Legal Considerations for Implementing SNAP/EBT

For help understanding and complying with SNAP requirements, and to find answers to frequently asked SNAP-related questions, explore the legal topics below.

Who Administers Benefits?

First, a market must choose whether it will accept SNAP payments on behalf of vendors and/or rely on vendors to become SNAP authorized.

Woodcut illustration of filling out a form to become a SNAP retailer

Becoming an Authorized Retailer

Explore whether your market is eligible to accept SNAP benefits, the SNAP-authorization application process, and reauthorization requirements.

Woodcut illustration of a SNAP/EBT machine

Equipment & Payment

Understand how to obtain and use a “point-of-sale” (POS) device to accept SNAP EBT benefits, as well as about market currency and receipt systems.

Woodcut illustration of SNAP-eligible food

Selling SNAP-Eligible Food

Understand which food items SNAP covers, which it excludes, and related vendor training requirements.

Woodcut illustration of SNAP accounting on a calculator

Accounting & Taxes

Explore key accounting and tax issues.

Woodcut illustration of SNAP enforcements and penalties

Enforcement & Penalties

Learn about how SNAP rules are enforced, possible penalties for rule violations, and best practices for market compliance.

Woodcut illustration of SNAP incentives and matching programs

Incentives & Matching Programs

Learn about the responsibilities markets and vendors assume when they offer incentives to SNAP customers.