Field Ops Memo 2009-56: 10/1/2009 Cost-of-Living Changes for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

The annual SNAP COLA was processed during the weekend of September 18, 2009. This a mass change affecting the entire SNAP caseload. The following is a summary of the cost-of-living changes in SNAP: Gross, Net and 165 Percent Income Eligibility Standards - The Gross, Net and 165 Percent Income Eligibility Standards have increased. Shelter Deduction - The maximum shelter deduction (for households not comprised of any elderly or disabled member) has increased to $459. Standard Deduction: The standard deduction for all household sizes has changed: • The standard deduction for household sizes 1 to 3 has decreased. • The standard deduction for household sizes 4 and above has increased. Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) • The Nonheating SUA remains $375; • The Phone SUA remains $44; • The Bay State CAP SUA remains $375; • The Heating/Cooling SUA has decreased to $611. Maximum Benefit Levels - The maximum SNAP benefit levels for all household sizes remain at the amounts issued with the April 2009 ARRA changes. Minimum Benefit Level - The minimum benefit level for eligible one- and two-person households remains at $16. Homeless Shelter/Utility Deduction - The Homeless Shelter/Utility Deduction remains at $143. See Attachment A for revised COLA standard amounts. The COLA State Letter will be issued later.