USDA's FNS and ACF at the Department of Health and Human Services are aware of increasing reports of benefit theft by criminal actors through EBT card skimming schemes. After discussions with EBT processors and fraud prevention stakeholders, FNS and ACF have identified prevention measures that can be adopted to improve card security while we work towards longer-term strategies.
This memorandum provides guidance to SNAP state agencies on the end of the temporary student exemptions as described in Section 702(e) of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA). This expands upon the SNAP Student Provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 - Questions and Answers – Section 702(e) memorandum issued on Feb. 2, 2021.
As we enter tax filing season this year, I ask you to encourage all SNAP applicants and recipients to file taxes. Even if a family did not earn enough to be required to file taxes, they are eligible for the CTC and potentially thousands of additional dollars in benefits. Filing taxes will mean many families who are eligible for CTC will also get thousands of dollars in additional tax relief through the Earned Income Tax Credit.