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FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION INCOME AND RESOURCES FNS 340 DEDUCTIONS Section 340 Change #02-2026 August 4, 2026 NOTE: Use verified housing expenses for the month prior to the month of application or recertification as long as the deduction is representative of the ongoing deduction. 340.09 UTILITY EXPENSES Allow as a shelter deduction any utility expenses that are identified separately from a rent or mortgage payment. This includes: A. Allowable Utility Expenses 1. Heating and cooling expenses; 2. Electricity; 3. Cooking fuel; 4. Water and sewage; 5. Septic tank installation and maintenance; 6. Well installation and maintenance; 7. Garbage and trash collection fees; and 8. The basic service fees for one telephone, including the basic phone service rate; telecommunication relay charge; federal and State taxes; Emergency 911 access fee; long distance access fees; and all FCC charges. NOTE: Use the utilities for the month prior to the month of application or recertification as long as the deduction is representative of the ongoing deduction. B. Non-Allowable Utility Expenses 1. Deposits charged on utilities, including a telephone; 2. Late fees and past due amounts; 3. The costs of appliances; 4. Internet charges; 5. Repair or replacement expenses for appliances or any other portion of the home due to wear and tear or mechanical problems; 6. Costs connected with cutting wood, such as cutting permits, gas for a chain saw, or equipment used to cut wood when a FNS unit heats or cools with wood. C. The utility expense allowed may be a standard amount or a telephone utility allowance. There are three utility standards. They are the Standard Utility Allowance