USDA Updates SNAP EBT Card Fraud Prevention Measures
Published Date: 3/11/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA is updating how it tracks and handles requests for replacing SNAP EBT cards to stop fraud and misuse. This affects SNAP users who need new cards and agencies that monitor suspicious activity. Comments on these changes are open until May 11, 2026, helping keep the program safe and efficient without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
State Option to Withhold Replacement Cards
State agencies may set a replacement-card threshold (which cannot be less than four cards in 12 months) and can withhold issuing a new SNAP EBT card when the household reaches that threshold. The agency must notify you in writing and will withhold the card until you contact the agency and explain the reason for the requests.
Referral for Fraud Investigation
If a state agency suspects fraud or trafficking related to replacement card requests, the household will be referred for investigation and may receive written notification when the agency deems it necessary.
Notice at 4th EBT Card Request
If your household requests a fourth SNAP EBT replacement card within a 12-month period, your state agency must send a written notice telling you how many cards were requested over what time, explaining what counts as misuse or fraud, and saying your account is being monitored for potential trafficking activity.
Estimated Household Time Burden
USDA estimates about 292,064 SNAP households are affected annually and that households spend a total of 17,737.92 hours per year on tasks in this collection. The agency estimates 0.0607 hours per response on average, 0.0334 hours to read notices, and 0.5 hours to contact a state agency when a replacement card is withheld (affecting 16,064 households).
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