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DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES FAMILY INVESTMENT ADMINISTRATION SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) MANUAL UTILITY ALLOWANCES Section 214 Page 1

214.1 Eligibility for Utility Allowances Households may be eligible for one of the following two utility allowances when their expenses are verified (see SNAP Manual section 212.9): A. Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) a. Except for some recipients of the Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), only households that are billed for heating or cooling separately from their rent or mortgage are eligible for the SUA. Cooling by central or room air conditioners confers eligibility for the SUA. The use of fans does not qualify the household for the SUA. The following households are eligible for the SUA: i. Renters who are billed on a monthly basis by their landlords for actual usage through individual metering, ii. Households living in private housing who are charged a flat rate for heating and cooling, iii. Households, including those living in public housing that are billed for excess heating or cooling costs, iv. Multiple households sharing utility expenses for heating and cooling, or v. Households that can verify they pay utility bills that are in someone else’s name. Example 1: The Baltimore Gas and Electric Company bills the Smiths for gas each month and the gas is used to heat the Smith’s home. They pay the bill directly to the utility company and have provided verification of the expense. This household is entitled to the SUA.

Example 2: The Baltimore Gas and Electric Company bills the Smiths directly for electric use only. The electric is used to operate the central air conditioner in warm weather. This household is entitled to the SUA.

Example 3: Mary Johnson pays $100 per month for her rent and an additional $50 flat per month for the utilities including heat and air conditioning for her apartment per her lease. She pays the money to her landlord. This household is entitled to the SUA. REVISED SEPTEMBER 2025