18.9 Standard Utility Allowances.

A. Households will receive the appropriate utility allowances in place of actual costs at initial certification, recertification and when a household moves: 1. A standard utility allowance (SUA) that includes heating or cooling; a) This is available to households that incur heating or cooling expenses separately from their rent or mortgage. b) Households that include elderly or disabled members who receive more than $20 under the LIHEAP program, are eligible for the standard utility allowance (SUA). 2. A limited or basic utility allowance (BUA) that includes at least two electricity and fuel utilities other than heating or cooling; or 3. A standard telephone allowance. B. Households whose telephone bill is their only separately billed utility expense must use the standard telephone allowance. C. Only households that do not qualify for the SUA, BUA or standard telephone allowance may claim actual utility expenses, which must be verified. MDHS will not prorate a SUA that includes heating or cooling costs provided to a household that lives and shares heating or cooling expenses with others. Source: 7 CFR §273.9(d)(6)(iii) Revised: December 2025