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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Application Instructions

Last Published: 10/07/2016

Farmers Market

Apply to become authorized to accept SNAP benefits. You can complete an online application in as little as 15 minutes. You have up to 30 days complete and submit the online application to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). Applications not completed after 30 days are deleted by FNS. Follow the steps below to complete the online application process for SNAP authorization.

A few things before you proceed:

  • Multi Store Owners of 10 or more Supermarkets or Superstores must visit the Multi Store Owner page for instructions on how to become authorized to accept SNAP benefits.

  • If you are not a Retail Food Store or Farmers Market, please do not complete the online application. We kindly request that you call the SNAP Retailer Service Center at 1-877-823-4369 for assistance.

1. Get a USDA Account

Before you start your application:

  • Register for a USDA eAuthentication account in order to obtain access to the online application.

  • You must have a valid Email address. USDA will send you a confirmation Email with a hyperlink to activate your account.

  • Return back to this page after you activate your USDA eAuthentication account to apply.

2. Complete Online Application

  • You have up to 30 days to complete and submit the online application to FNS.

  • If you’re busy or short on time, you can start the application and return later to complete it.

Helpful Tip:  Save time by having your estimated sales data before you start the online Application as well as the following Owner information:  Owner name(s), home address(es), and Social Security Number(s).

3. Submit Supporting Documentation

Your SNAP Retailer application is not complete until you submit the required supporting documents.  Instructions on how to submit your documentation are provided at the end of the online application.

4. Check Application Status

After you submit your supporting documents to FNS you can check the status of your application in real-time.

Check Status of Your Application
FNS will process your application and contact you if any further information is needed. If you have any questions, you can contact the SNAP Retailer Service Center at 1-877-823-4369.

See Also