SNAP EBT Onboarding is Now Easier for Independents!

1. Retailer submits LOI

Retailer sends a Letter of Intent (LOI) to the SNAP Online Purchasing mailbox (sm.fn.snaponline@usda.gov) in which they explain how they fulfill the basic online purchasing and SNAP retailer eligibility requirements.

2. Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) sends notification letter

Upon receipt, if FNS has no additional questions, they will send a notification to the retailer indicating that their LOI is complete. This notification e-mail contains authorization materials that FNS requests the retailer complete.

3. FNS reviews retailer authorization materials

Retailer submits authorization materials to FNS for review.

4. FNS emails retailer welcome package

Once FNS successfully processes the authorization materials, the retailer will get a “Welcome Package” e-mail—which includes an inactive FNS Internet Retailer number, orientation materials, and instructions on next steps.

5. FNS requests business requirements document and demo

If needed, the retailer or eCommerce platform provider will be asked to submit a Business Requirements Document (BRD) and perform a website demo for FNS review. Generally, new eCommerce platform providers and retailers using their own eCommerce platform will be asked to submit a BRD and do a demo.

6. Retailer attends stakeholder kick-off call

Once steps 1 through 5, as applicable, have been completed, FNS will move into the testing phase. As part of this phase, the retailer and relevant stakeholders will be asked to attend a kick-off call to discuss testing logistics.

7. Retailer and FNS conduct separate end-to-end testing

The retailer will test their eCommerce platform to ensure it conforms to FNS requirements, and upon successful completion of this testing, FNS will then perform the same testing.

8. FNS confirms SNAP online purchasing launch details

Once testing is successfully concluded, FNS will communicate to the retailer as it relates to their plans in launching SNAP Online Purchasing (e.g.: launch date and roll-out plan).

9. Retailer launches SNAP online purchasing

Congratulations! SNAP online purchasing is now operational.

Expanding Service to More eCommerce Platforms

Retailers who already have a live SNAP online operation may want to expand their service by adding more eCommerce platforms. To start this process, the retailer should contact the FNS SNAP Online team at SM.fn.snaponline@usda.gov, indicating their intent to expand to a new/additional eCommerce platform. It is important that this notification to FNS comes from the retailer directly, and not from the eCommerce platform. However, SEMTAC can also assist if retailers have questions about expanding to additional eCommerce platforms.

For more information on expanding service, click here.