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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 Retailer Instructions for SNAP EBT Chip Card Transactions at Point of Sale

Retailer notice with instructions for SNAP EBT chip card transactions at point of sale. Customers who have EBT chip cards should always attempt a chip (insert or tap) transaction first. The transaction may need to be completed with a swipe of the magnetic stripe, but the first transaction attempt should always use the chip. 

04/02/2025
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
Basic page SNAP Manual Voucher Process

Information for SNAP retailers using manual vouchers.

09/03/2024
Basic page Guidance for Selecting a TPP for Paid SNAP EBT Equipment and Services

Tips on what to consider when selecting a third party processor for paid SNAP EBT equipment and services.

09/03/2024
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
Basic page Farmers Markets Accepting SNAP Benefits

Find farmers markets that are authorized to accept SNAP benefits during particular months.

07/15/2024
Resource | Technical Assistance SNAP EBT Chip Card Technical Resources

The purpose of this page is to provide technical resources for SNAP EBT chip card implementation.

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
Basic page How Do I Apply to Accept SNAP Benefits?

You can apply to accept SNAP benefits at your store by following the steps described on this page.

10/10/2023
Page updated: October 14, 2021