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Page | 197 A. Heating Costs Definition: expenses incurred from a primary source of heat for which the household is billed separate from their rent or mortgage.

Households responsible for any portion of the heating costs are entitled to receive the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) as long the household did not receive a utility reimbursement payment in excess of the actual heat expense. Sources of heat include but are not limited to propane, oil, and electricity.

If the household's primary source of heat is wood, use of wood does not entitle the household to the standard allowance unless the household purchases their wood. If the household gathers their own wood without having to purchase it, no deduction is allowed.

Households billed on a monthly payment schedule (year-round) established by a fuel distributor are entitled to claim the Standard Utility Allowance, even if the household does not have cooling costs.

Example 1: The household rents a house for $300 plus they are responsible for all utilities. The utilities are on a separate meter and are in the household's name. SUA is allowed if the utilities are verified.

Example 2: The household rents a house for $300 plus they are responsible for all utilities. The utilities are in the landlord's name. The household is entitled to the SUA if the landlord bills the household for the utility costs and verifies the household is responsible for them.

Example 3: The household rents a house for $300 plus $200 for heat. The household is entitled to the SUA if the utility expense is verified.

Example 4: The household has two sources of heat. The household’s primary heating source is propane. A supplemental heat source is wood, which the household cuts themselves. The household is entitled to the SUA because the primary heat source is propane, if it is verified.

Example 5: Two SNAP households reside together. Each pays 50% of the verified utility expense, which includes heat, electricity, and telephone. Each household member is allowed the SUA because both contribute toward the heat expense.

Example 6: The household rents an apartment for $200 per month. The household is billed separately for electricity not used to heat or cool the home. SUA is not allowed but the household could receive the limited utility allowance or the one utility allowance, whichever is appropriate.

Example 7: The household has two sources of heat for the home. The primary heat utility is wood, which is cut by household members, and has a supplemental propane furnace. The household is not allowed the SUA nor is the household allowed a deduction for the propane unless the propane is also used for cooking fuel. If so, the household may be eligible for the limited utility allowance or the one utility allowance, whichever is appropriate for the supplemental propane cost.

Example 8: Jane and John live in the same apartment but purchase, prepare and consume meals separately. Both pay $100 rent, and Jane pays the heat bill, and John pays the electricity and phone bills, all of which are verified. Both are entitled to the full SUA because both are contributing to the utility expenses and heat is one of the expenses.