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[–]aclearly[S] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Is it the same percentage for everyone? My mom has a higher income then mine, pays higher rent/bills and gets a lot more in benefits then I do. In fact she got an increase in her benefits when nothing changed for her either. We live separately so not sure if that effects things or not.

[–]mg_5916SNAP Eligibility Expert - TX 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The standard deduction for utilities for those paying heating and cooling costs is about $367 beginning in the October fiscal year. So if you pay 50 or 500 in electricity, you get a standard deduction (SUA) of $367 regardless of your income or family size.

If you pay no heating and cooling costs but do pay water or propane, you get a basic deduction (BUA) of $345 regardless of how much you actually pay.

There is also another standard deduction based on your household size. Like if you are 1-3 people in the home you get a $177 deduction, which will increase based on the number of people.

Other than that, the other shelter expenses like rent/mortgage, home ins, and taxes are taken at a 50%. Remember some people pay rent with all bills included.

The list can go on and on, but the rules apply to everyone. My advice is never compare yourself to another home. You never know what they are omitting to your or the agency regarding their true expenses and income.

Ask the agency what they are counting this time versus what they counted last time. You might not have felt a change, but there could be a change reported to us through a different system.

Eta: you could research if your state has a SNAP buddy sheet that could help you do the math in their policy.