USDA's 'Do Not Pay' Squad Hunts Bad Checks
Published Date: 9/3/2026
Notice
Summary
USDA provides notice of a consolidated Department-wide matching program involving five USDA systems of records and the Department of the Treasury Do Not Pay (DNP) Working System. The program supports identifying, preventing, and recouping improper payments through pre-payment and pre-award eligibility verification. Treasury, in consultation with OMB, has issued a waiver of the matching agreement requirement.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
USDA will check payments via Do Not Pay
USDA will use the Department of the Treasury Do Not Pay (DNP) Working System to check eligibility before awards or payments and to identify, prevent, and recoup improper payments. This applies to applicants and recipients of USDA-administered Federal funds, including sole proprietors, vendors, contractors, borrowers, grantees, producers, and landowners; the matching program will remain in effect through September 10, 2029.
Your personal data will be shared with DNP
USDA will disclose to the DNP Working System minimum data elements needed for comparisons, which may include name, Social Security number, Taxpayer Identification Number (including EIN or ITIN), Unique Entity Identifier, date of birth, addresses, payment or award identifiers, and related identifying information.
Potential matches are only indicators
If the DNP Working System reports a potential match, that result is only an indicator requiring USDA verification and is not, by itself, a determination of ineligibility or a basis for adverse action. USDA will independently verify before any follow-up or action.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16965, Special Areas; Roadless Area Conservation
The USDA wants to cancel the 2001 Roadless Rule that stopped road building and logging in special forest areas. This change gives local forest managers more freedom to decide how to care for these lands based on local needs. People have until September 21, 2026, to share their thoughts, and this could affect how forests are managed and how money is spent on these lands.
2026-16760, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Changes in Federal-State Administrative Cost Sharing; Extension of Comment Period
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) is extending the public comment period on the proposed rule, "Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Changes in Federal-State Administrative Cost Sharing," which was published in the Federal Register on June 24, 2026. This action extends the public comment period from August 24, 2026, to September 8, 2026, to give the public additional time to review the proposed rule.
2026-13878, Supplemental Disaster Assistance Programs, Marketing Assistance Loans, and Sugar Provisions
Farmers and ranchers get some fresh updates to disaster help and loan programs thanks to the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act! This means better support for losses from birds, drought, and even unborn animals, plus higher loan rates for crops through 2031. Cotton growers and sugar producers also see new rules that could boost their payments and loan reviews starting now.
2026-12696, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Changes in Federal-State Administrative Cost Sharing
Starting in fiscal year 2027, the federal government will pay less—dropping its share of SNAP state administrative costs from 50% to 25%. This change affects states running the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and means they’ll cover more of the costs. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by August 24, 2026!
2026-11748, Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program; Approval of Information Collection Request
The USDA just got the green light to collect info for the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program, helping specialty crop farmers get payments smoothly. Farmers who reported their planted acres by April 24, 2026, will see their applications pre-filled, making the process easier and faster. This approval lasts until October 31, 2027, so farmers can expect steady support and clear deadlines ahead.
2026-10930, Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program
Starting June 1, 2026, the USDA is rolling out one-time payments to help specialty crop farmers cover higher costs and fight unfair trade practices from foreign competitors. This $1.625 billion boost supports farmers growing fruits, veggies, nuts, and more, making sure they stay strong in the market. If you grow specialty crops, get ready to apply and grab your share of the help!