FNS Documents & Resources

Broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE) is a policy that makes most households categorically eligible for SNAP because they qualify for a non-cash Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or state maintenance of effort (MOE) funded benefit.

The Keys to Payment Accuracy highlight best practices and provide strategies and opportunities enabling states to improve and maintain the accuracy of SNAP payments.  The 10 strategic tools included in the Keys are based on the experiences, needs, and challenges of state agencies in an effort to encourage a comprehensive approach to improving SNAP payment accuracy. 

In December 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) published a final rule entitled “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents”. This action supports the Agency’s commitment to promoting employment by applying a common-sense policy to SNAP’s work-related program standards for able bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs).

In October 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
published a proposed rule entitled “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Standardization
of State Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowances.” This action modernizes the standard
utility allowances used in calculating Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits
in order to enhance program integrity and ensure equity among program participants.

In July 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) published a proposed rule entitled “Revision of Categorical Eligibility in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)." This action closes a loophole that allows states to make participants in certain programs “categorically eligible” to participate in SNAP.

Application Processing Timeliness for FY 2011 and FY 2012. 

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition assistance to eligible, low-income individuals and households via a monthly benefit on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, similar to a debit card, which can be used at authorized retailer stores to purchase food. SNAP is the largest Federal nutrition assistance program.

In December 2018, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) published a proposed rule entitled “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents”. This action supports the Agency’s commitment to self-sufficiency by more broadly applying SNAP’s work-related program standards for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs).

-- How do people use SNAP benefits to buy food in my store?
-- How do I get POS equipment for my store?
-- If I am eligible and choose the state-supplied POS device, when will I get my equipment?
-- Who can I call if I have other questions?