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Subject: SNAP Deductions from Income

Policy 24.18 Date of Last Review: 11/30/2023 Effective Date: 09/17/2018 Date of Next Review: 11/30/2026 RDA: SW22 Page 6 of 20 c. If a HH wishes to claim utility expenses for an unoccupied home, the HH must provide verification of the actual utility expenses for the unoccupied home. The SUA cannot be used for unoccupied homes. 9. Household’s Option a. At the time of certification, explain to the HH that it may deduct its actual utility costs rather than the SUA throughout the certification period, if the household can verify these costs. b. The HH may switch between the SUA and actual costs during recertification only. c. The limit on the number of times a HH may switch between actual costs and the SUA applies only to those times it actually has a choice. d. The HH’s option of using actual utility expenses or the SUA does not apply when the HH must switch from the SUA to actual expenses because it is no longer eligible for the SUA (i.e., the household no longer incurs heating or cooling expenses). 10.When the SUA can be used The SUA may be used: a. When the HH is billed on a regular basis for heating or cooling expenses separate and apart from its rent or mortgage. The SUA includes the cost of heating and/or cooling, cooking fuel, electricity, the basic service fee for one telephone, water, sewage, and garbage and trash collection. i. A cooling cost is a verifiable utility expense relating to the operation of air conditioning systems or room air conditioners. ii. Only HHs which directly incur a heating or cooling expense on a regular basis separate and apart from their rent or mortgage are entitled to the SUA. iii. For exceptions refer to Standard Utility Allowance. b. When there is no rent or mortgage payment, such as when there is free use of a house or mobile home, or when the home mortgage is fully paid, if the HH is otherwise eligible to use the SUA. c. When two or more HHs share a common residence and contribute to the common heating or cooling expense for the residence. Each HH would be eligible to receive the SUA for the number of individuals in its respective HH. For an example refer to the SNAP Deductions from Income Example Scenarios. d. When the Standard Allowance for Utilities is not to be used: i. the HH has no utility expense such as when all utilities are furnished as in-kind benefit; ii. the HH wishes to claim expenses for an unoccupied home; iii. HHs are charged only for water, garbage and trash collection, sewage, telephone, cooking fuel, or any combination of these expenses. To be eligible for the SUA, the HH must be directly billed on a regular basis for its heating and/or cooling costs;