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Division/Section Family Support Chapter No./Name 4 – Economic Independence (EI) Part No./Name B – Eligibility Factors Section No./Name B-600-FITAP-SNAP Income Document No./Name B-650-SNAP Deductions Effective Date September 1, 2026

6 of 22 Residents of public housing who are responsible for excess utilities that include heating or cooling costs are eligible for the SUA.

Do not allow the SUA for an unoccupied home.

Cooling costs for the purpose of the SUA are limited to the costs of operating air conditioners. They do not include the cost of operating fans.

If a SNAP household incurs out-of-pocket expenses for either a heating or cooling cost, it is eligible for the SUA year round.

SNAP households that receive HUD or FmHA payments will be entitled to the SUA only if they incur heating or cooling costs that exceed the amount of the HUD or FmHA payment.

SNAP households that contain an elderly or disabled member and receive energy assistance payments greater than $20 annually through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in the current month or in the immediately preceding 12 months are entitled to the SUA even if the SNAP household does not have heating or cooling costs separate from their rent or mortgage. SNAP households that do not contain an elderly or disabled member must incur heating or cooling costs in order to receive the SUA.

B-654-2-SNAP - PO Basic Utility Allowance

Allow a basic utility allowance (BUA) of $258.00 for SNAP households that incur utility expenses which do not include heating or cooling costs separate from their rent or mortgage. SNAP households entitled to the basic utility allowance include:

• residents of public housing who are responsible for excess utilities which do not include heating or cooling costs,

• households which incur utility expenses for an unoccupied home, and

• households which have utility costs other than heating or cooling costs that exceed the amount of HUD or FmHA payments.

The basic utility allowance includes the cost of cooking fuel, the purchase or rental fee of a propane tank if propane is used for fuel, electricity, the basic service fee for one telephone, water, sewerage and garbage and trash collection.

B-654-3-SNAP - PO Telephone Standard

If the SNAP household’s only out-of-pocket utility expense is for a telephone, allow the telephone standard of $76.00 for one telephone, regardless of type. The telephone standard maybe allowed even if the household has only mobile phone service.