“Utilities” in the context of food stamps are essential services that provide necessities of life. Eligible expenses include electricity, household water and sewer, cooling and heating fuel, propane, wood, kerosene, oil, coal, wood pellets, and other home energy sources. Vital expenses like repairs cannot be covered. There’s no utility allowance for mobile phone service, or cable TV. In certain situations, care facilities may be eligible for utility payments under the program. Furthermore, individuals are allowed to have the phone number, service, or device added and covered under their utility costs. It is not required for the individual to have the device or phone number in their name.
Heating and Cooling Costs
Heating and cooling costs are eligible utility expenses for food stamps, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Qualifying Heating and Cooling Costs
- Electricity
- Heating oil
- Wood
- Natural gas
- Coal
- Propane
- Kerosene
- Other fuels used for heating or cooling your home
To be eligible for reimbursement, these costs must be:
- Paid directly to the utility company
- Separate from your rent or mortgage
- Necessary for heating or cooling your home
- Recognized as an allowable utility expense by your state’s SNAP office
Exclusions
The following expenses are generally not eligible for reimbursement:
- Home repairs or improvements
- Installation or purchase of a new heating or cooling system
- Reimbursement for costs already paid for by other programs or grants
- Costs incurred while living in a hotel or motel
HEAT (Home Energy Assistance Target) Program
The HEAT program provides additional assistance with heating and cooling costs to eligible households. To be eligible, you must meet certain income and household size requirements.
| Household Size | Maximum Gross Income* |
| 1 | $24,720 |
| 2 | $33,390 |
| 3 | $42,060 |
| 4 | $50,730 |
| Each Additional Person | $8,670 |
*Gross income is the total income of all household members before taxes or deductions.
To learn more about the SNAP program and the HEAT program, contact your local SNAP office or visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.
Electricity and Water Bills
Individuals seeking assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, may wonder if their electricity and water bills qualify as eligible expenses.
SNAP provides financial aid to eligible low-income individuals and families to purchase food. While the program generally does not cover utility bills, there are limited circumstances in which electricity and water expenses may be considered.
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP):
HEAP is a federally funded program that provides assistance with home energy costs, including electricity and water bills.
To be eligible for HEAP, individuals must meet specific income and household size criteria. Those approved for HEAP may receive a one-time benefit toward their energy bills. This benefit can be used to pay off past-due bills, prevent disconnections, or establish new utility accounts.
Details about HEAP eligibility and the application process vary by state. Contact your local Department of Social Services or visit the HEAP website for more information.
- Emergency Assistance:
In certain circumstances, SNAP recipients may be eligible for emergency assistance with their electricity or water bills. This assistance is typically provided as a one-time benefit and is intended to prevent utility shut-offs or help restore service after a disconnection.
Eligibility for emergency assistance is typically based on factors such as income, household size, and the severity of the need. Contact your local SNAP office to inquire about emergency assistance availability and to find out if you qualify.
Additional Resources
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
Telephone and Internet Services
Telephone and internet services may be considered utilities for food stamps if they meet certain criteria. Here’s a breakdown of the rules and regulations regarding telephone and internet services as utilities for food stamps:
Telephone Services
- Landline Telephone:
- A landline telephone is considered a utility for food stamps if it is used primarily for essential communication, such as calling emergency services, contacting medical providers, or maintaining contact with family and friends.
- The cost of landline telephone service, including basic monthly fees and local calling charges, may be included as a utility expense in determining food stamp eligibility and benefits.
- Cellular Telephone:
- A cellular telephone is generally not considered a utility for food stamps.
- However, in certain circumstances, a cellular telephone may be considered a utility if it is essential for an individual to maintain employment or to participate in education or training programs.
Internet Services
- Broadband Internet:
- Broadband internet service may be considered a utility for food stamps if it is necessary for an individual to participate in online learning, job searching, or telemedicine.
- The cost of broadband internet service, including monthly subscription fees and installation charges, may be included as a utility expense in determining food stamp eligibility and benefits.
- Dial-up Internet:
- Dial-up internet service is generally not considered a utility for food stamps.
Additional Considerations
The following additional considerations apply to telephone and internet services as utilities for food stamps:
- Bundled Services: If telephone and internet services are bundled together in a single package, only the portion of the bundle that is allocated to telephone or internet service may be considered a utility expense.
- Shared Services: If telephone or internet services are shared among multiple individuals or households, the cost of the service may be prorated among the users.
| Service | Considered a Utility | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Landline Telephone | Yes | Used primarily for essential communication |
| Cellular Telephone | No | Generally not considered a utility |
| Broadband Internet | Yes | Necessary for online learning, job searching, or telemedicine |
| Dial-up Internet | No | Generally not considered a utility |
Utilities Covered by SNAP Benefits
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, is a government assistance program that provides financial support to eligible low-income households to purchase food. However, SNAP benefits cannot be used to pay for utility bills. However, certain states and local programs may offer assistance with utility bills to SNAP recipients. Additionally, some utility companies may provide discounts or payment plans to low-income customers.
Utility Bills Not Covered by SNAP Benefits:
- Electricity
- Gas
- Water
- Sewer
- Trash Removal
- Cable TV
- Internet
- Telephone (including landlines and cell phones)
Potential Assistance Programs:
| State/Local Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | Provides financial assistance for heating and cooling costs. |
| Utility Assistance Programs | Offered by some states and local governments, these programs provide financial assistance or discounts on utility bills. |
| Payment Plans | Some utility companies offer payment plans that allow customers to spread out their payments over a longer period of time. |
| Discounted Rates | Some utility companies offer discounted rates to low-income customers. |
Additional Resources:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Utilities and Heating Assistance
Alrighty, folks! That’s about all we have for today when it comes to what counts as utilities for food stamps. I hope this article has been helpful and informative. As always, the rules and regulations surrounding these benefits can be a little tricky to navigate, so If you have any more questions, be sure to reach out to your local social services office or check out the USDA’s website for the latest scoop. Thanks for giving this article a read! I’ll catch you next time. In the meantime, don’t forget to check back for more food stamp tips and tricks. Take care, y’all!