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Resource | Policy Proposed Rule - Updated Staple Food Stocking Standards for Retailers in SNAP

This rule proposes to codify a new framework for determining distinct staple food varieties and accessory foods for purposes of meeting the staple food requirements for retailer participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. 

09/25/2025
Resource | Policy Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, Spring 2025

This agenda provides summary descriptions of significant and not significant regulations being developed in agencies of the USDA in conformance with Executive Orders 12866, “Regulatory Planning and Review,” 13563, “Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review,” 14192, “Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation,” and 14219, “Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President's “Department of Government Efficiency” Deregulatory Initiative.” 

09/22/2025
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 | Policy Information Collection: SNAP - Reporting of Lottery and Gambling, and Resource Verification

This is a revision of a currently approved collection and existing burden in use in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This information collection captures the burden associated with the requirement that states make ineligible SNAP participants with substantial lottery or gambling winnings and establish cooperative agreements with gaming entities within their states to identify SNAP participants with substantial winnings. Individuals and households are required to report substantial winnings.

06/16/2025
Resource | Policy SNAP - Q&A #1 for the Program Purpose and Work Requirement Provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 Final Rule

FNS is issuing this set of questions and answers to clarify questions concerning the provisions of the Dec. 17, 2024, final rule, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Program Purpose and Work Requirement Provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. FNS expects these questions and answers will assist SNAP state agencies in implementing and complying with SNAP policy, especially able-bodied adults without dependents time limit policy.

12/20/2024
Resource | Policy Questions and Answers Concerning the Implementation of Regulatory Changes to Standard Utility Allowances (SUAs)

This memorandum covers questions related to provisions in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Standardization of Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowances rule and the implementation process. FNS plans to publish additional question and answer guidance in the following months.

12/20/2024
Resource | Policy SNAP – Questions and Answers on Student Exemptions

We are clarifying student eligibility policy to help state agencies screen and certify eligible students and support work readiness for SNAP.

12/20/2024
Resource | Policy SNAP - Implementation of the Program Purpose and Work Requirement Provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 Final Rule

The final rule, SNAP: Program Purpose and Work Requirement Provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, was published in the Federal Register on Dec. 17, 2024. The final rule amends theSNAP regulations to incorporate three provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. This rule also clarifies procedures for when state agencies must screen for exceptions to the time limit and verification requirements for exceptions.

12/18/2024
Resource | Policy Final Rule - SNAP: Program Purpose and Work Requirement Provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023

The final rule would amend the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program regulations to incorporate three provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. This rule also clarifies procedures for when State agencies must screen for exceptions to the time limit and verification requirements for exceptions. 

12/17/2024
Resource | Policy FNS - SSA Joint Letter

The Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have news to share! SSA recently made changes to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, making it stronger and simpler for more than a quarter of a million older adults and people with disabilities. These changes could potentially increase SSI payments and allow more people to become eligible for the program.

12/10/2024
Page updated: October 14, 2021