Determining the correct utility deduction to give a household is an important aspect of the SNAP benefits. It is imperative that workers code the utility allowance of households when they have SNAP and they pay this expense. This can be coded in FACS “Shelter” tab. This ensure that the customer could possibly receive help in energy assistance programs (if paying heating and cooling) as well as making sure that they have the correct benefit amount in SNAP.

The following are the only options available for utility deductions:

Standard Utility Allowance (SUA)

SUA covers household with heating or cooling costs. Examples of heating costs include gas, propane, butane and wood. Cooling costs are limited to costs of operating room air conditioners and central air conditioning systems, but not operating fans or water coolers.

Basic Utility Allowance (BUA)

BUA covers households who pay no heating or cooling costs, but do pay other utility charges. These costs may include water, garbage, sewage, cooking fuel and telephone.

Telephone Allowance Standard (TA)

This covers households with only a telephone expense.  This standard can be used when the household’s only phone is a cell phone​.

Refer to the most current Appendix C-3 to determine the correct allowance amount.

Example 1: Standard Utility Allowance (SUA)

Harry and Sally apply for SNAP benefits in the county office. During the shelter portion of the interview, they stated that they are responsible for all heating and cooling expenses at the house they rent. In this example, what utility allowance is allowed?

The standard utility allowance (SUA) is used for any households that have any heating and cooling expenses.

Example 2: Basic Utility Allowance (BUA)

Opal lives in senior housing. Her utilities are included in rent up to $100. Any utility expense above that amount is her responsibility and she pays that amount directly to the utility company. Do we allow SUA or BUA?

Since the client’s heating and cooling costs are included in the rent, client is entitled to the BUA.

Example 3: Telephone Standard (TA)

Shawn applies for SNAP benefits in the county office. During the shelter portion of the interview, he states that he is living with his grandparents. His grandparents do not have a land line telephone that he can use and he is only responsible for his cell phone bill.

The telephone standard is used for any households that do not have any heating cooling or other basic utility expenses, but they have a telephone cost.

Example 4: Standard Utility Allowance (SUA)

Richard receives a monthly utility check from HUD. He is responsible for all utility bills that exceed the assisted amount from HUD. Does the client receive SUA or BUA? And is the HUD utility assistance check countable income?

The client gets the SUA deduction and the HUD utility assistance is not countable income.

Example 5: Assistance Paid Directly to Provider (SUA)

Household applies for SNAP benefits and states they are responsible for the rent cost and some of the utilities, but that they receive help from parents regarding their electric bill. Payee in interview declares that her mother pays the electric bill directly to the provider. The household pays for the gas, water, and trash service bill.

The household receives the SUA deduction as they are responsible for the gas bill which is a part of the heating/cooling costs.

Example 6: Assistance Paid Directly to Provider (TA)

Tricia applies for SNAP benefits and states she is responsible for the rent cost and a cell phone bill. She states that the water and trash bill is included in the rent but the electric bill is not covered. Her father has been paying the electric bill directly to the provider.

Tricia receives the telephone deduction only as some of the utilities are included in the rent and she receives assistance on the electric that is paid directly to the provider.