of the following utility expenses:

1. Electricity (non-heating/non-cooling);

2. Water;

3. Garbage or trash;

4. Cooking fuel;

5. Telephone;

6. Excess utility cost for non-heating/non-cooling expenses for households that live in public or private housing; or

7. Sewage

B. The BUA amount for ALL households is $331.

C. Households entitled to the BUA must use the BUA and are not allowed to use actual utility expenses.

D. Households using the BUA are not allowed a separate utility deduction for a telephone.

E. Households whose only utility expense is for a telephone are only allowed the telephone standard of $64.

F. If a household reports a change of address, entitlement to the BUA ends and should be re-evaluated.

Refer to MS 6765 for further procedures regarding acting on a reported change of address.