Do SNAP utility allowances vary by state?
Executive summary
Yes — states set and update Standard Utility Allowances (SUAs) for SNAP and those values can differ by state or locality because states develop SUAs to reflect local low‑income utility costs; most states use SUAs and must update methodologies under a 2024–25 USDA final rule with compliance by Oct. 1, 2025 [1] [2]. The USDA estimates most households will see no change from the rule, about 30% may gain and about 5% may lose benefits, but final impacts depend on each state’s chosen methodology and timing [3] [4].
1. States set the allowances; federal rules set the guardrails
SNAP does not use a single national utility number — states create Standard Utility Allowances (SUAs) to represent typical low‑income household utility costs in their jurisdictions, because verifying every household’s bills is administratively difficult; the federal Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) provides guidance and requires most states to use SUAs, while allowing state variation to reflect local conditions [1] [5]. The FNS published a final rule to standardize methodologies and require state submissions, effective Jan. 17, 2025, with compliance by Oct. 1, 2025, meaning states must now follow clearer criteria when setting SUA values [2] [4].
2. What changed in 2024–25 and why it matters to state variation
The final rule published by FNS in late 2024 tightened how SUAs are calculated — it added basic internet as an allowable shelter expense and required states to describe methodology, data sources and update frequency — while still permitting states flexibility to align SUA values with local utility costs [4] [2] [3]. That regulatory framework reduces arbitrary differences but preserves variation because states must choose methodologies and local baseline data, so SUA amounts will still differ across states and even within states if local SUAs are used [4] [2].
3. Timing: states must revise by Oct. 1, 2025, but rollouts vary
FNS set a compliance deadline of Oct. 1, 2025, and indicated states must submit and implement updated SUA methodologies by that date; some states may roll out new SUA figures earlier (between Jan. 17 and Oct. 1, 2025) and updates are generally annual to reflect changing utility costs [4] [6] [2]. FRAC and FNS note that these staggered state implementations mean households in different states may see benefit impacts at different times [6] [3].
4. Predicted impact is uneven and depends on state choices
FNS estimates the final rule will leave the majority of SNAP households’ benefits unchanged, produce small increases for roughly 30% of households and small decreases for about 5%, but clarifies that “actual impacts will vary depending on the state’s final methodology” [3]. Advocates warn that states with higher heating costs may see larger adjustments and certain groups (older adults, people with disabilities) may be affected differently because of exemption rules tied to excess shelter deductions [6] [3].
5. Examples show real differences (state practice matters)
State-level handbooks and memos already display divergent SUA figures — for example, Texas posts a Standard Utility Allowance of $445 in its SNAP handbook revisions effective Oct. 1, 2025, illustrating how an explicit state SUA can differ from another state’s chosen amount and how these figures feed directly into benefit calculations [7]. FNS also offered an expedited FY26 guidance allowing states to adjust FY25 SUAs by CPI change; FNS will approve that simpler approach to limit disruption, but states could choose other approved methods within FNS rules [8].
6. Competing viewpoints and hidden stakes
FNS frames the rule as creating “greater consistency and accuracy” while retaining flexibility [3]. Advocacy groups highlight the risk that some households could lose benefits if SUAs reset lower in states with historically high heating/cooling allowances, and they emphasize protections for vulnerable groups [6] [3]. Political and legislative changes also affected the policy mix: a 2025 law referenced in FNS materials introduced additional restrictions about internet as an allowable cost for some state calculations, showing that congressional action can alter how states treat specific utility categories [8].
7. Practical takeaway for SNAP recipients and policymakers
Recipients should not expect a single national utility allowance — check your state SNAP office or handbook for the SUA used where you live, since state values (and any local SUAs) determine how much shelter deduction you get and therefore affect benefit size [1] [7]. Policymakers must balance standardization, local cost realities and vulnerable populations’ needs when choosing methodologies; the FNS deadlines and guidance (effective Jan. 17, 2025, compliance Oct. 1, 2025) will shape those state decisions [4] [2].
Limitations: available sources do not mention every state’s current SUA table in this dataset; for precise, up‑to‑date SUA amounts you must consult your state SNAP office or published state handbooks (not found in current reporting).