SNAP Debt Update: USDA Seeks Input on Collection Rules
Published Date: 4/8/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA is updating how it collects debts from people who owe money after getting SNAP benefits. This change affects SNAP recipients with unpaid debts and aims to make the process clearer and more efficient. Comments on these updates are open until June 8, 2026, so everyone has a chance to weigh in before the new rules take effect.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Delinquent SNAP Debts Referred After 120 Days
If you owe a delinquent SNAP debt, State agencies must refer debts that are 120 days or more delinquent to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for collection. The Treasury Offset Program (TOP) can intercept eligible federal payments such as federal income tax refunds and federal salaries to pay these SNAP debts.
Notices, Inquiries, and Appeal Rights for Debtors
Debtors will receive a TOP notice notifying them of the impending referral and their right to review and appeal. FNS estimates debtors will read about 249,953 TOP notices per year, submit about 17,497 informal inquiries, and file about 1,499 formal appeals in response.
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Key Dates
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