SNAP Online: How to Apply

SNAP Online’s onboarding process is led by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), which oversees SNAP retailers. It has several steps, some of which can be complex. 

To help you understand your responsibilities and the role of FNS, here’s a detailed breakdown of the SNAP Online application and onboarding process.

Preparation Phase 

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Step 1: Meet all of the Pre–Letter of Intent (LOI) Criteria
  • While submitting an LOI is the first official step in the FNS application process for SNAP Online, three criteria must be met before your LOI is submitted. Take the Pre- LOI Criteria Quiz to see if you're ready to submit your LOI. If preferred, we also have a printable version of the Pre-LOI Criteria Quiz.
  • For information about approved eCommerce providers please refer to this list. If you choose to develop your own eCommerce platform or work with an existing eCommerce platform that will be building SNAP Online functionality for the first time, refer to Step 5 for more information. It is important that your chosen eCommerce solution integrates with your Third Party Processor (TPP). Refer to this reference document for more information about TPPs. 

Application and Onboarding Phase 

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Step 2: Prepare an LOI
  • A Letter of Intent (LOI) provides a business’s details and commitment to updating systems to meet program requirements. (We recommend using our LOI template.) Complete and submit the LOI to FNS. 
  • If the LOI is not accepted, FNS may ask for further details or clarification. SEMTAC can help improve your LOI so your next submission is approved. Get Support.
  • When the LOI is approved, FNS sends a notification letter requesting that you complete additional paperwork (the “Authorization” materials).
Arrow pointing forward in circle Step 3: Submit Authorization Materials

  • After your Letter of Intent (LOI) is accepted by FNS, you will fill out SNAP Online authorization materials, including the authorization spreadsheet, store list, and waiver package agreement. Do not submit these materials until invited by FNS. See samples of these materials here. SEMTAC’s experts can provide individual help with the process and help you submit the materials to FNS. Get Support.
Icon of documents in a blue circle Step 4: FNS sends your Internet Retailer Welcome Package 

  • When your authorization materials are accepted by FNS you will receive your Welcome Package email. It is important for retailers to follow the instructions in the Welcome Package email carefully. During this phase, the integration with your TPP needs to be completed so that you can proceed into the testing phase. The Welcome Package includes your new Internet Retailer FNS number, which is still inactive, and must be provided to your chosen TPP.  If applicable, a request from FNS for your Business Requirements Document (BRD) will also happen at this stage.
Icon of paper with the letters BRD in a blue circle

Step 5: Develop your BRD (varies by applicant)

  • If you are building your own SNAP Online functionality for your website, or working with a new eCommerce provider, continue technical work on your solution, and create a Business Requirements Document (BRD) for submission to FNS. When your BRD is approved, you may participate in an optional demo with SEMTAC before moving into the testing phase (Step 7). SEMTAC can help you with developing your BRD. Get Support.

Testing Phase 

flag icon in a blue circle Step 6: Testing Kick-Off

  • The testing phase begins with a Testing Kickoff email from FNS with instructions about obtaining EBT card numbers for testing, test scenarios, handling issues encountered, and the eventual launch of your SNAP Online solution.
image of a SNAP card in a blue circle Step 7: Testing

  • You will perform SNAP online test transactions in your eCommerce system using test scripts provided by FNS and live, funded EBT Cards provided by the applicable state’s EBT office. You’ll perform this phase of testing without FNS involvement and send FNS the results when all test scenarios have been completed successfully. Need help with testing? Get Support.
  • Next, FNS testers use the same EBT cards to perform the same test scenarios to confirm that all of the SNAP Online requirements are being met.  If FNS discovers issues during the testing phase, they’ll ask you to resolve them before you launch SNAP Online functionality, or shortly thereafter, depending on the severity of the issue. FNS will let you know when you’ve passed the testing phase. The SNAP Online functionality may be launched as soon as the next day, or on a day you choose.

Launch 

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  • The last step in the process is your business’s first SNAP Online transaction. Congratulations!