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DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES FAMILY INVESTMENT ADMINISTRATION SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) MANUAL UTILITY ALLOWANCES Section 214 Page 3

214.1 Eligibility for Utility Allowances (continued) indirect energy assistance in any month. Compute the prorated amount by dividing the indirect energy assistance received by five (there are five months in the heating season in Maryland, November 1 through March 31). e. If the energy assistance is authorized by federal law and administered by the Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), do not prorate the MEAP assistance or determine out-of-pocket costs. The full amount of the MEAP payment is deemed to be out-of-pocket for the determination of eligibility for the SUA. B. Limited Utility Allowance (LUA) a. Households that incur an expense for more than one of the following utilities that do not include heating or cooling costs are eligible for the LUA: i. Electric or fuel for purposes other than heating or cooling, ii. Water or sewerage, iii. Well installation and maintenance, iv. Septic tank system installation and maintenance, v. Garbage or trash collection, vi. Gas (natural or propane), iv. Telephone b. Households eligible for the Limited Utility Allowance (LUA) include households that: i. Share the utility expense for more than one utility that does not include heating or cooling. Each household is entitled to the full LUA. ii. Are billed for excess usage of utilities that do not include heating, cooling or telephone costs, including those households in public housing. iii. Can verify they pay utility bills that are in someone else’s name. iv. Pay a flat rate for any two or more utilities not including heat or cooling.

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2025