Skip to main content
Resource | Policy SNAP - Expungement Options

In an effort to reduce fraud, waste and abuse, we are issuing this memorandum to clarify SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer expungement policy. States are strongly encouraged to expunge benefit allotments nine months after issuance, regardless of the household’s SNAP activity, in accordance with regulatory requirements.

11/18/2025
Resource | Policy Letter to Governors - SNAP EBT Chip Cards

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack issued a letter today encouraging all governors to invest in SNAP EBT cards with chip technology for their states.

11/15/2024
Resource | Policy Letter to Commissioners - SNAP EBT Chip Cards

FNS is pleased to announce that the X9 Committee ratified and published revised EBT standards in August 2024. Finalizing these standards is a significant step towards modernizing SNAP EBT technology and combating benefit theft. These technical standards provide the opportunity for states to implement EBT cards with chip technology.

10/28/2024
Resource | Policy SNAP Multiple Online Applications and Telephonic Signatures

This memo expands on the Online Application Policy clarification memorandum issued Feb. 15, 2024, and clarifies existing policy relative to multiple online applications for the same household and telephonic signatures.

06/07/2024
Resource | Policy SNAP Use of Nonmerit Personnel in SNAP Administration

This memo seeks to clarify existing policy and flexibilities regarding the use of nonmerit personnel in the administration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

03/21/2024
Resource | Policy SNAP Online Application Policy Clarification

This memo reiterates and clarifies existing online application policy for state agencies. 

02/20/2024
Resource | Policy Memos EBT - Separation of Duties

This memo clarifies the requirement regarding the separation of issuance functions and when state agencies may implement exceptions.

07/13/2020
Resource | Policy Memos Clarifying Requirements for Compliance with Prisoner Verification System and Deceased Matching System Regulations

The purpose of this memo is to reiterate the importance of state compliance with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program regulations, Prisoner Verification System and Deceased Matching System.

09/24/2019
Resource | Policy Memos Use of Electronic Benefit Transfer Data as Evidence of an Intentional Program Violation in SNAP

FNS is issuing this memorandum on the use of Electronic Benefit Transfer transaction data as evidence of an intentional program violation.

09/09/2019
Resource | Policy Memos Issues with Application Materials Submission Instructions

On Oct. 6, 2017, we issued a memo regarding SNAP applicants and households who are sending certification materials to the USDA instead of the appropriate SNAP state agency for processing.

03/13/2019
Page updated: October 14, 2021