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HR7069119th CongressWALLET

Affordable Food and Energy Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Representative McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8]

In Committee

Summary

Broadens SNAP utility allowances for households that receive energy assistance. The bill would let states that use a standard utility allowance reflecting heating and cooling apply that allowance to households that received more than $20 in energy assistance in the current or prior 12 months, and it would treat state energy assistance payments and energy assistance paid on a household's behalf as money paid to the household and as out‑of‑pocket energy expenses for SNAP calculations.

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  • Families and households: Households with energy assistance payments over $20 in the current or prior 12 months could qualify for a standard utility allowance that includes heating and cooling, if their state elects that allowance.
  • State SNAP agencies: States that choose a heating-and-cooling standard utility allowance can extend that allowance to more households based on the $20 threshold.
  • Energy assistance programs and administrators: Payments made under state energy assistance laws would be counted as money payable to the household for SNAP rules, and energy assistance paid on behalf of a household would count as an out-of-pocket energy expense.

It would take effect July 4, 2025.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

More SNAP help for energy recipients

If enacted, the bill would let more SNAP households use a standard utility allowance that counts heating and cooling costs. This would only apply in States that choose an SUA reflecting heating and cooling. You must have received a LIHEAP or similar State energy payment this month or in the last 12 months, and your household's total annual energy payments must be more than $20 as determined by the Secretary. This change would take effect July 4, 2025.

New SNAP rules for state energy help

If enacted, the bill would change how State energy assistance is counted for SNAP. A payment made under a State law to help with energy would be treated as money payable directly to your household for SNAP income rules, except for payments under the law referenced in paragraph (2)(G). If a State pays an energy bill on your behalf, that payment would be treated as an out-of-pocket energy expense for SNAP deductions. This change would take effect July 4, 2025.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8]

MI • D

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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