FNS Regional Letter: SNAP - Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) Annual Review and Adjustment Waiver for Certain States Modification and Extension

Due to the impact on SNAP benefits resulting from continuing fluctuations in energy prices, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is modifying the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) blanket waiver memorandum of October 14,2010 to allow certain States to extend fiscal year (FY) 2010 SUA amounts through March 31, 2011.  As of April  1,  2011  States which take this option will be required to adjust their SUAs to the FY 2011  levels based on their FNS-approved methodologies.  However, FNS will not require any State to lower its SUA by more than a fixed amount.  This will ensure that no household will experience more than a $20 decrease in its monthly benefit.  This waiver will soften the impact that certain States' reduced SUAs might otherwise have on household benefits.