2016-29841: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Photo Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card Implementation Requirements

Summary

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is updating the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or "Program") regulations to set implementation parameters, prerequisites and operational standards required of State agencies that intend to implement the photo Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card option provided under Section 7(h)(9) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ("the Act"). The updated regulations establish procedures to ensure State implementation is consistent with all Federal requirements as they relate to photo EBT cards, including establishing procedures to ensure: Any other appropriate member of the household or authorized representative (including any individual permitted by the household to purchase food on its behalf) who is not pictured on the photo EBT card may use the card; placing photos on EBT cards does not affect the eligibility process and does not impose additional conditions of eligibility or adversely impact the ability of appropriate household members to access the nutrition assistance they need. Failure by a State agency to adhere to the provisions of this rule may result in penalties, including loss of federal funding. The rule will also codify several other program updates to reflect the current operations of the program.

The agency’s own summary, as published.

What this changes

Amends 5 parts of the Code of Federal Regulations — the standing rules this notice rewrites.

• 7 CFR 271 General Information and Definitions
• 7 CFR 272 Requirements for Participating State Agencies
• 7 CFR 273 Certification of Eligible Households
• 7 CFR 274 Issuance and Use of Program Benefits
• 7 CFR 278 Participation of Retail Food Stores, Wholesale Food Concerns and Insured Financial Institutions