Food Stamps and WIC Coupons |
Food Stamps
For information on how to apply to become an authorized retailer to accept food stamp benefits from customers, inquire with VISION TAX PAYROLL. The completed application form will need to be returned to the local USDA, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) field office. You cannot accept any food stamp benefits until your firm is authorized by USDA. There are no fees/dues that a retailer must pay for food stamp authorization. All authorized firms will be issued a Food Stamp Program Authorization Permit. This permit should be displayed in a conspicuous place at the store.
When purchasing an existing business, you cannot accept any food stamp benefits until you are authorized by USDA in your name as the new owner of the business. Any previous owner's authorization is NOT TRANSFERABLE. You must contact the local FNS field office to obtain an application and apply for authorization under your ownership. FNS may impose a fine against any individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or other legal entity not approved by FNS to accept and redeem food stamp benefits for any violation of the provisions of the Food Stamp Act or the program regulations, including violations involving the acceptance of coupons.
WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Coupons
Any retail food store desiring to be authorized to accept WIC coupons must file an application as prescribed by the US Department of Agriculture, Food & Nutrition Service. A retail food store must meet eligibility determination factors which may be based on, but not limited to, visual inspection, sales records, purchase records, counting of stockkeeping units, or other inventory or accounting recordkeeping methods that are customary or reasonable in the retail food industry. The FNS may require that a retail food store be visited to confirm eligibility for program participation prior to the store being authorized in the program. Once approved, an authorization card is issued. For more information on becoming an authorized retailer contact: New York State Department of Health
______________
DISCLAIMER:
This information is presented as reference material. While the Governor's Office of Regulatory Reform believes this information to be accurate, they are NOT certified copies of the laws and regulations. Therefore, you should NOT rely upon this as a legal interpretation.
Retailer Application Process
Any retailer that would like to accept food stamp benefits must be licensed to participate in the Food Stamp Program and the permit is non-transferable. If you are purchasing a store that is currently authorized, you must submit a new application and you may not accept benefits until you are approved by FNS. The following are the steps in the application process.
| (1) | Apply online or obtain a paper application |
|
| (2) | Submit all required supporting documentation with your application as follows: |
|
| (a) | Copy of one current business license in your name. | |
| (b) | Photo Identification: copy of driver's license, passport, military ID, or official state-issued photo ID for all owners, partners, corporate officers, and spouses if it is a community property state. | |
| (c) | Social Security Number: copy of social security card or acceptable verification of your social security number (e.g., tax forms, insurance card, etc.) for all owners, partners, corporate officers, and spouses if it is a community property state. |
|
| (3) | Send all required documentation to the FNS Field Office responsible for processing your application. To find your assigned FNS Field Office, |
|
| (4) | FNS may take up to 45 days to process an application once it's complete. FNS will review your application for accuracy, conduct a background check for past Food Stamp Program history, and evaluate your store for eligibility. FNS may visit your store to confirm eligibility. |
|
| (5) | FNS strongly encourages applicants to use the Department's training information web site. This web site offers links to streaming training videos and guides. It is important understand that store owners accept responsibility for the actions of their employees. Review the training material with your employees to ensure that they follow Food Stamp Program rules and regulations. |
|
| (6) | FNS shall notify you of a decision in writing. If approved, you will receive a contract that you must complete and return in order to receive point-of-sale equipment to accept Food Stamp EBT cards. | |
This is a "Clean-Safe Site" No ads, no Viruses | ©1991-2008 Vision Tax Payroll / Real Vision Realty - All Rights Reserved