OLGT 2015-52: SNAP: Annual Cost-of-Living Allowances Change

At the beginning of each Federal fiscal year, the USDA Food and NutritionService adjusts SNAP maximum allotments, deductions, and income eligibility standards. These adjustments are based on changes in the cost of living. States are also required to adjust their Standard Utility Allowances (SUA) on an annual basis. The SUA changes are made concurrent with the COLA. 

This year, a reduction in energy costs caused the SUAs to decrease which in turn caused SNAP benefits to decrease for many clients. It is anticipated that after the COLA/SUA recalculation most SNAP households will either remain at the same SNAP benefit amount or will see a small decrease in benefit. 

The annual SNAP COLA and SUA changes will be processed during the weekend of September 19, 2015. This mass recalculation will impact the household’s monthly benefit for October.