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Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance SNAP EBT

Electronic Benefits Transfer is an electronic system that allows a SNAP participant to pay for food using SNAP benefits. When a participant shops at a SNAP authorized retail store, their SNAP EBT account is debited to reimburse the store for food that was purchased. EBT is in use in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam.

05/24/2023
Resource | Policy Memos FY 2022 State Management Evaluation Target Areas

FNS is targeting the areas of program operation listed, for state SNAP Agency Management Evaluations for the upcoming fiscal year. State SNAP agencies are required to conduct MEs for the target areas in the upcoming fiscal year.  

07/02/2021
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2021-0036 Data Requests from Infant Formula Manufacturers

The purpose of this memorandum is to ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the federal regulatory requirements related to the disclosure of confidential WIC vendor and participant information.

WIC Policy Memorandum #2021-6
04/07/2021
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0104 FY 2021 State Management Evaluation Target Areas

FNS is targeting the areas of program operation listed, for state SNAP Agency Management Evaluations for the upcoming fiscal year. State SNAP agencies are required to conduct MEs for the target areas in the upcoming fiscal year.  

06/29/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0007 Revised Guidance for Use of Vendor/Private Staff in Call Centers: 2020 Update

Building on best practices to date and consistent with USDA’s efforts to improve customer service and increase state flexibility within the bounds of the law, while continuing to encourage states as laboratories of innovation, FNS is once again expanding allowable activities for states seeking to use vendor/private staff in call centers

02/06/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2019-0064 Information from Third Party Payroll Sources

This memorandum clarifies the use of third party payroll sources for SNAP certification policy and quality control purposes. The first two sections of this memorandum apply to certification policy and the section titled Quality Control Considerations provides details on how to treat verification from a third party payroll source for QC reviews.

08/21/2019
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2017-0018 Requirements for Informing Households of ABAWD Rules

Section 6(o) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended, limits the time able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) can receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to 3 months in any 36-month period, unless the individual meets the ABAWD work requirement or is otherwise exempt.

04/17/2017
Resource | FAQs/Q&As | FNS-GD-2014-0049 Questions and Answers Concerning Section 4013 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 - National Directory of New Hires

Questions and Answers Concerning Section 4013 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 - National Directory of New Hires

06/06/2014
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2014-0015 SNAP and ACA Q&A Parts I & II Memo

The attached questions and answers are intended to address state agency concerns about the effects of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on SNAP. 

03/18/2014
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2010-0027 Multi-Program Periodic Report Forms

Some state agencies have adopted a version of simplified reporting for other programs, such as Medicaid and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program, and are using multi-program report forms for the various programs, including SNAP. 

08/03/2010
Page updated: October 14, 2021