Food stamps will now cover internet bills, and states must update utility calculations

The US government will now let states include basic internet costs when calculating food stamp benefits. States must also update how they calculate utility allowances every five years, using current data on low-income households.

For years, food stamp benefits did not account for internet access, even as it became essential for daily life. This change means recipients can use their benefits to cover a basic utility that was previously ignored. It also forces states to regularly update their utility calculations, which should make benefits more responsive to actual costs.