FY 2026 SNAP Earnings Verification Support Grant

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Earnings Verification Support Grants are administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through its Food and Nutrition Administration. This federal funding opportunity is designed to support state agencies that administer SNAP by enhancing their ability to verify earned income electronically. The program aligns with statutory requirements under the Food and Nutrition Act, which mandate income verification at certification and recertification, as well as the maintenance of quality control systems that ensure payment accuracy and program integrity. The primary purpose of the grant is to strengthen the infrastructure and tools used by state agencies to confirm employment and earnings information for SNAP applicants and recipients. By improving access to electronic verification services, the program aims to reduce administrative burden, increase accuracy in benefit determinations, and limit reliance on self reported or manually submitted payroll documentation. The initiative also supports broader federal goals of improving efficiency and accountability in public benefit programs. Funding is intended to be used flexibly by eligible state agencies to meet their individual operational needs. Allowable uses include contracting with commercial vendors that provide third party income databases, continuing existing verification service agreements, or piloting alternative verification technologies. States may also explore innovative solutions such as consumer permission based verification systems. The program encourages experimentation and evaluation to determine the most cost effective and accurate verification approaches. The total funding available for this opportunity is thirty eight million dollars, distributed non competitively among fifty three state agencies based on the number of SNAP participants with earnings in each state. Each state has a maximum allocation amount and may apply for funding up to that limit. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement specified. The program provides a period of performance of twenty four months, beginning in September 2026 and ending September 30 2028. Eligibility is strictly limited to state agencies that administer SNAP. These agencies must submit a complete application package through Grants.gov, including standard federal forms and a concise proposal with a budget narrative. The proposal must describe how funds will be used, outline measurable outcomes, and explain how success will be evaluated. Required documentation includes multiple federal forms and questionnaires, along with a proposal not exceeding two pages. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by August 19 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. There are no pre application requirements such as letters of intent. Following submission, awards are expected to be announced by September 25 2026. Selected applicants must complete grant agreement documentation and establish payment access through the federal ASAP system. Reporting requirements include semi annual progress reports and quarterly financial reporting. The program does not explicitly state recurring availability but notes that similar funding has been provided in prior fiscal years, indicating a pattern of annual appropriations. Contact for the program is provided through the Food and Nutrition Administration, with a designated grant officer available for technical assistance. Overall, the grant is structured to provide targeted, formula based support to state agencies to enhance program accuracy and efficiency through improved income verification systems.

Clearly define measurable outcomes including hit rate calculations and demonstrate cost effectiveness and accuracy improvements; align budget with proposed activities