Skip to main content
Resource | Policy Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA); Interpretation of “Federal Public Benefit”

This notice sets forth the interpretation that the U.S. Department of Agriculture uses for the term “Federal public benefit” as used in Title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. In doing so, this notice supersedes any prior interpretation in any notice or other document issued by any USDA agency. This notice also describes and preliminarily identifies the USDA programs that provide “Federal public benefits” within the scope of PRWORA.

07/10/2025
Resource | Technical Assistance Attention: California and Bordering State SNAP EBT Retailers

This retailer notice is for California and bordering states SNAP retailers. The purpose of this communication is to remind you of the impact to you as an authorized SNAP retailer if you have not prepared your stores to accept EBT chip card technology.

02/04/2025
Resource | Technical Assistance SNAP EBT Chip and Tap Cards are Coming Soon

Retailer notice that SNAP EBT chip and tap cards will be rolling out soon in various states. As states plan to add chip and tap functionality to SNAP EBT cards, it is imperative that retailer point of sale devices be updated to successfully read these cards to ensure SNAP cardholders can redeem their SNAP benefits at their store.

11/15/2024
Resource | Technical Assistance Attention: California and Oklahoma Bordering State SNAP EBT Retailers

SNAP retailer notice for SNAP authorized retailers in a state that borders California or Oklahoma. Since these states will be issuing SNAP EBT chip cards to clients soon, retailers must be prepared to accept this type of card.

11/01/2024
Resource | Training and Outreach FY 22 SNAP Characteristics Video

FNS recently released a new report on SNAP household characteristics for fiscal year (FY) 2022.

08/30/2024
Resource | Technical Assistance Attention: California and Oklahoma SNAP EBT Retailers

SNAP retailer notice with updated guidance for California and Oklahoma retailers participating in the SNAP EBT card Chip and Tap technology testing.

04/26/2024
Basic page SNAP EBT Modernization

Modernizing EBT, including the introduction of chip cards for SNAP EBT, is an important step to ensure that SNAP benefits are protected. 

04/23/2024
Resource | Training and Outreach Retailer Criteria to Provide Online Purchasing to SNAP Households

At this time, only certain states are operating with online purchasing capabilities. FNS is working with other states interested in expanding online purchasing. 

10/11/2023
Resource | Federal Register Notices WIC Online Ordering and Transactions and Food Delivery Revisions to Meet the Needs of a Modern, Data-Driven Program

USDA proposes to remove barriers to online ordering and internet-based transactions in WIC through this rulemaking. 

03/27/2023
Resource | Training and Outreach Electronic Benefits Transfer Mobile Payment Pilot Request for Volunteers

The Mobile Payment Pilot Request for Volunteers (RFV) was released on July 12, 2022.

09/21/2022
Page updated: October 14, 2021