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Resource | Webinars/Videos Online SNAP Retailer Expectations

This video describes the activities that all interested SNAP retailers can expect to complete when requesting approval to participate in the SNAP Online Purchasing program.

09/15/2020
Resource | Training and Outreach FY 2020 PTIG Award Summaries

A summary of the FY2020 Process and Technology Improvement Grant (PTIG) awards

09/10/2020
Resource | Grants SNAP E&T Data and Technical Assistance (DATA) Grant Summaries 2020

In September 2020, USDA awarded approximately $3.2 million in Data and Technical Assistance (DATA) grants to five states.  These grants are intended to support the full range of needs state agencies may have related to the development, collection, reporting, analysis and use of SNAP E&T participant outcome data. Among other things, funds can be used for training and capacity building, including efforts to improve E&T data quality; information technology systems development to support the collection, reporting, and analysis of SNAP E&T data; and/or continuous program improvement of SNAP E&T programs. 

 

09/08/2020
Resource | Research and Data | Participation Characteristics Characteristics of SNAP Households: FY 2018

This report, the latest in an annual series dating back to 1976, provides information about the demographic and economic circumstances of SNAP households. Using a sample of SNAP Quality Control data that is representative at both the state and national level, this report summarizes the characteristics of households and individuals who participated in SNAP in fiscal year 2018.

08/31/2020
Resource | Research and Data | Participation Rates Reaching Those in Need: Estimates of State SNAP Participation Rates in 2017

This report, part of an annual series, presents estimates, by state, of the percentage of eligible persons and working poor individuals who participated in SNAP during an average month in fiscal year (FY 2017) and the two previous fiscal years.

08/28/2020
Resource | Policy FY 21 SNAP QC Tolerance Level

SNAP’s QC system uses a tolerance level to set the threshold for determining which errors are included in the national payment error rate calculation. Based on changes in the Thrifty Food Plan, the tolerance threshold will increase to $39 for FY 2021.

08/27/2020
Resource | Final Rule SNAP: 2008 Farm Bill Provisions on Clarification of Split Issuance; Accrual of Benefits and Definition Changes

This final rule amends the SNAP regulations to implement provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill regarding monthly benefit issuance allotments, storage of benefits off-line, and permanent expungement of unused benefits, as well as related benefit expungement and off-line storage provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill. This final rule also updates SNAP regulations to reflect the program's name change to SNAP and benefit issuance through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) systems.

08/24/2020
Resource | Research and Data | Assessing/Improving Operations Assessment of States' Use of Computer Matching Protocols in SNAP

As required by federal law, state SNAP agencies verify financial and non-financial information by matching SNAP applicant and participant information to various national and state data sources to ensure they meet the program’s eligibility criteria. Data matching is an important tool for ensuring program integrity and benefit accuracy. However,  information on states’ data matching practices and protocols is limited. This study was undertaken to address this knowledge gap.

08/11/2020
Resource | Guidance Documents Retailer Eligibility - Prepared Foods and Heated Foods

This memorandum defines heated foods, hot foods, and cold prepared foods in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) retailer eligibility determinations. Only staple food products are counted toward a firm’s eligibility to participate in SNAP. Heated foods, hot foods, and cold prepared foods are not considered staple foods, and are not counted when determining if a firm meets Criterion A or Criterion B to be eligible to participate in SNAP as an authorized retail food store.

07/29/2020
Resource | Guidance Documents SNAP - FY 2021 Cost of Living Adjustments

This memorandum provides the fiscal year 2021 Cost-of-Living Adjustments to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program maximum allotments, income eligibility standards, and deductions. Under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, COLAs are effective as of Oct. 1, 2020.

07/29/2020
Page updated: June 02, 2026