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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES INCOME DEDUCTIONS

10/25 VOLUME V, PART X, PAGE 4

Example A three-person SNAP household lives in a house with another person. The SNAP household and the other person each pay half of the heating costs. The SNAP household's standard utility allowance is $238, i.e. $476 based on the total number of persons in the home (4 or more) divided by 2, the number of units contributing to heating costs. The SNAP household may opt to use $238 as its utility costs, or it may use its actual utility expense amount.

Examples 1) The SNAP household pays for electricity that the household needs to operate the oil furnace. Other persons in the home buy oil. The SNAP household is not entitled to the utility standard since there is no expense for the primary fuel source. The actual electric bill is allowable since this is a direct utility expense.

2) A SNAP household cuts its own wood. This wood is free, but the household incurs expenses for gas and oil for the chain saw. The household may not use the utility standard since the household does not incur an expense for the primary fuel source. The actual incidental expenses connected with obtaining the wood are not allowable since these are not direct utility expenses.

If a household incurs a utility expense, such as electricity or gas, that includes heating or cooling along with other uses, e.g., cooking or lights, the utility standard may still be used. If the household does not incur a separate expense for heating or cooling, it is not entitled to the utility standard unless it receives LIHEAP payments, as stipulated above. Actual costs for utilities incurred by households that are not entitled to the utility standard are allowable shelter expenses.

Households that have their utilities included in their rent, but who may, on occasion, be required to pay an excess utility charge, may not claim the utility standard unless they receive LIHEAP payments as stipulated above. Households that receive HUD or FmHA payments may use the utility standard if they are responsible for utility costs beyond the HUD or FmHA payment. Households that pay a flat amount, not a percentage, for utilities to the homeowner instead of the utility vendor may not use the utility allowance. Actual or anticipated amounts for these utility charges are allowable.

Examples 1) A household buys oil twice a year in November and February to heat the home. This household is entitled to use the utility standard for the full twelve months of the year.

2) A household lives in an apartment where heat is included in the rent. The household, however, uses an air conditioner in the summer and is responsible for the electric bill for the apartment. Since a cooling expense is incurred, the household is entitled to use the utility standard for the full twelve months of the year.

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