Food stamps, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), help people with low incomes buy food. But did you know that sometimes, when figuring out how much food assistance you get, the government also looks at your utility bills? These bills, like electricity or heating, are called “utilities,” and they play a role in the SNAP calculation because they can affect how much money you have left over for food. Let’s dive into what kinds of utilities are considered and why.
What Exactly Counts as a Utility for SNAP?
So, what bills does the government look at when figuring out your SNAP benefits? Generally, SNAP considers several essential services as utilities that are used in determining your benefits. These are costs you have to pay to keep your house running comfortably and safely.

Heating and Cooling Costs
Heating is a big one! Whether you use gas, electricity, oil, or even wood to keep your home warm during the winter, or cool in the summer, these costs are often included. The amount of your heating or cooling bill can change depending on where you live and how cold it gets.
Cooling expenses are included in many areas, especially if the climate is hot. The government recognizes that staying cool, like staying warm, is an important part of basic living. Your monthly cost can vary a lot, depending on how big your house is, and how much you use your air conditioning.
These expenses are considered essential for your living conditions. When applying for SNAP, you will likely have to provide proof of these costs. This helps the program to better understand your overall cost of living.
Here’s a basic overview of some common heating and cooling fuels:
- Electricity
- Natural Gas
- Oil
- Propane
Electricity Bills
Electricity powers pretty much everything in our homes, from lights to refrigerators to computers. Because it’s so important for daily life, electricity bills are usually considered a utility for SNAP purposes. These expenses can add up quickly!
Electricity usage can vary a lot depending on many things, and this can impact your SNAP eligibility. During times of year with extreme temperatures, like summer heatwaves or freezing cold winters, people tend to use more electricity.
The cost of your electricity bill could potentially affect the amount of food stamps you are able to receive. It’s crucial for you to keep track of those bills and report them accordingly.
Things that can affect your electricity bill, and ultimately your SNAP benefits, include:
- The size of your home.
- The number of people living in your house.
- What appliances you use.
- How energy efficient your home is.
Water and Sewer Bills
Clean water is super important for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. So, water and sewer bills are often included as utilities. The cost for water and sewer can vary based on where you live. It depends on whether you have a private well or rely on a city’s water system.
Sewer costs are also included, as this helps maintain safe and sanitary living conditions. Water and sewer bills are essential costs, so they are often considered when determining SNAP benefits. The higher your water or sewer bill, the more likely you are to qualify for additional benefits.
The government wants to make sure you have access to these basic needs. Be sure to gather your billing statements from your local water and sewer authority, if you are applying or reapplying for SNAP.
Some additional points related to water and sewer costs:
Consideration | Details |
---|---|
Water Usage | Can vary based on household size, gardening, and leaks. |
Sewer Costs | Related to wastewater disposal, often tied to water usage. |
Eligibility | Typically included if billed separately or combined with water. |
Telephone or Cell Phone Costs
Having a phone, whether it’s a landline or a cell phone, can be a lifeline, especially if you need to contact your doctor or a potential employer. Some states may include a portion of your phone bill as a utility when calculating SNAP benefits.
The amount considered for phone costs can change from state to state, as there are different rules and regulations. Some states may give a standard utility allowance for telephone costs or may let you use the actual amount you spend on a phone bill.
It’s crucial to check with your local SNAP office to understand the specific rules in your area. You need to understand the specific utility guidelines in your state for telephone costs.
Here’s some information about what your state may consider for phone costs:
- A standard utility allowance, meaning a set amount for telephone costs regardless of the actual bill.
- The actual cost of your landline or cell phone bill if you provide proof of the expense.
- Whether prepaid phone cards are considered.
Garbage and Trash Removal Fees
Keeping your home and surroundings clean and healthy is important. If you have to pay for garbage collection, that fee is often considered a utility. Some cities include this service in their taxes, while others require a separate bill.
Garbage fees can vary depending on where you live and how frequently your trash is collected. The amount you pay will be affected by how much trash you put out and how big your trash container is.
Similar to other utilities, this is an essential service, and your fees are often included when determining SNAP benefits. Be prepared to show proof of your garbage or trash removal bill when you apply.
The rules for garbage and trash removal can vary by state. Some states may have different rules regarding these fees. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Is there a separate fee for garbage collection?
- Is the fee included in property taxes?
- Are there different rates for different sizes of trash bins?
The Standard Utility Allowance
Instead of looking at all of your utility bills individually, some states use something called a “Standard Utility Allowance.” This is a set amount of money that the state uses to estimate your utility costs.
The standard utility allowance is designed to simplify the process and make it easier to calculate SNAP benefits. The amount will vary by state, so you should check with your local SNAP office for the specific amount in your area.
If you use the standard utility allowance, you won’t have to provide documentation for your utility bills. This can be easier for you than providing receipts and bill statements.
Here’s a quick look at some pros and cons of the standard utility allowance:
- Pros: Easier, faster, no need to provide bills.
- Cons: Doesn’t always accurately reflect your actual utility costs.
In conclusion, the utilities that are considered for SNAP benefits often include essential services like heating, cooling, electricity, water, and sometimes even phone and garbage costs. These utilities can impact the amount of food stamps you receive. The specifics can vary based on where you live, so be sure to check with your local SNAP office to learn more about the guidelines in your area.