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).
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2025-23089 — Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Implementation of the Access to Baby Formula Act of 2022 and Related Provisions; Correcting Amendments
This update fixes small mistakes in the WIC program rules that were made when new baby formula laws kicked in February 2024. It affects families using WIC benefits by making sure the rules are clear and correct, so they get the support they need without confusion. These corrections take effect December 17, 2025, keeping the program running smoothly and fairly.
2025-18624 — Updated Staple Food Stocking Standards for Retailers in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
This update changes the rules for stores that accept SNAP benefits, making them stock more types of staple foods like fruits, veggies, and grains. It affects retailers who want to keep helping families buy healthy food and sets clearer standards on what counts as staple foods versus snacks. These changes will roll out soon, helping ensure everyone has better access to nutritious options without extra costs for shoppers.
2026-06167 — Agency Information Collection Activities: USDA Professional Standards Trainings and Tracker Tool (PSTTT)
The USDA is keeping its Professional Standards Trainings and Tracker Tool going to help school nutrition pros find and track their required training hours. This extension doesn’t change anything but keeps the tool available for states and schools to meet Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act rules. If you’re involved, you can comment on this by June 1, 2026, but no new costs or deadlines are coming.
2026-04773 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request-The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Breastfeeding Award of Excellence
The USDA wants to update how it collects info for the WIC Breastfeeding Award, which honors local agencies that do a great job supporting breastfeeding moms and babies. This affects WIC clinics and local agencies who want to show off their breastfeeding support skills. Comments on the changes are open until May 11, 2026, with no new costs involved—just a chance to improve the award process!
2026-04203 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Requirement for Interstate Data Matching To Prevent Multiple Issuances
The USDA is updating how states share info to stop people from getting extra SNAP benefits in more than one state. This change affects state agencies and aims to keep the program fair and accurate without costing extra money. Public comments on this update are open until May 4, 2026, so everyone can weigh in!
2025-13879 — National School Lunch, Special Milk, and School Breakfast Programs, National Average Payments/Maximum Reimbursement Rates
Starting this July, the government is updating how much money it gives schools for lunches, breakfasts, snacks, and milk for kids in special meal programs. These changes reflect rising food costs and include extra help for places like Alaska and Hawaii. Schools and kids in these programs will see new payment rates that help keep meals affordable and tasty all year long!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-04774 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Measuring Educational Gain in the National Reporting System for Adult Education
The Department of Education wants to keep collecting info on how adults improve their education through a program called the National Reporting System. They’re not changing anything but need your thoughts by May 11, 2026. This affects adult education programs and helps make sure data is accurate without adding extra work or costs.
Next: 2026-04776 — Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings
The Center for Scientific Review is holding several closed virtual meetings in April 2026 to review and decide on important research grant applications. These meetings protect private info and trade secrets while helping decide who gets funding for cool science projects. If you’re involved in neuroscience, social sciences, blood research, or cancer studies, these dates matter for your grant chances!
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in