SNAP Retailer Readiness

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Eligibility gate

Store and inventory

Meet Criterion A continuously, not only on the day you apply.

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Vegetables or fruits

Tomatoes · Raisins · Peaches

9 units minimum

Meat, poultry or fish

Tuna · Eggs · Chicken

9 units minimum

Dairy products

Milk · Cheese · Yogurt

9 units minimum

Breads or cereals

Cereal · Rice · Oatmeal

9 units minimum

Stock the full Criterion A minimumRequiredKeep 3 varieties in each of 4 staple-food categories and at least 3 stocking units of every variety—36 units total.USDA source

Include the required perishablesRequiredAt least one variety in two staple-food categories must be perishable, with 3 units of each perishable variety.USDA source

Display qualifying inventory continuouslyRequiredRequired staple foods must normally be displayed in a public sales area on every day the store operates.USDA source

Confirm each variety counts separatelyReview main ingredients and product types. Flavors of the same product type may not count as separate varieties.USDA source

Check prepared-food salesRequiredIf more than 50% of gross retail sales are hot or cold prepared foods for immediate consumption, FNS generally treats the firm as a restaurant.USDA source

USDA authorization

Application and permit

Only USDA FNS can authorize the store to accept SNAP.

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Collect current business licensesPrepare the licenses and permits required to operate the business at the exact applicant location.USDA source

Create the owner’s Login.gov accountThe online SNAP retailer application begins with Login.gov and an additional authentication method.USDA source

Prepare ownership and identity recordsRequiredGather owner names, home addresses, Social Security verification, photo IDs, ownership details, and requested sales information.USDA source

Submit the free FNS retailer applicationRequiredComplete the application accurately and upload all supporting documents. An online application must be completed within 30 days after it is started.USDA source

Be ready for an authorization visitFNS may request more information or visit the store to verify inventory, business operations, and eligibility.USDA source

Receive the SNAP permit before accepting benefitsRequiredDo not process SNAP transactions before authorization. The permit is limited to the owners and single store location listed by FNS.USDA source

Item controls

Eligible catalog and pricing

Program the catalog so SNAP can pay only for allowable food and drink.

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Map every sellable item correctlyRequiredMaintain an item-level eligible/ineligible flag and review new UPCs before they are offered for SNAP payment.USDA source

Block products with Supplement Facts labelsVitamins, many energy products, supplements, and other products carrying Supplement Facts are not SNAP-eligible.USDA source

Block hot food, alcohol, tobacco, and non-food goodsRequiredAlso block medicines, pet food, household supplies, paper goods, hygiene items, fuel, and similar non-food products.USDA source

Use the same prices and terms for every customerSNAP customers must receive the same prices and conditions as other customers unless FNS approves an equal-treatment waiver.USDA source

Remove tax from the SNAP-paid portionRequiredDo not charge state or local sales tax on eligible food paid with SNAP benefits.USDA source

Separate fees and ineligible items from SNAP tenderDelivery, service, processing, container, and most deposit fees must be paid using another tender.USDA source

Checkout controls

EBT processing and security

Use an EBT-capable processor and protect the customer’s card and PIN.

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Contract for SNAP-capable POS processingRequiredAfter authorization, use EBT-capable equipment and a processor that supports SNAP purchase, refund, void, and balance functions.USDA source

Charge only the exact eligible-food totalThe EBT debit must match the eligible portion of the sale; do not impose a transaction minimum or extra SNAP charge.USDA source

Keep the PIN private and never retain card numbersRequiredDo not ask for or record a customer’s PIN. Do not collect, log, track, or retain full or partial EBT card numbers.USDA source

Issue a compliant EBT receiptRequiredInclude store name and address, transaction type and amount, date, remaining balance or required message, and only the abbreviated card number.USDA source

Return refunds electronically to the EBT accountRequiredNever issue cash for a SNAP refund or provide cash back from SNAP benefits.USDA source

Prohibit trafficking and credit accountsRequiredNever exchange SNAP for cash, buy benefits, or let customers receive food now and repay the store later with SNAP.USDA source

Inspect terminals for skimming and tamperingCreate a routine for checking devices, securing terminal access, and escalating anything unusual to the processor.USDA source

Ongoing operations

Training and oversight

The owner is responsible for violations committed by every worker.

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Adopt a written SNAP compliance policyRequiredDocument eligibility controls, transaction rules, escalation steps, monitoring, and consequences for violations.USDA source

Train every owner and employee within 30 daysRequiredDocument names, employment date, training date, materials reviewed, and signatures for paid, unpaid, full-time, part-time, and family workers.USDA source

Document refresher training every calendar yearRequiredKeep the dates, materials reviewed, employee and owner names, and signed attestations.USDA source

Monitor catalog and transaction exceptionsReview voids, refunds, manual entries, unusual totals, item eligibility changes, and suspected employee violations.USDA source

Report ownership or location changes and allow reviewsA new owner or location needs its own authorization. Keep the store ready for unannounced FNS data collection and photographs.USDA source

Official next step

Apply only when the store is ready.

The application is free. FNS may take up to 45 days after receiving a complete application and may inspect the store.

Open USDA application guide ↗

Know what is ready.Fix what is not.

Store and inventory

Vegetables or fruits

Meat, poultry or fish

Dairy products

Breads or cereals

Application and permit

Eligible catalog and pricing

EBT processing and security

Training and oversight

Apply only when the store is ready.

Know what is ready.
Fix what is not.