Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
How do I apply to accept EBT? Anyone can apply directly for a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Retailer Permit for FREE at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer. You can contact the Retail Service Center to ask questions but be prepared for long waits. Allow me to ensure that you have a complete application prior to submitting to prevent delays costing you money.
Why was my SNAP application denied? A SNAP application can be denied for several reasons. Many retailers are denied for failing to respond to information within the given 30-day Information Request period.
Other reasons a SNAP application was denied:
- The firm did not carry the required stocking units under the four major food groups (Staple Foods) required by USDA FNS.
- The firm did not carry all four food groups (Staple Foods). Many retailers forget to carry dairy products or meat products.
- Some firms list prepared foods incorrectly leading to additional delays as more information is requested such as Proof-of-Sales (POS) over a given seven day period.
- The selling of prepared food (hot or cold) exceeding 50% of their total sales, automatically classifies them as a restaurant, forcing the retailer to provide Proof of Sales (POS) information or apply to one of the few states that participate in the Restaurant Meal Program (RMP). SNAP Restaurant Meals Program | Food and Nutrition Service
What to do if my store was found ineligible to apply and/or suspended for six-months? Unfortunately, you have to wait until 10 days prior to the expiration of the six-month period to reapply.
What are the SNAP inventory requirements to qualify?
See SNAP Staple Foods | Food and Nutrition Service
Do you provide coaching for prospective SNAP Retailer? Yes, I do. I will ensure you fully understand your role and responsibilities as owner, inventory requirements and training of employees.
How long does Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) approval take? A complete application with no previous compliance history can take on average two to three weeks depending on the assigned Program Specialist workload. A statutory requirement of 45 days set by Congress is in place, however many are approved sooner.
Once a application clears the Retail Service Center application signature review/document upload audit, it is assigned to a Program Specialist who then orders a Contractor Store Visit (usually within 10 days or sooner). A contractor will come unannounced based on the hours of the application.
NOTE: Any previous compliance history such as a previous disqualification of any of the ownership team or the location of the business (to include previous owners) will automatically trigger additional documentation beyond the basic application requirements.
Why hire me instead of applying yourself directly? Many retailers often make mistakes when they are filling out the SNAP Retailer Application (FNS-252) which can lead to delays. The inaccuracy of the application, conflicting information or lack of information triggers an automatic 30-day Information Request. These delays cost money. Prevent delays by contacting me. I will ensure you understand fully what the USDA will ask of you.
Can I apply for a SNAP Retailer Permit before my store is open? No, the firm must be fully open to the public as the USDA FNS Contractor will come unannounced. They do not make appointments. They are there to verify all your answers on the SNAP Retailer Application (FNS-252), take photos of the store and count inventory specific to Staple Food items.
How often does my SNAP Permit need to be renewed? FNS SNAP Retailer Reauthorizations are conducted mostly every five years unless some activity warrants a more frequent audit. A letter with a specific timeframe to respond to will be mailed to the mailing address listed on the FNS-252 application.
The letter will provide information about accessing the Online Reauthorization (ORA) form FNS-252R. No email will be sent. If a firm fails to respond, the store will be dropped by the Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (SNAP) as a retailer. The owner will then need to reapply to reinstate their former FNS Number assigned.
Note: If new owners are added or owners removed, the firm may require a new SNAP Retailer FNS Number/application. (51% or more change in ownership will require a new FNS Number).
What if I own multiple stores? If ten or more stores are owned by a single owner or the same ownership team and/or corporation, you can request to be handled as a Multi-Store Operation (MSO). The USDA FNS Retailer Operations and Compliance (ROC) staff will merge all firms under a MSO and provide a single Point-of-Contact for your business.
Allow me to consolidate all documentation and track your MSO’s Reauthorization cycles. Contact me for more information.