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Reviewed national and state EBT news items about deposit delays, benefit interruptions, eligibility changes, and SNAP purchase-rule changes.
Updated on: September 9, 2026
Independent information tool. Not a government website.
USDA’s Food and Nutrition Administration published FY 2027 SNAP cost-of-living adjustments to maximum allotments, income eligibility standards, and deductions. The adjustments are effective October 1, 2026.
USDA published SNAP FY 2027 cost-of-living adjustments that take effect October 1, 2026. The annual update changes SNAP maximum allotments, income eligibility standards, and deductions, which may change household benefit amounts loaded to EBT cards beginning with October benefits.
USDA’s SNAP Food Restriction Waivers tracker lists state implementation dates in the current window, including North Dakota on September 1, Montana on September 30, and Missouri, Ohio, and Virginia on October 1 for restrictions on items such as sweetened beverages, candy, prepared desserts, and energy drinks.
SNAP EBT users reported an outage on September 3, with issues including app access, balance checks, and paying for items; no timetable for resolution was provided in the report.
AP reports that SNAP enrollment is falling faster than expected as tightened requirements take effect. People losing benefits include those who do not meet the new requirements and some who may still qualify but miss paperwork or documentation deadlines; AP notes some state agencies are overwhelmed, with Arizona seeing the largest enrollment drop. The impacts are active during August 2026.
Forage reported an August 22 payment-processing outage affecting cardholders in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Indiana, New Jersey, Utah, Virginia, Ohio, Alabama, Iowa, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Oklahoma. The incident began at 08:42 UTC and was resolved at 11:51 UTC, after which transactions were processing normally.
USDA’s SNAP Food Restriction Waivers list shows several approved state waivers that change what may be purchased with SNAP/EBT during the Aug. 1–Sept. 30, 2026 window, including Hawaii on Aug. 1, South Carolina on Aug. 31, and North Dakota on Sept. 1.
AP reports that SNAP enrollment fell more than 13% in a 12-month span, with losses tied to tightened work requirements, paperwork deadlines, documentation issues, and state-agency implementation strain. The article notes especially steep drops in Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, Nevada, and Florida, and says the expanded work requirement has now taken effect in most of the country.
Forage’s EBT processing status page lists scheduled processor maintenance that may interrupt EBT payment processing in Alabama, American Samoa, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Utah on August 23, August 25, and September 17, 2026. The September 17 maintenance window is listed as 06:00–12:00 UTC, with expected EBT processing impact of 15 minutes and possible impact up to 1 hour.
USDA’s Food and Nutrition Administration published a proposed rule to reduce the federal share of state SNAP administrative costs from 50% to 25% beginning in federal fiscal year 2027. Written comments are due by August 24, 2026.
A federal judge ruled that the federal government could not block SNAP benefits from being used to buy candy, soda, and other sugary drinks, disrupting restrictions that were already in place or planned in multiple states. USDA’s waiver page also notes that the court vacated approvals for Iowa, Tennessee, and West Virginia and that those implementations may not proceed.
A federal court order in Aragon et al. v. Rollins et al. vacated USDA/FNA approval of certain SNAP food restriction waivers and says implementation may not proceed. USDA’s waiver tracker lists this as affecting several state purchase-rule changes, including restrictions that otherwise would be active or pending during August–September 2026.
A federal district court ruling in Aragon v. Rollins vacated USDA approvals for SNAP purchase-restriction demonstrations in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and West Virginia. The ruling affects planned or existing restrictions on what SNAP participants may buy with EBT, and the case remains relevant during August 2026 because the affected waivers cannot proceed while states and USDA respond.
Summer EBT/SUN Bucks guidance says that if expected 2026 Summer EBT benefits did not arrive by August 2026, families should contact their state. Summer EBT benefits function like SNAP benefits for eligible food purchases and do not affect SNAP, TANF, WIC, Medicaid, or other benefits.
A federal judge ruled that USDA could not approve state SNAP waivers restricting purchases of candy, soda, and other sugary drinks under the existing definition of “food.” The ruling affects restrictions already in place or planned in 23 states, including rules scheduled during July and August 2026.
A federal judge vacated USDA-approved SNAP food restriction waivers for Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and West Virginia, affecting planned or existing restrictions on using SNAP benefits for items such as soda and candy. This remains relevant during July and August 2026 because Tennessee’s restrictions had been scheduled to begin July 31, 2026, and the ruling also affects ongoing state implementation of similar SNAP purchase restrictions.
New reporting in July 2026 says SNAP participation has continued to decline nationwide following implementation of the 2025 federal reconciliation law, with expanded work requirements and narrowed eligibility for some lawful immigrants contributing to benefit loss. The item is included because the loss of benefits is still actively affecting SNAP households during July 2026.
USDA/FNS published a final rule updating staple-food stocking standards for SNAP-authorized retailers, effective July 7, 2026. The rule changes retailer eligibility and required staple-food inventory standards; USDA says it does not change what SNAP customers may purchase.
USDA’s final rule updating SNAP retailer staple-food stocking standards became effective July 7, 2026. Retailers must ultimately stock seven distinct staple-food varieties in each of four staple-food categories and at least one perishable variety in three categories, with compliance required starting November 4, 2026; this may affect which retailers remain authorized to accept SNAP/EBT.
USDA’s final rule updating SNAP retailer staple-food stocking standards becomes effective July 7, 2026. Retailers must ultimately stock seven distinct staple-food varieties in each of four categories and at least one perishable variety in three categories, with implementation required by November 4, 2026. This may affect which stores remain authorized to accept SNAP/EBT and the food variety they must offer.
USDA’s final rule updating SNAP retailer staple-food stocking standards became effective July 7, 2026. USDA says the rule affects retailer eligibility/stocking standards and does not change what SNAP customers can purchase with benefits.
A June 22, 2026 federal court decision vacated USDA/FNS approvals of SNAP food-restriction waivers and blocked implementation in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and West Virginia. The blocked restrictions affected purchases such as soda, candy, sugary drinks, energy drinks, and similar items that were active or scheduled during the July–August 2026 window.
A federal judge ruled on June 22, 2026 that USDA lacked authority to approve SNAP food-purchase restrictions challenged by recipients in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and West Virginia. The ruling affects restrictions that were already active in some states and Tennessee’s planned July 31, 2026 implementation, meaning those restrictions are actively relevant during the August–September 2026 window.
Federal SNAP ABAWD work-rule changes are being implemented by states. Affected adults may need to meet work, training, education, or volunteer-hour requirements to keep benefits beyond the time limit unless they qualify for an exemption.
North Dakota HHS announced it submitted a request to postpone SNAP Healthy Choice Waiver changes from September 1, 2026, to November 1, 2026. SNAP participants can continue purchasing currently eligible items until the new implementation date.
Ohio’s planned SNAP restriction on certain sugary beverages, originally scheduled for October 1, 2026, has been put on hold at the request of USDA’s Food and Nutrition Administration. Ohio will pause implementation until it receives further federal guidance.
Missouri DSS announced that, effective October 1, 2026, SNAP applicants must provide documented proof for certain expenses and resources instead of relying only on self-attestation. The agency said no immediate action is required for people currently receiving SNAP.
Beginning September 30, 2026, Montana SNAP benefits may not be used to buy candy, high-sugar beverages, energy drinks, or shelf-stable prepared desserts. The state says some items remain SNAP-eligible, including plain or naturally flavored water, artificially sweetened beverages, drinks with more than 50% fruit or vegetable juice, milk and milk substitutes, coffee, tea, protein bars, meal replacement bars, certain fruit snacks, and store-made bakery items.
USDA approved Montana’s SNAP food restriction waiver for two years effective September 30, 2026. The waiver excludes high-sugar beverages, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts from purchase with SNAP benefits.
USDA lists North Dakota’s approved SNAP food restriction waiver with a target implementation date of September 1, 2026. The waiver restricts SNAP purchases of soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy.
Ohio announced federal approval to prohibit carbonated sugary drink purchases through SNAP, with the change effective October 1, 2026. USDA’s waiver list also shows Ohio’s October 1, 2026 implementation date and describes the restriction as applying to sugar-sweetened beverages.
USDA lists Missouri’s approved SNAP food restriction waiver with a target implementation date of October 1, 2026. The waiver restricts SNAP purchases of candy, prepared desserts, and certain unhealthy beverages.
Hawaii DHS announced automated SNAP mass replacement benefits after Tropical Cyclone Lala. Replacement benefits were scheduled to be available on EBT cards as early as September 3, 2026, and SNAP recipients outside the automatically approved areas may apply for replacement benefits through September 13, 2026.
Washington DSHS says its 2026 SUN Bucks/Summer EBT benefit period began June 15, 2026, and that another round of issuances is estimated for mid-September. DSHS also warns that some benefits may be deposited into an existing EBT account while the card appears deactivated, and that card delivery times may be delayed due to card-vendor processing times.
Virginia will begin issuing new chip-enabled SNAP EBT cards in September 2026, with customers in 20 pilot localities receiving cards by October 1. Benefit amounts and issuance schedules will remain the same, but old magnetic stripe cards will deactivate 60 days after the new card is mailed.
Missouri’s Healthy SNAP waiver will make certain foods and beverages no longer SNAP- or SUN Bucks-eligible, including candy, pre-packaged ready-to-eat desserts, and certain beverages; the state says it anticipates implementation in October 2026.
North Dakota’s approved SNAP food-choice waiver restricts sweetened beverages, energy drinks, and candy beginning September 1, 2026, changing what SNAP benefits may be used to purchase in the state.
USDA’s SNAP Food Restriction Waivers tracker lists Montana’s target implementation date as September 30, 2026, restricting purchases of high-sugar beverages, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts with SNAP.
Ohio paused its planned SNAP restriction on sugary drink purchases after federal officials requested a delay to publish a Federal Register notice and collect public comments; the restriction had been planned for October 1, 2026.
Starting October 1, 2026, SNAP customers in Virginia will no longer be able to use SNAP benefits to buy carbonated sweetened beverages, including soda, diet soda, “zero” soda, carbonated energy drinks, and carbonated drinks with at least 5 grams of added sugar per serving. Eligibility, monthly benefit amounts, and benefit schedules are not changing.
Hawaii DHS announced an automatic mass replacement of 45% of August SNAP benefits for households in federally approved areas affected by Tropical Cyclone Lala, with replacement benefits scheduled to be available on EBT cards as early as September 3, 2026. SNAP recipients outside the automatic-replacement areas, and households seeking more than the automatic amount, may request replacement benefits through September 13, 2026.
Texas’ integrated Medicaid and SNAP application backlog continued into September 2026, with more than 210,000 Medicaid applications pending and reported delays affecting families applying through the same system used for SNAP and other public benefits.
Virginia DSS says it is issuing new chip-enabled SNAP EBT cards beginning September 2026 through December 2026. Balances will transfer to the new cards, and old magnetic-stripe cards will stop working when the new chip card is activated or 60 days after the new card is mailed.
Hundreds of people in Wichita are waiting on SNAP benefits as the Kansas Department of Children and Families works through a backlog. Reported on September 1, 2026, DCF was said to be 57 days behind and still processing July benefits, with the agency citing new state and federal laws and staffing shortages.
South Carolina’s approved SNAP food restriction waiver has a target implementation date of August 31, 2026. The waiver restricts SNAP purchases of candy, energy drinks, soft drinks, and sweetened beverages.
USDA lists South Carolina’s SNAP Food Restriction Waiver target implementation date as August 31, 2026. The waiver restricts SNAP purchases of candy, energy drinks, soft drinks, and sweetened beverages.
USDA lists North Dakota’s SNAP Food Restriction Waiver target implementation date as September 1, 2026. The waiver restricts SNAP purchases of sweetened beverages, energy drinks, and candy.
North Carolina DHHS says SNAP noncitizen eligibility rules changed effective February 1, 2026, and affected recipients are reviewed at their next recertification. The agency gives September 2026 as an example recertification month when immigration status would be reviewed, and households may receive notices if someone is no longer eligible; benefit amounts may be adjusted if household composition changes.
Ohio’s Summer EBT site warns that if a household received Summer EBT benefits in May 2026, those benefits expire in September 2026. This is a benefits-use deadline during the requested news window.
Nebraska DHHS lists Summer EBT card mailings on August 6, August 13, August 20, August 27, and September 10, 2026, for eligible students and approved applications. The state notes issuance dates are subject to change.
North Dakota’s SNAP Healthy Choice Waiver restrictions on sweetened drinks, energy drinks, and candy were expected to take effect September 1, 2026, but the state submitted a request to postpone the changes to November 1, 2026.
South Carolina’s planned SNAP purchase restrictions were set to begin August 31, 2026, blocking SNAP purchases of candy, soft drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened beverages. A court order delayed implementation while the state gathers more public comment.
Hawaii’s approved SNAP food restriction waiver has a target implementation date of August 1, 2026, restricting SNAP/EBT purchases of soft drinks.
North Dakota Health and Human Services issued an August 18, 2026 reminder that SNAP purchase-rule changes were scheduled to begin September 1, updating which items could be purchased with an EBT card, including restrictions on certain sweetened beverages, energy drinks, and candy.
Connecticut announced that beginning August 4, 2026, it began distributing one-time $300 grocery benefits to low-income residents who lost SNAP due to new federal changes. The benefits are prepaid virtual grocery cards, not existing EBT deposits.
West Virginia received USDA approval to extend the reporting period for SNAP recipients who lost food because of severe storms that began July 21, 2026. The extension applied to current SNAP recipients in all 55 counties, with eligible households given through August 10, 2026, to report food losses and request replacement SNAP benefits.
Maryland is rolling out new chip-and-tap EBT cards. Current EBT cards will stop working on September 30, 2026, or earlier once the new card is activated. The state says benefit amounts, balances, and deposit schedules will not change, but cardholders must activate the new card and create a new PIN to avoid access problems.
Delaware SNAP households that lost food purchased with SNAP benefits because of the August 20, 2026 storm may request replacement benefits. Households must report the food loss and submit Form 324 by August 31, 2026; eligible households may receive replacement benefits up to the amount of their monthly SNAP benefit.
Beginning August 31, 2026, South Carolina SNAP benefits may no longer be used to purchase candy, soft drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened beverages. The state says the restrictions apply to all SNAP-authorized retailers in South Carolina and to all SNAP households shopping in the state; diet or zero-sugar soft drinks remain allowable.
Texas received federal approval to extend the deadline for SNAP recipients to apply for replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed during July severe weather and flooding. SNAP recipients in the listed affected counties had until August 12, 2026, to apply; funds were expected to be added to Lone Star Cards within two business days after a request was received.
Hawaii DHS received federal approval to extend the deadline for SNAP households statewide to report food loss and request replacement benefits after Tropical Cyclone Lala. Reports made by September 3, 2026, will be considered timely; approved applicants will receive replacement SNAP benefits after validation.
USDA allowed authorized SNAP retailers in Louisiana to accept SNAP benefits for hot foods and foods intended to be consumed on retailer premises statewide. The temporary disaster rule was effective through August 13, 2026, and hot foods purchased with SNAP during the period were not subject to sales tax.
Forage reported an August 19 payment-processing outage affecting New York cardholders. The incident was investigated beginning at 08:22 UTC and was resolved at 09:28 UTC.
Illinois announced a new FRESH program for people who lost SNAP benefits due to federal eligibility changes. Households that lost benefits after May 1, 2026 and before Aug. 1, 2026 were scheduled to begin receiving one-time cash payments on Illinois Link cards by Aug. 1, and starting in August 2026 newly eligible households are issued benefits after the 16th of the month in which SNAP access is lost.
South Carolina’s approved waiver has a target implementation date of Aug. 31, 2026, and restricts SNAP purchases of candy, energy drinks, soft drinks, and sweetened beverages.
DC’s SUN Bucks site says August 23, 2026 is the last day to apply for 2026 benefits. Households participating in SNAP or TANF receive DC SUN Bucks on their existing EBT card, while other eligible students may receive benefits on an existing or new SUN Bucks EBT card.
USDA’s SNAP Food Restriction Waiver tracker lists North Dakota’s target implementation date as September 1, 2026. The waiver restricts SNAP purchases of sweetened beverages, energy drinks, and candy.
USDA’s SNAP Food Restriction Waiver tracker lists Montana’s target implementation date as September 30, 2026. The waiver restricts SNAP purchases of high-sugar beverages, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts.
California’s SUN Bucks site says the deadline to apply for summer 2026 SUN Bucks is August 31, 2026. Eligible children receive $120 on an EBT card for groceries, and families are directed to call the SUN Bucks helpline if a child is eligible but a card has not arrived by September 2026.
Virginia DSS says the deadline to apply for SUN Bucks 2026 is August 31, 2026. Benefits are loaded onto EBT or Virginia SUN Bucks cards, and unused funds expire about four months after issuance.
NYC311 says the deadline to apply for 2026 Summer EBT benefits is September 8, 2026. Applications received after that date will be reviewed for the 2027 Summer EBT program year; stolen Summer EBT benefits cannot be replaced.
Forage’s status page reported a “Payment Processing Outage in NY” on August 19, 2026, affecting cardholders in New York. The incident was investigated beginning at 08:22 UTC and marked resolved at 09:28 UTC.
A Kansas news report published August 15, 2026, said more than 32,000 Kansans have lost food assistance since new SNAP laws took effect, including nearly 7,000 in July 2026 alone. Advocates and state officials said overlapping federal and state requirements increased paperwork burdens, contributing to delayed benefits, failed recertifications, and unexpected terminations.
Idaho’s USDA-approved SNAP food restriction waiver began February 15, 2026, and continues to affect EBT purchases during August and September 2026. The waiver restricts purchases of soda and candy.
Florida’s USDA-approved SNAP food restriction waiver began April 20, 2026, and continues to affect EBT purchases during August and September 2026. The waiver restricts purchases of soda, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts.
Arkansas’ USDA-approved SNAP food restriction waiver began July 1, 2026, and continues to affect EBT purchases during August and September 2026. The waiver restricts purchases of soda, fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice, energy drinks, “unhealthy drinks,” and candy.
Oklahoma’s USDA-approved SNAP food restriction waiver began February 15, 2026, and continues to affect EBT purchases during August and September 2026. The waiver restricts purchases of soft drinks and candy.
Indiana’s USDA-approved SNAP food restriction waiver began January 1, 2026, and continues to affect EBT purchases during August and September 2026. The waiver restricts purchases of soft drinks and candy.
Utah’s USDA-approved SNAP food restriction waiver began January 1, 2026, and continues to affect EBT purchases during August and September 2026. The waiver restricts purchases of soft drinks.
Louisiana’s USDA-approved SNAP food restriction waiver began February 18, 2026, and continues to affect EBT purchases during August and September 2026. The waiver restricts purchases of soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy.
Texas’ USDA-approved SNAP food restriction waiver began April 1, 2026, and continues to affect EBT purchases during August and September 2026. The waiver restricts purchases of sweetened drinks and candy.
South Carolina’s USDA-approved SNAP food restriction waiver has a target implementation date of August 31, 2026. The waiver restricts purchases of candy, energy drinks, soft drinks, and sweetened beverages.
West Virginia extended the deadline to August 20, 2026, for current SNAP recipients in Barbour, Doddridge, Harrison, Lewis, Pleasants, Ritchie, and Upshur counties to report food losses caused by severe storms that began July 21, 2026. Eligible households may request replacement SNAP benefits for food lost due to the storm, disaster, household misfortune, or a power outage lasting more than four hours.
Oregon families have until September 1, 2026, to apply for Summer EBT food benefits. The program provides $120 per eligible child, and Oregon said many eligible children received benefits automatically while other families may still need to apply before the deadline.
Louisiana announced that USDA approved a temporary statewide SNAP waiver allowing participants to buy eligible hot or prepared foods with SNAP benefits through August 13, 2026, following Tropical Storm Arthur. The waiver temporarily lifts the usual SNAP restriction on hot foods and foods prepared for immediate consumption, but SNAP benefits still cannot be used to buy restaurant meals.
Forage posted scheduled processor maintenance affecting Utah on August 20, August 23, August 25, and September 17, 2026. The notices say EBT processing may be impacted, with expected interruptions ranging from about 10 minutes to as long as 1 hour depending on the maintenance window.
Forage posted scheduled processor maintenance affecting Mississippi on August 20, August 23, August 25, and September 17, 2026. The notices say EBT processing may be impacted, with expected interruptions ranging from about 10 minutes to as long as 1 hour depending on the maintenance window.
Forage posted scheduled processor maintenance affecting Indiana on August 20, August 23, August 25, and September 17, 2026. The notices say EBT processing may be impacted, with expected interruptions ranging from about 10 minutes to as long as 1 hour depending on the maintenance window.
Forage posted scheduled processor maintenance affecting Iowa on August 20, August 23, August 25, and September 17, 2026. The notices say EBT processing may be impacted, with expected interruptions ranging from about 10 minutes to as long as 1 hour depending on the maintenance window.
Forage posted scheduled processor maintenance affecting Georgia on August 20, August 23, August 25, and September 17, 2026. The notices say EBT processing may be impacted, with expected interruptions ranging from about 10 minutes to as long as 1 hour depending on the maintenance window.
Forage posted scheduled processor maintenance affecting South Carolina on August 20, August 23, August 25, and September 17, 2026. The notices say EBT processing may be impacted, with expected interruptions ranging from about 10 minutes to as long as 1 hour depending on the maintenance window.
Forage posted scheduled processor maintenance affecting Pennsylvania on August 20, August 23, August 25, and September 17, 2026. The notices say EBT processing may be impacted, with expected interruptions ranging from about 10 minutes to as long as 1 hour depending on the maintenance window.
Forage posted scheduled processor maintenance affecting Oklahoma on August 20, August 23, August 25, and September 17, 2026. The notices say EBT processing may be impacted, with expected interruptions ranging from about 10 minutes to as long as 1 hour depending on the maintenance window.
Forage posted scheduled processor maintenance affecting Ohio on August 20, August 23, August 25, and September 17, 2026. The notices say EBT processing may be impacted, with expected interruptions ranging from about 10 minutes to as long as 1 hour depending on the maintenance window.
Forage posted scheduled processor maintenance affecting New Jersey on August 20, August 23, August 25, and September 17, 2026. The notices say EBT processing may be impacted, with expected interruptions ranging from about 10 minutes to as long as 1 hour depending on the maintenance window.
Forage posted scheduled processor maintenance affecting Montana on August 20, August 23, August 25, and September 17, 2026. The notices say EBT processing may be impacted, with expected interruptions ranging from about 10 minutes to as long as 1 hour depending on the maintenance window.
Forage posted scheduled processor maintenance affecting Alabama on August 20, August 23, August 25, and September 17, 2026. The notices say EBT processing may be impacted, with expected interruptions ranging from about 10 minutes to as long as 1 hour depending on the maintenance window.
South Carolina’s Healthy Food Choice Project begins August 31, 2026. SNAP benefits may no longer be used in South Carolina to buy candy, energy drinks, soft drinks, and sweetened beverages. Diet or zero-sugar soft drinks remain allowable SNAP purchases.
Hawaii’s USDA-approved SNAP food restriction waiver was originally set to start August 1, 2026 and would have restricted SNAP purchases of soft drinks. USDA says it approved Hawaii’s request on June 15, 2026 to move the implementation date to April 1, 2027, so the August 1 purchase-rule change did not take effect.
Kansas SUN Bucks applications for children who are not automatically eligible must be submitted by 5 p.m. on August 31, 2026. SUN Bucks provides a one-time $120 grocery benefit per eligible child and can be used where SNAP EBT is accepted.
Virginia’s 2026 SUN Bucks application period ends August 31, 2026. Families not automatically enrolled must apply online, by mail, or by phone by that date; applications submitted after the cutoff are not for 2026 benefits.
Wyoming’s last day to apply for summer 2026 SUN Bucks benefits is August 31, 2026. The state says eligible children applying on August 31 can still receive the full $120 food benefit, and benefits are issued on an EBT card subject to SNAP purchase rules.
Rhode Island’s SUN Bucks application remains open through the summer with a deadline of September 2, 2026. The state began issuing the one-time $120 per eligible child benefit in June, and families who expected benefits but did not receive them are instructed to apply.
Missouri is accepting SuN Bucks applications through August 31, 2026. Applications will not be accepted after the deadline for Summer 2026 benefits.
Ohio’s 2026 Summer EBT application deadline is August 14, 2026 at midnight. Families that need to apply must submit by that deadline to be considered for 2026 Summer EBT benefits.
Connecticut’s Summer EBT application remains open until August 31, 2026. Summer EBT benefits can be used at stores that accept SNAP, including some online retailers.
USDA approved South Carolina’s SNAP food restriction waiver for two years, effective August 31, 2026. The waiver excludes candy, energy drinks, soft drinks, and sweetened beverages from items that can be purchased with SNAP benefits.
USDA approved North Dakota’s SNAP food restriction waiver for two years, effective September 1, 2026. The waiver restricts SNAP purchases of sweetened beverages, energy drinks, and candy.
North Dakota Health and Human Services says that starting September 1, 2026, some foods and drinks will be limited under new SNAP EBT guidelines. Items no longer purchasable with SNAP benefits include certain sweetened drinks, energy drinks, and other listed restricted items under the state’s Healthy Choice Waiver.
North Carolina says the last day to apply for 2026 SUN Bucks benefits is August 15, 2026.
DC says the deadline to apply for 2026 DC SUN Bucks is August 23, 2026.
Virginia says SUN Bucks 2026 applications will be processed through August 31, 2026; applications submitted after that date will be considered for Virginia SUN Bucks 2027 instead.
Arizona says households that need to apply for SUN Bucks 2026 had to submit an application by August 3, 2026. The state notes online applications are the fastest option and that paper applications may take longer to process, especially if information is missing or hard to read.
Wisconsin DHS says its final planned Summer EBT benefit issuance will happen in mid-September 2026 and advises households to confirm or update addresses to avoid delays in sending Summer EBT benefits.
Iowa HHS says USDA directed the state to return to federal SNAP guidelines, meaning foods eligible before January 1, 2026, are allowed again. The same page states the 2026 SUN Bucks operational period ends August 14, 2026, and applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. CT that day.
Pennsylvania DHS says households may apply for SUN Bucks during the year, but applications submitted after August 31, 2026, will be considered for summer 2027 rather than summer 2026.
New York’s Summer EBT site says 2026 Summer EBT applications are being accepted through September 8, 2026.
Oregon DHS says the 2026 Summer EBT application period closes September 1, 2026, and the Summer EBT call center closes September 25, 2026.
Illinois established the Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger (FRESH) Program for people whose SNAP benefits were terminated or reduced because they did not meet SNAP work requirements. Eligible individuals receive a one-time $400 payment, distributed as cash benefits to an EBT card. For SNAP reductions or terminations occurring on or after August 1, 2026, the state is to issue FRESH benefits on the 16th day of the month in which the reduction or termination took effect.
Arizona families who are not automatically eligible for SUN Bucks must submit an application by August 3, 2026. For current Nutrition Assistance/SNAP and Cash Assistance clients, SUN Bucks are added to the household’s existing EBT card; other eligible families may receive a new EBT card by mail, and the state warns that outdated addresses may delay receipt.
South Carolina’s SNAP waiver is scheduled to take effect August 31, 2026, restricting purchases of candy, soft drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened beverages with SNAP benefits. The restriction excludes items such as milk or milk substitutes, beverages with at least 50% fruit/vegetable juice, infant formula, sports or rehydration beverages, carbonated water, and certain medical-use beverages.
North Dakota’s approved SNAP waiver is scheduled to take effect September 1, 2026, restricting purchases of candy, soft drinks, and energy drinks with SNAP benefits. The waiver defines restricted soft drinks as carbonated nonalcoholic beverages with sweeteners and excludes powdered flavorings, carbonated flavored water, and sports drinks for hydration from some restricted categories.
Montana’s approved SNAP waiver is scheduled to take effect September 30, 2026, restricting high-sugar beverages, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts. The tracker notes exclusions such as plain or naturally flavored water, artificially sweetened beverages, beverages over 50% fruit/vegetable juice, meal replacements, medical-grade electrolyte drinks, milk, and milk substitutes.
Starting August 1, 2026, Hawaii’s approved SNAP food restriction waiver bars SNAP purchases of soft drinks, defined as nonalcoholic carbonated beverages sweetened with more than 10 grams of sugar per serving. Beverages with milk or milk substitutes or more than 50% vegetable or fruit juice are excluded from the restriction.
Ohio’s 2026 Summer EBT application period is open until August 14, 2026. Families who are not automatically issued benefits must apply by that deadline.
Nevada’s 2026 Summer EBT application window runs through August 9, 2026. Families needing to apply must do so by that deadline to be considered for 2026 benefits.
New Jersey Human Services began issuing EBT chip cards in a summer 2026 pilot for Cumberland, Essex, and Mercer counties, followed by statewide issuance after the approximately four-week pilot. Benefits transfer automatically to the new card, but current cards expire 60 days after new cards are issued, and cardholders who do not activate the new card within 90 days must request a replacement before they can use benefits.
Nebraska’s Summer EBT information page says the 2026 Summer EBT issuance, originally scheduled for April 23, 2026, is delayed until federal funding is received. The page lists an application deadline of August 12, 2026.
USDA-approved SNAP food restriction waiver for Hawaii is listed with a target implementation date of August 1, 2026. The change restricts SNAP purchases of soft drinks, defined as carbonated nonalcoholic beverages sweetened with more than 10 grams of sugar per serving, with exceptions for milk/milk substitutes and beverages with more than 50% fruit or vegetable juice.
Illinois law provides a one-time $400 FRESH benefit, distributed to an EBT card, for eligible individuals whose SNAP benefits are terminated or reduced because of SNAP work requirements. For reductions or terminations that occurred on or after May 1, 2026 and before August 1, 2026, benefits must be provided no later than August 1, 2026; for reductions or terminations on or after August 1, 2026, benefits are issued on the 16th day of the affected month.
Illinois’ FRESH Program provides temporary emergency cash support to people who saw SNAP benefits reduced or terminated because of new work requirements. Payments for people impacted in August or later are to be provided in the same month the SNAP loss or reduction occurred.
Tennessee materials state that beginning July 31, 2026, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase certain processed foods and beverages, including items such as soda, energy drinks, and candy. Although the start date is just before the August–September window, it is actively affecting SNAP purchases during August 2026; implementation may be affected by the federal court order blocking SNAP food-restriction waivers.
Hawaii’s approved SNAP food restriction waiver has a target implementation date of August 1, 2026. The waiver restricts SNAP purchases of soft drinks.
Washington DSHS says it started processing SUN Bucks benefits after a federal funding delay. As of August 2026, the state had issued benefits to roughly 400,000 children and estimated another round of issuances in mid-August and another in mid-September. DSHS also warns some 2026 benefits may be deposited into an existing EBT account while the card appears deactivated, and card delivery times may be delayed because of vendor processing times.
USDA’s SNAP food restriction waiver list showed Tennessee with a July 31, 2026 target implementation date to restrict purchases of processed foods and beverages such as soda, energy drinks, and candy. The national court ruling may affect implementation.
USDA’s SNAP food restriction waiver list showed Arkansas with a July 1, 2026 target implementation date to restrict SNAP purchases of soda, fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice, energy drinks or other unhealthy drinks, and candy. The national court ruling may affect implementation.
Connecticut announced that SNAP recipients who lost food purchased with SNAP benefits because of long-duration power outages from the July 4, 2026 storm may be eligible for replacement benefits. Replacement benefits may cover the amount of food loss, up to the household’s monthly SNAP benefit amount.
Nebraska DHHS announced on July 2, 2026 that, after the June 22 federal court ruling vacating USDA approval of Nebraska’s food restriction waivers, it was working with SNAP retailers to remove restrictions on soda and energy drinks. The agency said many retailers would need time to update systems before restrictions were lifted.
Tennessee’s approved SNAP food restriction waiver has a target implementation date of July 31, 2026. The waiver restricts SNAP purchases of processed foods and beverages such as soda, energy drinks, and candy.
California’s CalFresh Fruit & Vegetable EBT Pilot Project paused beginning July 1, 2026 due to limited remaining funding. During the pause, eligible participants no longer earn new incentive dollars for eligible fruit and vegetable purchases at participating retailers and farmers markets; previously earned incentives may still be used until they expire.
Arkansas changed its statewide EBT processor over the weekend of July 25–26, 2026. During the scheduled downtime, Arkansas SNAP/EBT clients may have been unable to use EBT cards for online or in-person SNAP/EBT orders until transactions resumed.
Tennessee had planned to begin restricting SNAP purchases of certain processed foods and beverages, including soda, energy drinks, and candy, on July 31, 2026. A federal judge blocked implementation ahead of the rollout as part of the case affecting Tennessee and four other states.
Pennsylvania SNAP households affected by severe weather and extended power outages following early July storms may be eligible for replacement SNAP benefits if food was destroyed. Households must request replacement within 10 days of the incident and submit the required affidavit.
Arkansas SNAP and Summer EBT benefits can no longer be used to buy soda, candy, fruit or vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice, and other “unhealthy beverages.” The Arkansas SNAP Nutrition Waiver program went into effect July 1, 2026.
Arkansas’s USDA-approved SNAP food restriction waiver took effect July 1, 2026. The change restricts SNAP purchases of soda, low- and no-calorie soda, fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice, “unhealthy drinks,” and candy; flavored water, carbonated flavored water, and sports drinks are not restricted.
Tennessee’s approved SNAP food restriction waiver is listed with a July 31, 2026 implementation date. The waiver restricts processed foods and carbonated sweetened beverages purchased with SNAP benefits.
California says families with approved SUN Bucks/Summer EBT applications will receive 2026 cards beginning in late July 2026. Stage 2 includes newly enrolled children who become newly eligible for CalFresh, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal at or below 185% of the federal poverty level, or through a school meal/universal benefits application.
Arkansas proceeded with its July 1, 2026 SNAP purchase restrictions despite a federal court ruling blocking similar restrictions in other states. The ban affects SNAP purchases of candy and soda in Arkansas during the current month.
Texas flood-response guidance says SNAP recipients in impacted counties can use Lone Star Cards to buy hot foods and ready-to-eat meals, including rotisserie chicken and grocery-store deli items, through August 14, 2026. No action is required by SNAP recipients to receive this temporary purchase-rule change.
Tennessee’s SNAP food restriction waiver had been approved for a two-year period effective July 31, 2026, but USDA says a June 22, 2026 federal court order vacated the approval and the waiver’s implementation may not proceed.
Guam DPHSS announced that, beginning after 7:00 p.m. on July 24, 2026, current SNAP participants who received July 2026 benefits between July 1 and July 5 would automatically receive 30% of their July benefit amount on their EBT cards as mass replacement benefits following Super Typhoon Bavi.
Texas announced that SNAP recipients in Bandera, Blanco, Frio, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, Uvalde, and Val Verde counties have until August 3, 2026 to request replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed by flooding. Approved funds should be added to Lone Star Cards within two business days of the request.
Arkansas’ SNAP food-restriction waiver was approved to take effect July 1, 2026, excluding soda, low- and no-calorie soda, fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice, other unhealthy drinks, and candy from SNAP purchases. The July implementation is affected by the federal court ruling vacating USDA food-restriction waiver approvals.
Tennessee’s SNAP food-restriction waiver was approved for two years effective July 31, 2026, to exclude processed foods and beverages such as soda, energy drinks, and candy from SNAP purchases. The July implementation is affected by the federal court ruling vacating USDA food-restriction waiver approvals.
Tennessee’s SNAP waiver had been scheduled for July 31, 2026 and would have restricted processed foods and beverages such as soda, energy drinks, and candy. USDA/FNA now states that, because of the June 22, 2026 federal court order in Aragon et al. v. Rollins et al., approval of the Tennessee waiver was vacated and implementation may not proceed.
USDA/FNA lists Arkansas with a July 1, 2026 target implementation date for SNAP purchase restrictions covering soda, fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice, energy drinks/unhealthy drinks, and candy.
Arkansas’ USDA-approved SNAP food restriction waiver took effect July 1, 2026. The waiver restricts SNAP purchases of soda, low- and no-calorie soda, fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice, other unhealthy drinks, and candy.
Forage’s EBT status page lists Arkansas scheduled downtime from Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 11:00 p.m. CT into the morning of Sunday, July 26, 2026, while Arkansas switches its statewide EBT processor. During the maintenance window, Arkansas SNAP/EBT clients may be unable to use EBT cards for online or in-person SNAP/EBT orders.
Louisiana’s EBT information page says that beginning June 14, 2026, unused SNAP, FITAP, and KCSP benefits will be removed from a client’s EBT card nine months, or 274 days, after the benefits were issued, even if the card has been used to make a purchase within the last nine months. This benefit-removal rule remains active during July and August 2026.
SNAP enrollment has dropped sharply in several Central Virginia localities, with Axios Richmond reporting declines through June 2026 and ongoing effects in July from federal SNAP eligibility and work-requirement changes.
Maryland is transitioning to a new EBT card vendor and says new, more secure EBT cards will begin mailing to cardholders in July 2026. The earlier May system outage is outside the news window, but the July card-mailing phase is active during the current month.
Connecticut DSS says it is working to distribute a one-time $300 grocery card to people who lost SNAP benefits due to federal eligibility-rule changes, with the benefit expected to be available around August 2026. DSS also points residents to SNAP work-rule prescreeners to understand whether the changes apply to them.
Forage’s EBT status page lists scheduled Arkansas downtime from July 25 to July 26, 2026, scheduled for July 26 from 12:00 AM to 4:00 AM EDT. During the maintenance window, Arkansas SNAP/EBT transactions may be unavailable.
Hawaii’s SUN Bucks site says benefits became available starting June 10, 2026 for most returning eligible students, but remaining students, including new SUN Bucks students and foster children, were delayed due to technical issues. The Summer 2026 operating period runs through August 2, 2026.
Arkansas DHS required all Summer EBT recipients to reset card PINs after theft reports, and said the cards will not work until the additional step is completed. DHS also said that at the end of July 2026 Arkansas will move to a new vendor to issue and administer EBT cards, with new security features to be added.
Arizona has seen one of the sharpest SNAP participation drops in the country, with July 2026 reporting describing major benefit losses tied to federal SNAP changes, increased paperwork, and state processing strain. The reporting says nearly half a million Arizonans have lost food-stamp benefits since the federal changes took effect.
Iowa HHS posted an update on July 2, 2026 stating that USDA/FNA directed Iowa to return to federal SNAP guidelines. Food items that were eligible before January 1, 2026 are allowed again, and stores were instructed to make the changes as soon as possible.
Arkansas implemented a SNAP nutrition waiver on July 1, 2026. SNAP benefits can no longer be used in Arkansas to buy soda, low- or no-calorie soda, fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice, other restricted unhealthy drinks, or candy.
Arkansas’ approved SNAP food restriction waiver has a target implementation date of July 1, 2026. The waiver restricts SNAP purchases of soda, fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice, unhealthy drinks, and candy.
Arkansas DHS said the state’s new SNAP nutrition waiver also applies to Summer EBT benefits starting July 1, 2026. Families can no longer use Summer EBT benefits to purchase candy, soda, or other unhealthy beverages.
Beginning June 27, 2026, unused SNAP, FITAP, and KCSP benefits will be removed from Louisiana EBT cards nine months after the benefits were issued, even if the card has been used during that period.
Tennessee’s SNAP food restriction waiver had targeted July 31, 2026 for implementation and would have restricted processed foods and beverages such as soda, energy drinks, and candy. FNS’s current waiver page says the June 22, 2026 federal court order vacated approval and that implementation may not proceed.
Tennessee had planned to implement SNAP EBT purchase restrictions on July 31, 2026, covering certain processed foods and beverages. A federal judge voided the SNAP pilot program on June 22, 2026, blocking the restrictions before they took effect, so Tennessee SNAP recipients should not face the planned July 31 restrictions during August 2026.
Hawaii’s SUN Bucks site says benefits became available starting June 10, 2026 for most returning eligible students, but remaining students, including new SUN Bucks students and foster children, were delayed due to technical issues. The Summer 2026 SUN Bucks operating period runs through August 2, 2026.
New Mexico announced that Summer EBT/SUN Bucks grocery benefits were held up by a federal funding delay and will begin reaching nearly 293,000 children on June 15, 2026. Eligible families are set to receive $120 per child; the state said the delay was about 30 days.
Beginning May 26, 2026, Louisiana SNAP recipients can use EBT cards only for purchases made in Louisiana and in approved ZIP codes adjacent to the Louisiana border in neighboring states. Purchases outside those areas are blocked unless the recipient requests temporary out-of-state access.
California counties are notifying CalFresh recipients that beginning June 1, 2026, more adults classified as ABAWDs must meet work or community-engagement requirements to keep benefits beyond the time limit. The rule applies at application or renewal and may affect adults ages 18–64 who do not qualify for exemptions.
Colorado’s SNAP Healthy Choice Waiver began April 30, 2026 and continues during May and June. The waiver removes certain beverages, including soft drinks, from SNAP eligibility.
Texas SNAP purchase restrictions began April 1, 2026 and continue to affect May and June purchases. SNAP EBT can no longer be used to buy candy or sweetened drinks; USDA materials list Texas’s implementation date as April 1, 2026.
Florida’s SNAP purchase restrictions began April 20, 2026 and continue to affect purchases during May and June. SNAP benefits can no longer be used for soda, energy drinks, candy, and ultra-processed shelf-stable prepared desserts.
DC DHS says SNAP ABAWD work-requirement implementation begins June 1, 2026. Starting then, applicants and people recertifying for SNAP will be screened to determine whether they must meet work requirements or qualify for an exemption; DC is also launching new screening and verification forms.
Maryland EBT services were scheduled to be unavailable from 12:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2026, during a transition to a new EBT vendor and the ebtEdge platform. Cardholders could not use EBT cards for food purchases or cash withdrawals during the outage, and people normally receiving benefits on the 17th could see deposits delayed by a few hours.
Starting May 13, 2026, Ohio SNAP recipients must unlock their EBT cards before making online or out-of-state purchases. The state placed SNAP and Summer EBT cards into a default “block high-risk transaction” status to reduce fraud; in-person purchases at Ohio stores are not affected.
California says that beginning June 1, 2026, it will implement changes to CalFresh time-limit/work or community-engagement rules for adults ages 18 to 65 who do not have young children in the home. Affected people must qualify for an exemption or meet work/community-engagement requirements to keep CalFresh benefits for more than 3 months in a 36-month period.
Washington DSHS says H.R. 1 changes affect SNAP eligibility for certain noncitizens. In May 2026, DSHS will automatically shift certain affected people from federal SNAP benefits to state-funded food benefits instead.
Nevada Legal Services says that due to recent federal law changes, Nevada SNAP recipients ages 18 to 64 who do not meet specific criteria may no longer receive SNAP benefits as of May 1, 2026.
Maryland began mailing new EBT cards to cardholders in July 2026 as part of its transition to more secure chip-and-tap EBT cards. Earlier transition materials warned cardholders to activate new cards when received and to use the new ebtEDGE portal for benefit management.
Hawaii DHS reported that some SNAP households were mistakenly sent SUN Bucks cards instead of regular EBT Kokua cards due to an EBT vendor error that began around May 1, 2026. DHS estimated about 800 households may have been affected and said it was working to ensure impacted households continue to have uninterrupted access to benefits.
Florida's SNAP restrictions took effect April 20, 2026, limiting SNAP purchases of certain soda, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts while leaving core grocery staples eligible.
New York OTDA says ABAWDs in all areas of the state except Saratoga County must start meeting ABAWD work rules beginning March 1, 2026. ABAWDs generally must meet work rules to receive SNAP for more than three months in a three-year period.
Louisiana says its SNAP Food Restriction Waiver took effect February 18, 2026, adding restrictions on certain sugar-laden items such as soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy.
USDA approved Texas' SNAP food restriction waiver for two years effective April 1, 2026. The waiver excludes sweetened drinks and candy from SNAP purchases under the state demonstration project.