---
kind: "section"
citation: "7 U.S.C. § 2016"
title: "7"
title_heading: "Agriculture"
number: "2016"
heading: "Issuance and use of program benefits"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/7/2016"
units:
  - "Chapter 51 — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program"
---

# §2016. Issuance and use of program benefits

- (a) **In general—** Except as provided in [subsection (i)](#i), [EBT cards](/usc/7/2012.md?p=i) shall be issued only to [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) which have been duly certified as eligible to participate in the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t).
- (b) **Use—** [Benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) issued to eligible [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) shall be used by them only to purchase [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) from [retail food stores](/usc/7/2012.md?p=o) which have been approved for participation in the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) at prices prevailing in such stores: Provided, That nothing in this chapter shall be construed as authorizing the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) to specify the prices at which [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) may be sold by wholesale [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) concerns or [retail food stores](/usc/7/2012.md?p=o).
- (c) **Design—**
  - (1) **In general—** [EBT cards](/usc/7/2012.md?p=i) issued to eligible [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) shall be simple in design and shall include only such words or illustrations as are required to explain their purpose.
  - (2) **Prohibition—** The name of any public official shall not appear on any [EBT card](/usc/7/2012.md?p=i).
- (d) **Delivery and control procedures—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall prescribe appropriate procedures for the delivery of [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) to [benefit issuers](/usc/7/2012.md?p=e) and for the subsequent controls to be placed over such [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) by [benefit issuers](/usc/7/2012.md?p=e) in order to ensure adequate accountability.
- (e) **State issuance liability—** Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) shall be strictly liable to the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) for any financial losses involved in the acceptance, storage and issuance of [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d), except that in the case of losses resulting from the issuance and replacement of authorizations for [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) which are sent through the mail, the [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) shall be liable to the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) to the extent prescribed in the regulations promulgated by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p).
- (f) **Alternative benefit delivery—**
  - (1) **In general—** If the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) determines, in consultation with the Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture, that it would improve the integrity of the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t), the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall require a [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) to issue or deliver [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) using alternative methods.
  - (2) **Imposition of costs—**
    - (A) **In general—** Except as provided in [subparagraph (B)](#f-2-B), the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall require participating [retail food stores](/usc/7/2012.md?p=o) (including restaurants participating in a [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) option restaurant program intended to serve the elderly, disabled, and homeless) to pay 100 percent of the costs of acquiring, and arrange for the implementation of, electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer point-of-sale equipment and supplies, including related services.
    - (B) **Exemptions—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) may exempt from [subparagraph (A)](#f-2-A)—
      - (i) farmers’ [markets](/usc/7/198.md?p=1) and other direct-to-consumer [markets](/usc/7/198.md?p=1), military commissaries, nonprofit [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) buying cooperatives, and establishments, organizations, programs, or group living arrangements described in paragraphs (5), (7), and (8) of [section 2012(k) of this title](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k); and
      - (ii) establishments described in paragraphs (3), (4), and (9) of [section 2012(k) of this title](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k), other than restaurants participating in a [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) option restaurant program.
    - (C) **Interchange fees—** Nothing in this paragraph permits the charging of fees relating to the redemption of [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d), in accordance with [subsection (h)(13)](#h-13).
  - (3) **Devaluation and termination of issuance of paper coupons—**
    - (A) **Coupon issuance—** Effective on the date of enactment of the [Food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k), Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, no [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) shall issue any [coupon](/usc/7/2012.md?p=g), stamp, certificate, or authorization card to a [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) that receives supplemental nutrition assistance under this chapter.
    - (B) **EBT cards—** Effective beginning on the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of the [Food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k), Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, only an [EBT card](/usc/7/2012.md?p=i) issued under [subsection (i)](#i) shall be eligible for exchange at any [retail food store](/usc/7/2012.md?p=o).
    - (C) **De-obligation of coupons—** [Coupons](/usc/7/2012.md?p=g) not redeemed during the 1-year period beginning on the date of enactment of the [Food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k), Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 shall—
      - (i) no longer be an obligation of the Federal Government; and
      - (ii) not be redeemable.
  - (4) **Termination of manual vouchers—**
    - (A) **In general—** Effective beginning on February 7, 2014, except as provided in [subparagraph (B)](#f-4-B), no [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) shall issue manual vouchers to a [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) that receives supplemental nutrition assistance under this chapter or allow [retail food stores](/usc/7/2012.md?p=o) to accept manual vouchers as payment, unless the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) determines that the manual vouchers are necessary, such as in the event of an electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer system failure or a disaster situation.
    - (B) **Exemptions—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) may exempt categories of [retail food stores](/usc/7/2012.md?p=o) or individual [retail food stores](/usc/7/2012.md?p=o) from [subparagraph (A)](#f-4-A) based on criteria established by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p).
  - (5) **Unique identification number required—**
    - (A) **In general—** To enhance the anti-fraud protections of the program, the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall require all parties providing electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer services to provide for and maintain unique terminal identification number information through the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer transaction routing system.
    - (B) **Regulations—**
      - (i) **In general—** Not earlier than 2 years after February 7, 2014, the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall issue proposed regulations to carry out this paragraph.
      - (ii) **Commercial practices—** In issuing regulations to carry out this paragraph, the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall consider existing commercial practices for other point-of-sale debit transactions.
    - (C) **Operation of individual point of sale device by farmers’ markets and direct marketing farmers—** A farmers’ [market](/usc/7/198.md?p=1) or direct marketing farmer that is exempt under [paragraph (2)(B)(i)](#f-2-B-i) shall be allowed to operate an individual electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer point of sale device at more than 1 location under the same [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) authorization, if—
      - (i) the farmers’ [market](/usc/7/198.md?p=1) or direct marketing farmer provides to the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) information on location and hours of operation at each location; and
      - (ii)
        - (I) the point of sale device used by the farmers’ [market](/usc/7/198.md?p=1) or direct marketing farmer is capable of providing location information of the device through the electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer system; or
        - (II) if the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) determines that the technology is not available for a point of sale device to meet the requirement under [subclause (I)](#f-5-C-ii-I), the farmers’ [market](/usc/7/198.md?p=1) or direct marketing farmer provides to the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) any other information, as determined by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p), necessary to ensure the integrity of transactions processed using the point of sale device.
- (g) **Staggered issuance procedures—**
  - (1) The [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) may establish a procedure for staggering the issuance of [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) to eligible [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) throughout the month. Upon the request of the tribal organization that exercises governmental jurisdiction over the [reservation](/usc/7/2012.md?p=n), the [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) shall stagger the issuance of [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) for eligible [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) located on [reservations](/usc/7/2012.md?p=n) for at least 15 days of a month.
  - (2) **Requirements.—**
    - (A) **In general.—** Any procedure established under [paragraph (1)](#g-1) shall—
      - (i) not reduce the [allotment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=b) of any [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) for any period; and
      - (ii) ensure that no [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) experiences an interval between issuances of more than 40 days.
    - (B) **Multiple issuances.—** The procedure may include issuing [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) to a [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) in more than 1 issuance during a month only when a [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) correction is necessary.
- (h) **Electronic benefit transfers—**
  - (1) **In general.—**
    - (A) **Implementation.—** Not later than October 1, 2002, each [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) shall implement an electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer system under which [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) determined under section [2017(a)](/usc/7/2017.md?p=a) or [2035](/usc/7/2035.md) of this title are issued from and stored in a central databank, unless the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) provides a waiver for a [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) that faces unusual barriers to implementing an electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer system.
    - (B) **Timely implementation.—** Each [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) is encouraged to implement an electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer system under [subparagraph (A)](#h-1-A) as soon as practicable.
    - (C) **State flexibility.—** Subject to [paragraph (2)](#h-2), a [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) may procure and implement an electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer system under the terms, conditions, and design that the [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) considers appropriate.
    - (D) **Operation.—** An electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer system should take into account generally accepted standard operating rules based on—
      - (i) commercial electronic funds transfer technology;
      - (ii) the need to permit interstate operation and law enforcement monitoring; and
      - (iii) the need to permit monitoring and investigations by authorized law enforcement agencies.
  - (2) The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall issue final regulations that establish standards for the approval of such a system and shall periodically review such regulations and modify such regulations to take into account evolving technology and comparable industry standards. The standards shall include—
    - (A) defining the required level of recipient protection regarding privacy, ease of use, and access to and service in [retail food stores](/usc/7/2012.md?p=o);
    - (B) the terms and conditions of participation by [retail food stores](/usc/7/2012.md?p=o), financial institutions, and other appropriate parties;
    - (C)
      - (i) measures to maximize the [security](/usc/7/24.md?p=b) of a system using the most recent technology available that the [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) considers appropriate and cost effective and which may include personal identification numbers, photographic identification on electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer cards, and other measures to protect against fraud and abuse; and
      - (ii) unless determined by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) to be located in an area with significantly limited access to [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k), measures that require an electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer system—
        - (I) to set and enforce sales restrictions based on [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer payment eligibility by using scanning or product lookup entry; and
        - (II) to deny [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) tenders for manually entered sales of ineligible items.
    - (D) system transaction interchange, reliability, and processing speeds;
    - (E) financial accountability;
    - (F) the required testing of system operations prior to implementation;
    - (G) the analysis of the results of system implementation in a limited project area prior to expansion; and
    - (H) procurement standards.
  - (3) In the case of a system described in [paragraph (1)](#h-1) in which participation is not optional for [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1), the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall not approve such a system unless—
    - (A) a sufficient number of eligible [retail food stores](/usc/7/2012.md?p=o), including those stores able to serve minority language populations, have agreed to participate in the system throughout the area in which it will operate to ensure that eligible [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) will not suffer a significant reduction in their choice of [retail food stores](/usc/7/2012.md?p=o) or a significant increase in the cost of [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) or transportation to participating [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) stores; and
    - (B) any special equipment necessary to allow [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) to purchase [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) with the [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) issued under this chapter is operational at a sufficient number of registers to provide service that is comparable to service provided individuals who are not members of [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) receiving [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d), as determined by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p).
  - (4) Administrative costs incurred in connection with activities under this subsection shall be eligible for reimbursement in accordance with [section 2025 of this title](/usc/7/2025.md), subject to the limitations in [section 2025(g) of this title](/usc/7/2025.md?p=g).
  - (5) The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall periodically inform [State agencies](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) of the advantages of using electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) systems to issue [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) in accordance with this subsection in lieu of issuing [coupons](/usc/7/2012.md?p=g) to [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1).
  - (6) This subsection shall not diminish the authority of the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) to conduct projects to test automated or electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) delivery systems under [section 2026(f) of this title](/usc/7/2026.md?p=f).
  - (7) **Replacement of benefits.—** Regulations issued by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) regarding the replacement of [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) and liability for replacement of [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) under an electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer system shall be similar to the regulations in effect for a paper-based supplemental nutrition assistance issuance system.
  - (8) **Replacement of cards.—**
    - (A) **Fees.—** A [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) may collect a charge for replacement of an electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer card by reducing the monthly [allotment](/usc/7/2012.md?p=b) of the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) receiving the replacement card.
    - (B) **Purposeful loss of cards.—**
      - (i) **In general.—** Subject to terms and conditions established by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) in accordance with [clause (ii)](#h-8-B-ii), if a [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) makes excessive requests for replacement of the electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer card of the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1), the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) may require a [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) to decline to issue a replacement card to the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) unless the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1), upon request of the [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s), provides an explanation for the loss of the card.
      - (ii) **Requirements.—** The terms and conditions established by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall provide that—
        - (I) the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) be given the opportunity to provide the requested explanation and meet the requirements under this paragraph promptly;
        - (II) after an excessive number of lost cards, the head of the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) shall be required to review program rights and responsibilities with [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) personnel authorized to make determinations under [section 2014(a) of this title](/usc/7/2014.md?p=a); and
        - (III) any action taken, including actions required under [section 2015(b)(2) of this title](/usc/7/2015.md?p=b-2), other than the withholding of the electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer card until an explanation described in [subclause (I)](#h-8-B-ii-I) is provided, shall be consistent with the due process protections under section [2015(b)](/usc/7/2015.md?p=b) or [2020(e)(10)](/usc/7/2020.md?p=e-10) of this title, as appropriate.
    - (C) **Protecting vulnerable persons.—** In implementing this paragraph, a [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) shall act to protect homeless [persons](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-1), [persons](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-1) with disabilities, victims of crimes, and other vulnerable [persons](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-1) who lose electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer cards but are not intentionally committing fraud.
    - (D) **Effect on eligibility.—** While a [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) may decline to issue an electronic [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer card until a [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) satisfies the requirements under this paragraph, nothing in this paragraph shall be considered a denial of, or limitation on, the eligibility for [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) under [section 2014 of this title](/usc/7/2014.md).
  - (9) **Optional photographic identification.—**
    - (A) **In general.—** A [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) may require that an electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) card contain a photograph of 1 or more members of a [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1).
    - (B) **Other authorized users.—** If a [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) requires a photograph on an electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) card under [subparagraph (A)](#h-9-A), the [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) shall establish procedures to ensure that any other appropriate member of the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) or any authorized representative of the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) may utilize the card.
  - (10) **Federal law not applicable.—** [Section 1693o–2](/usc/15/1693o–2.md) of title 15 shall not apply to electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer or reimbursement systems under this chapter.
  - (11) **Application of anti-tying restrictions to electronic benefit transfer systems.—**
    - (A) **Definitions.—** In this paragraph:
      - (i) **Affiliate.—** The term “affiliate” has the meaning provided the term in [section 1841(k) of title 12](/usc/12/1841.md?p=k).
      - (ii) **Company.—** The term “company” has the meaning provided the term in [section 1971 of title 12](/usc/12/1971.md), but shall not include a [bank](/usc/7/27.md?p=a), a [bank](/usc/7/27.md?p=a) holding company, or any subsidiary of a [bank](/usc/7/27.md?p=a) holding company.
      - (iii) **Electronic benefit transfer service.—** The term “electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer service” means the processing of electronic transfers of [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d), determined under section [2017(a)](/usc/7/2017.md?p=a) or [2035](/usc/7/2035.md) of this title, if the [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) are—
        - (I) issued from and stored in a central databank;
        - (II) electronically accessed by [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) members at the point of sale; and
        - (III) provided by a Federal or [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) government.
      - (iv) **Point-of-sale service.—** The term “point-of-sale service” means any product or service related to the electronic authorization and processing of payments for merchandise at a [retail food store](/usc/7/2012.md?p=o), including credit or debit card services, automated teller machines, point-of-sale terminals, or access to on-line systems.
    - (B) **Restrictions.—** A company may not sell or provide electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer services, or fix or vary the consideration for electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer services, on the condition or requirement that the [customer](/usc/7/24.md?p=b)—
      - (i) obtain some additional point-of-sale service from the company or an affiliate of the company; or
      - (ii) not obtain some additional point-of-sale service from a competitor of the company or competitor of any affiliate of the company.
    - (C) **Consultation with the federal reserve board.—** Before promulgating regulations or interpretations of regulations to carry out this paragraph, the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall consult with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
  - (12) **Recovering electronic benefits.—**
    - (A) **In general.—** A [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) shall establish a procedure for recovering electronic [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) from the account of a [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) due to inactivity, or due to the death of all members of the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1).
    - (B) **Benefit storage.—**
      - (i) **In general.—** A [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) may store recovered electronic [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) off-line in accordance with [clause (ii)](#h-12-B-ii), if the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) has not accessed the account after 3 months.
      - (ii) **Notice of benefit storage.—** A [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) shall—
        - (I) send notice to a [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) the [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) of which are stored under [clause (i)](#h-12-B-i); and
        - (II) not later than 48 hours after request by the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1), make the stored [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) available to the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1).
    - (C) **Benefit expunging.—**
      - (i) **In general.—** Subject to [clause (ii)](#h-12-C-ii), a [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) shall expunge [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) that have not been accessed by a [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) after a period of 9 months, or upon verification that all members of the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) are deceased.
      - (ii) **Notice of benefit expunging.—** Not later than 30 days before [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) are to be expunged under [clause (i)](#h-12-C-i), a [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) shall—
        - (I) provide sufficient notice to the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) that [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) will be expunged due to inactivity, and the date upon which [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) will be expunged;
        - (II) for [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) stored off-line in accordance with [subparagraph (B)](#h-12-B), provide the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) an opportunity to request that such [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) be restored to the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1); and
        - (III) not later than 48 hours after request by the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1), make the [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) available to the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1).
    - (D) **Notice.—** A [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) shall—
      - (i) send notice to a [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) the [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) of which are stored under [subparagraph (B)](#h-12-B); and
      - (ii) not later than 48 hours after request by the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1), make the stored [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) available to the [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1).
  - (13) **Fees.—**
    - (A) **Interchange fees.—** No interchange fees shall apply to electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer transactions under this subsection.
    - (B) **Other fees.—** Effective through fiscal year 2023, neither a [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r), nor any agent, contractor, or subcontractor of a [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) who facilitates the provision of [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) in such [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) may impose a fee for switching (as defined in [subsection (j)(1)(H)](#j-1-H)) or routing such [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d).
  - (14) **Mobile technologies.—**
    - (A) **In general.—** Subject to [subparagraph (B)](#h-14-B), the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall authorize the use of mobile technologies for the purpose of accessing [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d).
    - (B) **Demonstration projects on access of benefits through mobile technologies.—**
      - (i) **Demonstration projects.—** Before authorizing implementation of [subparagraph (A)](#h-14-A) in all [States](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r), the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall approve not more than 5 demonstration project proposals submitted by [State agencies](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) that will pilot the use of mobile technologies for [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) access.
      - (ii) **Project requirements.—** To be eligible to participate in a demonstration project under [clause (i)](#h-14-B-i), a [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) shall submit to the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) for approval a plan that—
        - (I) provides recipient protections regarding privacy, ease of use, [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) access to [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d), and support similar to the protections provided under existing methods;
        - (II) ensures that all recipients, including those without access to mobile payment technology and those who shop across [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) borders, have a means of [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) access;
        - (III) requires [retail food stores](/usc/7/2012.md?p=o), unless exempt under [section 2016(f)(2)(B) of this title](#f-2-B), to bear the costs of acquiring and arranging for the implementation of point-of-sale equipment and supplies for the redemption of [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) that are accessed through mobile technologies;
        - (IV) requires that [foods](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) purchased with [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) issued under this section through mobile technologies are purchased at a price not higher than the price of the same [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) purchased by other methods used by the [retail food store](/usc/7/2012.md?p=o), as determined by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p);
        - (V) ensures adequate documentation for each authorized transaction, adequate [security](/usc/7/24.md?p=b) measures to deter fraud, and adequate access to [retail food stores](/usc/7/2012.md?p=o) that accept [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) accessed through mobile technologies, as determined by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p);
        - (VI) provides for an evaluation of the demonstration project, including, but not limited to, an evaluation of [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) access to [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d);
        - (VII) requires that the [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) demonstration projects are voluntary for all [retail food stores](/usc/7/2012.md?p=o) and that all recipients are able to use [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) in non-participating [retail food stores](/usc/7/2012.md?p=o); and
        - (VIII) meets other criteria as established by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p).
      - (iii) **Priority.—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) may prioritize demonstration project proposals that would—
        - (I) reduce fraud;
        - (II) encourage positive nutritional outcomes; and
        - (III) meet such other criteria as determined by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p).
      - (iv) **Date of project approval.—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall solicit and approve the qualifying demonstration projects required under [subparagraph (B)(i)](#h-14-B-i) not later than January 1, 2021.
    - (C) **Report to congress.—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall—
      - (i) by not later than January 1, 2022, authorize implementation of [subparagraph (A)](#h-14-A) in all [States](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r), unless the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) makes a finding, based on the data provided under [subparagraph (B)](#h-14-B), that implementation in all [States](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) requires further study by way of an extended pilot period or is not in the best interest of the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t); and
      - (ii) if the determination made in [clause (i)](#h-14-C-i) is not to implement [subparagraph (A)](#h-14-A) in all [States](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r), submit a report to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate that includes the basis of the finding.
- (i) **State option to issue benefits to certain individuals made ineligible by welfare reform—**
  - (1) **In general—** Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) may, with the approval of the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p), issue [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) under this chapter to an individual who is ineligible to participate in the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) solely as a result of [section 2015(o)(2)](/usc/7/2015.md?p=o-2) of this title or section 1612 or 1613 of title 8.
  - (2) **State payments to Secretary—**
    - (A) **In general—** Not later than the date the [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) issues [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) to individuals under this subsection, the [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) shall pay the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p), in accordance with procedures established by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p), an amount that is equal to—
      - (i) the value of the [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d); and
      - (ii) the costs of issuing and redeeming [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d), and other Federal costs, incurred in providing the [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d), as determined by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p).
    - (B) **Crediting—** Notwithstanding [section 3302(b) of title 31](/usc/31/3302.md?p=b), payments received under [subparagraph (A)](#i-2-A) shall be credited to the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) appropriation account or the account from which the costs were drawn, as appropriate, for the fiscal year in which the payment is received.
  - (3) **Reporting—** To be eligible to issue [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) under this subsection, a [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) shall comply with reporting requirements established by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) to carry out this subsection.
  - (4) **Plan—** To be eligible to issue [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) under this subsection, a [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) shall—
    - (A) submit a plan to the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) that describes the conditions and procedures under which the [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) will be issued, including eligibility standards, [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) levels, and the methodology the [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) will use to determine amounts due the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) under [paragraph (2)](#i-2); and
    - (B) obtain the approval of the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) for the plan.
  - (5) **Violations—** A sanction, disqualification, fine, or other penalty prescribed under Federal law (including sections [2021](/usc/7/2021.md) and [2024](/usc/7/2024.md) of this title) shall apply to a violation committed in connection with a [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) issued under this subsection.
  - (6) **Ineligibility for administrative reimbursement—** Administrative and other costs incurred in issuing a [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) under this subsection shall not be eligible for Federal funding under this chapter.
  - (7) **Exclusion from enhanced payment accuracy systems—** [Section 2025(c) of this title](/usc/7/2025.md?p=c) shall not apply to [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) issued under this subsection.
- (j) **Interoperability and portability of electronic benefit transfer transactions—**
  - (1) **Definitions—** In this subsection:
    - (A) **Electronic benefit transfer card—** The term “electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer card” means a card that provides [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) under this chapter through an electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer service (as defined in [subsection (h)(11)(A)](#h-11-A)).
    - (B) **Electronic benefit transfer contract—** The term “electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer contract” means a contract that provides for the issuance, use, or redemption of program [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) in the form of electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer cards.
    - (C) **Interoperability—** The term “interoperability” means a system that enables program [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) in the form of an electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer card to be redeemed in any [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r).
    - (D) **Interstate transaction—** The term “interstate transaction” means a transaction that is initiated in 1 [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) by the use of an electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer card that is issued in another [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r).
    - (E) **Portability—** The term “portability” means a system that enables program [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) in the form of an electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer card to be used in any [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) by a [household](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) to purchase [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) at a [retail food store](/usc/7/2012.md?p=o) or wholesale [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) concern approved under this chapter.
    - (F) **Settling—** The term “settling” means movement, and reporting such movement, of funds from an electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer card issuer that is located in 1 [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) to a [retail food store](/usc/7/2012.md?p=o), or wholesale [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) concern, that is located in another [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r), to accomplish an interstate transaction.
    - (G) **Smart card—** The term “smart card” means an intelligent [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) card described in [section 2026(f) of this title](/usc/7/2026.md?p=f).
    - (H) **Switching—** The term “switching” means the routing of an intrastate or interstate transaction that consists of transmitting the details of a transaction electronically recorded through the use of an electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer card in one [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r) to the issuer of the card that may be in the same or different [State](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r).
  - (2) **Requirement—** Not later than October 1, 2002, the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall ensure that systems that provide for the electronic issuance, use, and redemption of program [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) in the form of electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer cards are interoperable, and [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) are portable, among all [States](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r).
  - (3) **Cost—** The cost of achieving the interoperability and portability required under [paragraph (2)](#j-2) shall not be imposed on any retail store, or any wholesale [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) concern, approved to participate in the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t).
  - (4) **Standards—** Not later than 210 days after February 11, 2000, the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall promulgate regulations that—
    - (A) adopt a uniform national standard of interoperability and portability required under [paragraph (2)](#j-2) that is based on the standard of interoperability and portability used by a majority of [State agencies](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s); and
    - (B) require that any electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer contract that is entered into 30 days or more after the regulations are promulgated, by or on behalf of a [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s), provide for the interoperability and portability required under [paragraph (2)](#j-2) in accordance with the national standard.
  - (5) **Exemptions—**
    - (A) **Contracts—** The requirements of [paragraph (2)](#j-2) shall not apply to the transfer of [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) under an electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer contract before the expiration of the term of the contract if the contract—
      - (i) is entered into before the date that is 30 days after the regulations are promulgated under [paragraph (4)](#j-4); and
      - (ii) expires after October 1, 2002.
    - (B) **Waiver—** At the request of a [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s), the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) may provide 1 waiver to temporarily exempt, for a period ending on or before the date specified under [clause (iii)](#j-5-B-iii), the [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) from complying with the requirements of [paragraph (2)](#j-2), if the [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s)—
      - (i) establishes to the satisfaction of the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) that the [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) faces unusual technological barriers to achieving by October 1, 2002, the interoperability and portability required under [paragraph (2)](#j-2);
      - (ii) demonstrates that the best interest of the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) would be served by granting the waiver with respect to the electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer system used by the [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) to administer the [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t); and
      - (iii) specifies a date by which the [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) will achieve the interoperability and portability required under [paragraph (2)](#j-2).
    - (C) **Smart card systems—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall allow a [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) that is using smart cards for the delivery of [supplemental nutrition assistance program](/usc/7/2012.md?p=t) [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) to comply with the requirements of [paragraph (2)](#j-2) at such time after October 1, 2002, as the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) determines that a practicable technological method is available for interoperability with electronic [benefit](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) transfer cards.
  - (6) **Funding—**
    - (A) **In general—** In accordance with regulations promulgated by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p), the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall pay 100 percent of the costs incurred by a [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) under this chapter for switching and settling interstate transactions—
      - (i) incurred after February 11, 2000, and before October 1, 2002, if the [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) uses the standard of interoperability and portability adopted by a majority of [State agencies](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s); and
      - (ii) incurred after September 30, 2002, if the [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) uses the uniform national standard of interoperability and portability adopted under [paragraph (4)(A)](#j-4-A).
    - (B) **Limitation—** The total amount paid to [State agencies](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) for each fiscal year under [subparagraph (A)](#j-6-A) shall not exceed $500,000.
- (k) **Acceptance of program benefits through online transactions—**
  - (1) **In general—** Subject to [paragraph (4)](#k-4), the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall approve [retail food stores](/usc/7/2012.md?p=o) to accept [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) from recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance through on-line transactions.
  - (2) **Requirements to accept benefits—** A [retail food store](/usc/7/2012.md?p=o) seeking to accept [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) from recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance through on-line transactions shall—
    - (A) establish recipient protections regarding privacy, ease of use, access, and support similar to the protections provided for transactions made in [retail food stores](/usc/7/2012.md?p=o);
    - (B) ensure [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) are not used to pay delivery, ordering, convenience, or other fees or charges;
    - (C) clearly notify participating [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) at the time a [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) order is placed—
      - (i) of any delivery, ordering, convenience, or other fee or charge associated with the [food](/usc/7/2012.md?p=k) purchase; and
      - (ii) that any such fee cannot be paid with [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) provided under this chapter;
    - (D) ensure the [security](/usc/7/24.md?p=b) of on-line transactions by using the most effective technology available that the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) considers appropriate and cost-effective and that is comparable to the [security](/usc/7/24.md?p=b) of transactions at [retail food stores](/usc/7/2012.md?p=o); and
    - (E) meet other criteria as established by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p).
  - (3) **State agency action—** Each [State agency](/usc/7/2012.md?p=s) shall ensure that recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance can use [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) on-line as described in this subsection as appropriate.
  - (4) **Demonstration project on acceptance of benefits through on-line transactions—**
    - (A) **In general—** Before the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) authorizes implementation of [paragraph (1)](#k-1) in all [States](/usc/7/2012.md?p=r), the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) shall carry out a number of demonstration projects as determined by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) to test the feasibility of allowing [retail food stores](/usc/7/2012.md?p=o) to accept [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) through on-line transactions.
    - (B) **Demonstration projects—** To be eligible to participate in a demonstration project under [subparagraph (A)](#k-4-A), a [retail food store](/usc/7/2012.md?p=o) shall submit to the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) for approval a plan that includes—
      - (i) a method of ensuring that [benefits](/usc/7/2012.md?p=d) may be used to purchase only eligible items under this chapter;
      - (ii) a description of the method of educating participant [households](/usc/7/2012.md?p=m-1) about the availability and operation of on-line purchasing;
      - (iii) adequate testing of the on-line purchasing option prior to implementation;
      - (iv) the provision of data as requested by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p) for purposes of analyzing the impact of the project on participant access, ease of use, and program integrity;
      - (v) reports on progress, challenges, and results, as determined by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p); and
      - (vi) such other criteria, including [security](/usc/7/24.md?p=b) criteria, as established by the [Secretary](/usc/7/2012.md?p=p).

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 88–525, § 7, Aug. 31, 1964, 78 Stat. 705; Pub. L. 91–671, § 5, Jan. 11, 1971, 84 Stat. 2050; Pub. L. 93–86, § 3(m), Aug. 10, 1973, 87 Stat. 248; Pub. L. 93–125, § 1(k), Oct. 18, 1973, 87 Stat. 450; Pub. L. 94–339, § 2, July 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 799; Pub. L. 95–113, title XIII, § 1301, Sept. 29, 1977, 91 Stat. 967; Pub. L. 97–98, title XIII, § 1312, Dec. 22, 1981, 95 Stat. 1285; Pub. L. 97–253, title I, §§ 162, 190(c)(2), Sept. 8, 1982, 96 Stat. 778, 787; Pub. L. 99–198, title XV, §§ 1518, 1519, Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1578; Pub. L. 100–435, title II, § 203(b), Sept. 19, 1988, 102 Stat. 1657; Pub. L. 101–624, title XVII, §§ 1728, 1729(a), Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3788, 3789; Pub. L. 103–225, title I, § 102, Mar. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 107; Pub. L. 104–193, title VIII, § 825(a), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2324; Pub. L. 105–18, title VII, [(a)], June 12, 1997, 111 Stat. 216; Pub. L. 106–171, § 3, Feb. 11, 2000, 114 Stat. 3; Pub. L. 107–171, title IV, § 4110, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 309; Pub. L. 110–234, title IV, §§ 4001(b), 4002(a)(4), 4113–4115(a), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1092, 1093, 1103; Pub. L. 110–246, § 4(a), title IV, §§ 4001(b), 4002(a)(4), 4113–4115(a), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1853, 1854, 1864, 1865; Pub. L. 111–203, title X, § 1075(b), July 21, 2010, 124 Stat. 2074; Pub. L. 113–79, title IV, §§ 4002(b)–(d), 4010–4011(b)(2)(A), 4030(e), Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 783, 784, 789–792, 814; Pub. L. 115–334, title IV, §§ 4001(b), 4006(a)–(e), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4624, 4634, 4635.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

The date of enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, referred to in subsec. (f)(3), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–246, which was approved June 18, 2008.

### Codification

Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.

### Amendments

2018—Subsec. (f)(5)(C). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4006(a), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4006(b), in introductory provisions, inserted “and shall periodically review such regulations and modify such regulations to take into account evolving technology and comparable industry standards” after “such a system”.

Subsec. (h)(12)(A). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4006(c)(1), inserted “, or due to the death of all members of the household” after “due to inactivity”.

Subsec. (h)(12)(B), (C). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4006(c)(2), added subpars. (B) and (C) and struck out former subpars. (B) and (C) which read as follows:

“(B) Benefit storage.—A State agency may store recovered electronic benefits off-line in accordance with subparagraph (D), if the household has not accessed the account after 6 months.

“(C) Benefit expunging.—A State agency shall expunge benefits that have not been accessed by a household after a period of 12 months.”

Subsec. (h)(13). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4006(d)(1), amended par. (13) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “No interchange fees shall apply to electronic benefit transfer transactions under this subsection.”

Subsec. (h)(14)(A). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4006(e)(1), amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (A) related to redemption of benefits by retail food stores through electronic means other than wired point of sale devices for electronic benefit transfer transactions, if certain criteria had been met.

Subsec. (h)(14)(B). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4006(e)(2)(A), substituted “Demonstration projects on access of benefits through mobile technologies” for “Demonstration project on acceptance of benefits of mobile transactions” in heading.

Subsec. (h)(14)(B)(i). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4006(e)(2)(B), amended cl. (i) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Before authorizing implementation of subparagraph (A) in all States, the Secretary shall pilot the use of mobile technologies determined by the Secretary to be appropriate to test the feasibility and implications for program integrity, by allowing retail food stores to accept benefits from recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance through mobile transactions.”

Subsec. (h)(14)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4006(e)(2)(C)(i)–(iii), in heading substituted “Project requirements” for “Demonstration projects” and, in introductory provisions, substituted “State agency” for “retail food store” and struck out “includes” after “a plan that”.

Subsec. (h)(14)(B)(ii)(I) to (VIII). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4006(e)(2)(C)(iv), added subcls. (I) to (VIII) and struck out former subcls. (I) to (IV) which read as follows:

“(I) a description of the technology;

“(II) the manner by which the retail food store will provide proof of the transaction to households;

“(III) the provision of data to the Secretary, consistent with requirements established by the Secretary, in a manner that allows the Secretary to evaluate the impact of the demonstration on participant access, ease of use, and program integrity; and

“(IV) such other criteria as the Secretary may require.”

Subsec. (h)(14)(B)(iii), (iv). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4006(e)(2)(D), (E), added cl. (iii) and amended former cl. (iii) generally, which general amendment also redesignated former cl. (iii) as (iv). Prior to amendment, text of cl. (iii) read as follows: “The demonstration projects under this subparagraph shall be completed and final reports submitted to the Secretary by not later than July 1, 2016.”

Subsec. (h)(14)(C)(i). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4006(e)(3), substituted “2022” for “2017” and inserted “requires further study by way of an extended pilot period or” before “is not in the best interest”.

Subsec. (j)(1)(H). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4006(d)(2), amended subpar. (H) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “The term ‘switching’ means the routing of an interstate transaction that consists of transmitting the details of a transaction electronically recorded through the use of an electronic benefit transfer card in 1 State to the issuer of the card that is in another State.”

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4001(b)(1), substituted “Acceptance of program benefits through online transactions” for “Option to accept program benefits through on-line transactions” in heading.

Subsec. (k)(4)(C). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4001(b)(2), struck out subpar. (C). Text read as follows: “The demonstration projects under this paragraph shall be completed and final reports submitted to the Secretary by not later than July 1, 2016.”

Subsec. (k)(5). Pub. L. 115–334, § 4001(b)(3), struck out par. (5). Text read as follows: “The Secretary shall—

“(A) by not later than January 1, 2017, authorize implementation of paragraph (1) in all States, unless the Secretary makes a finding, based on the data provided under paragraph (4), that implementation in all States is not in the best interest of the supplemental nutrition assistance program; and

“(B) if the determination made in subparagraph (A) is not to implement in all States, submit a report to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate that includes the basis of the finding.”

2014—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–79, § 4011(b)(2)(A), substituted “purchase food from retail food stores” for “purchase food in retail food stores”.

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 113–79, § 4002(b)(1), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2). Text read as follows: “The cost of documents or systems that may be required by this subsection may not be imposed upon a retail food store participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program.”

Subsec. (f)(4), (5). Pub. L. 113–79, § 4002(b)(2), added pars. (4) and (5).

Subsec. (h)(2)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 113–79, § 4002(c), added cl. (ii) and struck out former cl. (ii) which read as follows: “effective not later than 2 years after August 22, 1996, to the extent practicable, measures that permit a system to differentiate items of food that may be acquired with an allotment from items of food that may not be acquired with an allotment;”.

Subsec. (h)(3)(B). Pub. L. 113–79, § 4002(d), substituted “is operational at a sufficient number” for “is operational—

“(i) in the case of a participating retail food store in which coupons are used to purchase 15 percent or more of the total dollar amount of food sold by the store (as determined by the Secretary), at all registers in the store; and

“(ii) in the case of other participating stores, at a sufficient number”.

Subsec. (h)(8). Pub. L. 113–79, § 4010, substituted “of cards” for “card fee” in par. heading, designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), inserted subpar. heading, and added subpars. (B) to (D).

Subsec. (h)(12), (13). Pub. L. 113–79, § 4030(e), redesignated par. (12), relating to interchange fees, as (13).

Subsec. (h)(14). Pub. L. 113–79, § 4011(a), added par. (14).

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 113–79, § 4011(b)(1), added subsec. (k).

2010—Subsec. (h)(10). Pub. L. 111–203 amended par. (10) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Disclosures, protections, responsibilities, and remedies established by the Federal Reserve Board under section 1693b of title 15 shall not apply to benefits under this chapter delivered through any electronic benefit transfer system.”

2008—Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(a)(1), substituted “program benefits” for “coupons” in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(a)(1), inserted heading and substituted “Except as provided in subsection (i), EBT cards shall be” for “Coupons shall be printed under such arrangements and in such denominations as may be determined by the Secretary to be necessary, and (except as provided in subsection (j) of this section) shall be”.

Pub. L. 110–246, § 4001(b), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program” for “food stamp program”.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(a)(2), inserted heading, substituted “Benefits” for “Coupons”, and struck out before period at end “: Provided further, That eligible households using coupons to purchase food may receive cash in change therefor so long as the cash received does not equal or exceed the value of the lowest coupon denomination issued”.

Pub. L. 110–246, § 4001(b), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program” for “food stamp program”.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(a)(3), inserted subsec. heading, designated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted par. heading, substituted “EBT cards” for “Coupons”, struck out “and define their denomination” after “explain their purpose”, struck out at end “The name of any public official shall not appear on such coupons.”, and added par. (2).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(a)(4), (12), redesignated subsec. (e) as (d) and struck out former subsec. (d) which related to determination and monitoring of coupon inventory levels and certified monthly report on issuer’s operations.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(a)(12), redesignated subsec. (f) as (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (d).

Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(a)(5), substituted “benefits” for “coupons” in two places and “benefit issuers” for “coupon issuers” in two places.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(a)(12), redesignated subsec. (g) as (f). Former subsec. (f) redesignated (e).

Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(a)(6), substituted “issuance of benefits” for “issuance of coupons”, “benefit issuers” for “coupon issuer”, and “authorizations for benefits” for “authorizations for coupons and allotments” and struck out “including any losses involving failure of a benefit issuers to comply with the requirements specified in section 2020(e)(20) of this title,” after “issuance of benefits”.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(a)(12), redesignated subsec. (h) as (g). Former subsec. (g) redesignated (f).

Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(a)(7), added subsec. (g) and struck out former subsec. (g) which related to issuance or delivery of food stamp coupons using alternative methods or issuance of other reusable documents in lieu of coupons by a State agency.

Pub. L. 110–246, § 4001(b), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program” for “food stamp program” in two places.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(a)(12), redesignated subsec. (i) as (h). Former subsec. (h) redesignated (g).

Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(a)(8), substituted “benefits” for “coupons”.

Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4113, added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: “Any procedure established under paragraph (1) shall not reduce the allotment of any household and shall ensure that no household experiences an interval between issuances of more than 40 days. The procedure may include issuing a household’s benefits in more than one issuance.”

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(a)(12), redesignated subsec. (j) as (i). Former subsec. (i) redesignated (h).

Subsec. (i)(3)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(4)(A)(i), substituted “households receiving supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits” for “food stamp households”.

Subsec. (i)(7). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(4)(A)(ii), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance issuance” for “food stamp issuance”.

Subsec. (i)(12). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(a)(9), added par. (12) relating to interchange fees.

Pub. L. 110–246, § 4114, added par. (12) relating to recovering electronic benefits.

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(a)(12), redesignated subsec. (k) as (j). Former subsec. (j) redesignated (i).

Subsec. (j)(1). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4001(b), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program” for “food stamp program”.

Subsec. (j)(2)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(a)(10)(A), substituted “issuing and redeeming benefits” for “printing, shipping, and redeeming coupons”.

Subsec. (j)(2)(B). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4001(b), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program” for “food stamp program”.

Subsec. (j)(5). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(a)(10)(B), substituted “benefit” for “coupon”.

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(a)(12), redesignated subsec. (k) as (j).

Subsec. (k)(1)(A). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(a)(11)(C), which directed amendment of subpar. (A) by substituting “subsection (h)(11)(A)” for “subsection (i)(11)(A)”, was executed by making the substitution in subpar. (A) of par. (1), to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (k)(1)(B). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(a)(11)(A), substituted “program benefits in the form of” for “coupons in the form of”.

Subsec. (k)(1)(C), (E). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(a)(11)(B), substituted “program benefits in the form of” for “a coupon issued in the form of”.

Subsec. (k)(2). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4115(a)(11)(A), substituted “program benefits in the form of” for “coupons in the form of”.

Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(4)(B)(i), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits” for “food stamp benefits”.

Subsec. (k)(3). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(a)(4)(B)(ii), substituted “retail store” for “food stamp retail store”.

Pub. L. 110–246, § 4001(b), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program” for “food stamp program”.

Subsec. (k)(5)(B)(ii), (C). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4001(b), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program” for “food stamp program” wherever appearing.

2002—Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 107–171 redesignated subpars. (B) to (I) as (A) to (H), respectively, and struck out former subpar. (A) which read as follows: “determining the cost-effectiveness of the system to ensure that its operational cost, including the pro rata cost of capital expenditures and other reasonable startup costs, does not exceed the operational cost of issuance systems in use prior to the implementation of the electronic benefit transfer system;”.

2000—Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 106–171 added subsec. (k).

1997—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–18, title VII, [(a)(1)], inserted “(except as provided in subsection (j) of this section)” after “necessary, and”.

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 105–18, title VII, [(a)(2)], added subsec. (j).

1996—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 104–193, § 825(a)(1), inserted subsec. heading.

Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 104–193, § 825(a)(1), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows:

“(1)(A) Any State agency may, with the approval of the Secretary, implement an on-line electronic benefit transfer system in which household benefits determined under section 2017(a) of this title are issued from and stored in a central data bank and electronically accessed by household members at the point-of-sale.

“(B) No State agency may implement or expand an electronic benefit transfer system without prior approval from the Secretary.”

Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 104–193, § 825(a)(2)(A), struck out “effective no later than April 1, 1992,” after “regulations” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (i)(2)(A). Pub. L. 104–193, § 825(a)(2)(B), struck out “, in any 1 year,” after “does not exceed” and “on-line” before “electronic benefit”.

Subsec. (i)(2)(D). Pub. L. 104–193, § 825(a)(2)(C), added subpar. (D) and struck out former subpar. (D) which read as follows: “system security;”.

Subsec. (i)(2)(I). Pub. L. 104–193, § 825(a)(2)(D)–(F), added subpar. (I).

Subsec. (i)(7) to (11). Pub. L. 104–193, § 825(a)(3), added pars. (7) to (11).

1994—Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 103–225 inserted second sentence and struck out former second sentence which read as follows: “The State agency shall establish such a procedure for eligible households residing on reservations.”

1990—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 101–624, § 1728, amended subsec. (h) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (h) read as follows: “The State agency may implement a procedure for staggering the issuance of coupons to eligible households throughout the entire month: Provided, That the procedure ensures that, in the transition period from other issuance procedures, no eligible household experiences an interval between coupon issuances of more than 40 days, either through regular issuances by the State agency or through supplemental issuances.”

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 101–624, § 1729(a), added subsec. (i).

1988—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 100–435 struck out par. (1) designation and par. (2) which read as follows: “For any eligible household that applies for participation in the food stamp program during the last fifteen days of a month and is issued benefits within that period, coupons shall be issued for the first full month of participation by the the [sic] eighth day of the first full month of participation.”

1985—Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 99–198, § 1519, substituted “shall” for “may” in provisions preceding subpar. (A).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 99–198, § 1518, added subsec. (h).

1982—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 97–253, § 190(c)(2), substituted reference to section 2020(e)(20) of this title for former reference to section 2020(e)(21) of this title.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 97–253, § 162, added subsec. (g).

1981—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 97–98 substituted “strictly liable” for “responsible” and inserted provision including any losses involving failure of a coupon issuer to comply with the requirements of section 2020(e)(21) of this title, except that in the case of losses resulting from the issuance and replacement of authorizations for coupons and allotments sent through the mail, State agency liability be to the extent prescribed in regulations.

1977—Pub. L. 95–113 substituted revised provisions relating to issuance and use of coupons for provisions relating to value of the coupon allotment which are now covered by section 2017 of this title.

1976—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 94–339 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added pars. (2) to (7).

1973—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 93–125 substituted “for households of a given size unless the increase in the face value” for “for value”.

Pub. L. 93–86 substituted provisions relating to determination of semiannual adjustments in face value of coupon allotment for provisions relating to determination of annual adjustments in such allotment.

1971—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 91–671 substituted provision for issuance of coupon allotment in such amount as the Secretary determines to be the cost of a nutritionally adequate diet, adjusted annually to reflect changes in prices of food published by Bureau of Labor Statistics for prior provision for issuance in such amount as will provide households with an opportunity more nearly to obtain a low-cost nutritionally adequate diet and inserted “any” before “households”.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 91–671 substituted provisions respecting charges to households for coupon allotments representing reasonable investment on part of the households, issuance of coupon allotments without charge where monthly income is less than $30 for a family of four, and election of coupon allotment with a lesser face value than the face value authorized to be issued for prior provision for a charge determined to be equivalent to normal expenditures for food.

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Change of Name

References to a “coupon”, “authorization card”, or other access device provided under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 considered to refer to a “benefit” under that Act, see section 4115(d) of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as a note under section 2012 of this title.

### Effective Date of 2010 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 111–203 effective 1 day after July 21, 2010, except as otherwise provided, see section 4 of Pub. L. 111–203, set out as an Effective Date note under section 5301 of Title 12, Banks and Banking.

### Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, except as otherwise provided, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8701 of this title.

Amendment by sections 4001(b), 4002(a)(4), and 4113–4115(a) of Pub. L. 110–246 effective Oct. 1, 2008, see section 4407 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as a note under section 1161 of Title 2, The Congress.

### Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–171 effective Oct. 1, 2002, except as otherwise provided, see section 4405 of Pub. L. 107–171, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1161 of Title 2, The Congress.

### Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by section 1728 of Pub. L. 101–624 effective and implemented first day of month beginning 120 days after publication of implementing regulations to be promulgated not later than Oct. 1, 1991, and amendment by section 1729 of Pub. L. 101–624 effective Nov. 28, 1990, see section 1781(a), (b)(2) of Pub. L. 101–624, set out as a note under section 2012 of this title.

### Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–435 effective Jan. 1, 1989, except with regard to those States not implementing section 203(a) of Pub. L. 100–435 (amending section 2017 of this title), see section 701(b)(3)(B) of Pub. L. 100–435, set out as a note under section 2012 of this title.

### Effective Date of 1982 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–253 effective Sept. 8, 1982, see section 193(a) of Pub. L. 97–253, set out as a note under section 2012 of this title.

### Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–98 effective on earlier of Sept. 8, 1982, or date such amendment became effective pursuant to section 1338 of Pub. L. 97–98, set out as a note under section 2012 of this title, see section 192(b) of Pub. L. 97–253, set out as a note under section 2012 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–98 effective upon such date as Secretary of Agriculture may prescribe, taking into account need for orderly implementation, see section 1338 of Pub. L. 97–98, set out as a note under section 2012 of this title.

### Effective Date of 1977 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–113, title XIII, § 1301, Sept. 29, 1977, 91 Stat. 958, provided that the amendment made by section 1301 is effective Oct. 1, 1977.

### Savings Clause

Pub. L. 113–79, title IV, § 4011(c), Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 793, provided that: “Nothing in this section [amending this section and section 2019 of this title] or an amendment made by this section alters any requirements of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) unless specifically authorized in this section or an amendment made by this section.”

### Additional Assistance for SNAP Online Purchasing and Technology Improvements

Pub. L. 117–2, title I, § 1102, Mar. 11, 2021, 135 Stat. 15, provided that: Funding.—In addition to amounts otherwise made available, there is appropriated for fiscal year 2021, out of any amounts in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $25,000,000 to remain available through September 30, 2026, to carry out this section. Use of Funds.—The Secretary of Agriculture may use the amounts made available pursuant to subsection (a)— to make technological improvements to improve online purchasing in the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.); to modernize electronic benefit transfer technology; to support the mobile technologies demonstration projects and the use of mobile technologies authorized under section 7(h)(14) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2016(h)(14)); and to provide technical assistance to educate retailers on the process and technical requirements for the online acceptance of the supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits, for mobile payments, and for electronic benefit transfer modernization initiatives.”

Pub. L. 116–260, div. N, title VII, § 703, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2094, provided that: Resources for SNAP Online Purchasing.—Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 27, 2020], the Secretary shall provide— additional support for the Food and Nutrition Service to conduct end-to-end testing in the online production environment; and technical assistance to educate retailers on the process and technical requirements for the online acceptance of SNAP benefits and to support and expedite SNAP online purchasing. Snap Online Purchasing Assistance for Direct-marketing Farmers and Farmers’ Markets.—The Secretary, on a competitive basis, shall enter into cooperative agreements with, or provide grants to, not more than 5 eligible entities to build out functionality, and provide assistance to direct-marketing farmers and farmers’ markets to accept SNAP benefits through online transactions. Selection priority.—The Secretary shall prioritize eligible entities with experience building online purchasing platforms for technology solutions for farmers’ markets and direct-marketing farmers. Definition of eligible entity.—In this subsection, the term ‘eligible entity’ means a nonprofit entity with experience building online purchasing platforms or technology solutions, or with experience working with commercial entities that have experience building online purchasing platforms or technology solutions. Issuance Innovation and Technology Improvement Support.—The Secretary shall— review technological developments, including developments related to security and privacy, surrounding mobile payment technology, to support the mobile technologies demonstration projects and the use of mobile technologies authorized under section 7(k)(14) [probably should be “7(k)(4)”] of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 [7 U.S.C. 2016(k)(4)]; and test methods to modernize electronic benefit transfer technology for the purpose of improving the security and integrity of the electronic benefits transfer system. Report.—Not later than January 31, 2022, and annually thereafter until all funds provided under subsection (e) have been expended, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that includes— a description of the activities conducted under subsections (a), (b), and (c); a description of any grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts awarded under this section; an analysis of the technological developments surrounding mobile payment technology; and a summary of EBT modernization testing results under subsection (c)(2).Funding.— Appropriations.—There is hereby appropriated to the Secretary, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $5,000,000 to be available until expended to carry out this section. Use of funds.—With respect to the funds appropriated under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall use— not more than $1,000,000 for purposes described in subsection (a); and not more than $1,000,000 for purposes described in subsection (b).”

[For definitions of “Secretary” and “SNAP” as used in section 703 of div. N of Pub. L. 116–260, set out above, see section 701 of div. N of Pub. L. 116–260, set out as a note under section 2011 of this title.]

### Report on Electronic Benefit Transfer Systems

Pub. L. 107–171, title IV, § 4111, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 309, as amended by Pub. L. 110–234, title IV, § 4002(b)(1)(A), (B), (2)(C), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1095, 1096; Pub. L. 110–246, § 4(a), title IV, § 4002(b)(1)(A), (B), (2)(C), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1857, 1858, required the Secretary of Agriculture to submit to Congress, not later than Oct. 1, 2003, a report related to State agencies’ use of electronic benefit transfer systems to issue benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program.

### Congressional Statement of Purpose

Pub. L. 106–171, § 2, Feb. 11, 2000, 114 Stat. 3, as amended by Pub. L. 110–234, title IV, § 4002(b)(1)(A), (D), (2)(F), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1095–1097; Pub. L. 110–246, § 4(a), title IV, § 4002(b)(1)(A), (D), (2)(F), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1857, 1858, provided that: “The purposes of this Act [amending this section and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 2011 of this title] are— to protect the integrity of the supplemental nutrition assistance program; to ensure cost-effective portability of supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits benefits [sic] across State borders without imposing additional administrative expenses for special equipment to address problems relating to the portability; to enhance the flow of interstate commerce involving electronic transactions involving supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits benefits [sic] under a uniform national standard of interoperability and portability; and to eliminate the inefficiencies resulting from a patchwork of State-administered systems and regulations established to carry out the supplemental nutrition assistance program.”

### Study of Alternatives for Handling Electronic Benefit Transactions Involving Food Stamp Benefits

Pub. L. 106–171, § 4, Feb. 11, 2000, 114 Stat. 6, as amended by Pub. L. 110–234, title IV, § 4002(b)(1)(B), (D), (2)(F), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1096, 1097; Pub. L. 110–246, § 4(a), title IV, § 4002(b)(1)(B), (D), (2)(F), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1857, 1858, directed the Secretary of Agriculture, not later than 1 year after Feb. 11, 2000, to study and report to Congress on alternatives for handling interstate electronic benefit transactions involving supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits, including use of a single switching hub.

### Suspension of Staggered Issuance of Food Stamp Coupons

Pub. L. 102–237, title IX, § 908(a)(1), Dec. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1886, as amended by Pub. L. 103–11, § 1, Apr. 1, 1993, 107 Stat. 41; Pub. L. 103–205, § 1, Dec. 17, 1993, 107 Stat. 2418, provided that no State agency be required to implement 7 U.S.C. 2016(h)(1), regarding staggering of issuance of food stamp coupons, until Mar. 15, 1994, and directed Secretary of Agriculture to issue final regulations requiring staggered issuance of coupons no later than Dec. 1, 1992, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 103–225, title I, § 104(a), Mar. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 107.

### Food Stamp Coupons, Cost Increase Suspension

Pub. L. 94–4, Feb. 20, 1975, 89 Stat. 6, provided that notwithstanding the provisions of 7 U.S.C. 2016(b), the charge imposed on any household for a coupon allotment under this chapter after Feb. 20, 1975, and prior to Dec. 30, 1975, could not exceed the charge that would have been imposed on such household for such coupon allotment under rules and regulations promulgated under this chapter and in effect on Jan. 1, 1975.