Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to accept SNAP through MarketLink?
Apply online. You will receive a follow up email determining your eligibility and providing information on the next step in the process.
What documentation is required of my SNAP sales?
No documentation or reporting of your SNAP transactions are required, unless you are participating in an incentive program that requires you to do so.
I received an email offering me SNAP/EBT equipment, was that from MarketLink?
Any email communication from MarketLink will have the sender of “name/support/info@marketlink.org”.
If you receive an email offering free equipment and you are uncertain of its source, please forward it to info@marketlink.org and we will verify if it comes from our organization.
What is the deadline for me to apply for the MarketLink program?
There is no deadline to utilize MarketLink; however free equipment might only be available for a limited time.
Know the Difference
Is there a difference between SNAP and EBT?
“EBT” stands for “Electronic Benefits Transfer”, which describes any payment method that is based on an electronic transfer of funds (money is moved electronically between accounts). Credit cards, debit cards and SNAP cards are all technically forms of EBT.
The SNAP program was updated from a paper check system to an electronic system in 2004. You will often hear SNAP and EBT used interchangeably, and generally they are referring to the same program. However, many states also refer to SNAP/EBT by other names as well, such as “Food Supplement Program” for example.
Learn more about EBT
What is the relationship between MarketLink, the USDA Food & Nutrition Services, NAFMNP, TotilPay, and the Farmers Food Assistance Bureau (FFAB)?
Established in 2013 by the National Association of Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (NAFMNP) through a cooperative agreement with the USDA – Food and Nutrition Services, Marketlink was created to expand access to healthy, local food by enabling farmers and markets to accept electronic benefit transfers (EBT).
In 2024, NAFMNP established the Farmers Food Assistance Bureau (FFAB) to continue this work. Today, FFAB oversees MarketLink’s operations and manages the TotilPay technology portfolio that powers MarketLink’s services.
Under FFAB’s leadership, MarketLink provides solutions that help direct marketing farmers (DMFs) and farmers markets (FMs) accept electronic payments for SNAP, WIC, S/FMNP, and incentive programs. Through tools like the TotilPay Go app, GrownBy eCommerce platform, and the TotilPay Incentive Management System (TIMS), MarketLink delivers simple, secure, and effective payment solutions that strengthen local food systems.
TotilPay is the payment processing platform that powers MarketLink’s services. Designed and developed by a team of retail payment processing experts, TotilPay simplifies EBT acceptance at the point of sale—making it as easy as any other payment method. TotilPay’s mission is simple: to make accepting SNAP and other benefit programs effortless, so farmers, markets, and mobile vendors can focus on what matters most—growing their business and feeding their communities.
How is MarketLink different from the USDA program offered through states?
MarketLink is different because USDA awarded a contract to the NAFMNP based on the best value for the agency as well as for direct-marketing farmers and farmers markets to provide a complete solution – a farmer or market may process SNAP, credit, and debit through our equipment. State funding is intended for SNAP only.
Equipment options through the MarketLink program are available to any farmers market and direct marketing farmer across the country, whether they are eligible for free equipment or not.
What is the difference between a food hub and food cooperative?
A regional food hub is a business or organization that actively manages the aggregation, distribution, and marketing of source-identified food products primarily from local and regional producers to strengthen their ability to satisfy wholesale, retail, and institutional demand.” [National Food Hub Collaboration]
In comparison, cooperatives are “organization[s] formed for the purpose of producing and marketing goods or products owned collectively by members who share in the benefits.”
Is SNAP the same as WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) or Seniors’ Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks?
No. WIC-FMNP and the S-FMNP are state-managed programs, whereas SNAP is a federally-managed program. To accept WIC-FMNP or SFMNP, you should contact your state’s program coordinator.
What is a Farmers’ Market (FM)?
The USDA defines farmers’ markets as “multi-stall markets at which farmer-producers sell food products they produced (fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, grains, etc.) directly to the general public, at a central or fixed location.” This means a traditional market where multiple vendors set up stalls at a fixed location on a regular schedule. The majority of the cumulative sales revenue at the farmers’ market must be Staple Foods to qualify as a SNAP Retailer.
- For markets with multiple locations, they must get a FNS # for each location.
- A FM is usually considered a Mobile Market/Delivery Route if they purchase products from farmers, and sell those products to the general public, at various locations, or a location that is not a brick and mortar store.
What is a Direct Marketing Farmer (DMF)?
The USDA defines Direct Marketing Farmers as “individual producers of agricultural products that sell directly to the public.” This means farmers who grow or raise their own products and the majority of their sales are made directly to the public by means of farmers’ markets, farm stands, U-Pick It, and/or a CSA program. Other requirements to qualify as a DMF includes:
- At least 50% of your retail sales must be Staple Foods they grew/produced at the farm location.
- You can sell SNAP-eligible foods that were purchased from other farmers, but these sales cannot amount to more than 50% of total retail sales.
- DMF’s are the only designation allowed to sell from multiple locations without being considered a delivery route, so long as the majority of their sales are in-person (not delivery).
- Common locations/avenues for DMF sales: farmers’ markets, farm stand, farm store, U-Pick It, CSA shares.
- Can have multiple farmers at one farm location (for example, a community farm in which multiple farmers sell their produce collectively or individually under the name of the business).
Eligibility
Who is eligible for the SNAP Equipment grant?
Businesses who meet the USDA’s definition of a Direct Marketing Farmer or Farmers’ Market.
Are Food Hubs/Coops eligible for the grant-funded equipment?
Unfortunately, no. Only Direct Marketing Farmers and Farmers’ Markets are eligible for the grant-funded equipment. However, free wired equipment for 501(c)3 Food Buying Cooperatives may be available through each State’s EBT program.
Are mobile markets/delivery services eligible for the grant-funded equipment?
It depends. If a grower owns/operates the business and is selling their product along with other locally grown products, you may be eligible. This is determined on a case-by-case basis. Please apply and we will assess your eligibility.
See Glossary
Are Community Gardens eligible for the grant-funded equipment?
Yes, Community Gardens are eligible and can apply as a Direct Marketing Farmer as long as they are producing their own agricultural products and selling them directly to the public.
Can I accept SNAP for a CSA program?
Yes, however it’s important to note that SNAP sales are not permitted for goods delivered more than 2 weeks out from the transaction date. Farmers who accept SNAP for CSA shares may require a credit card to hold the order, then charge the SNAP card in-person upon pickup.
I live in a state with a free SNAP/EBT equipment program. Am I eligible for MarketLink?
Yes you are eligible; if you have received equipment through your state then it may impact whether or not you can receive equipment through MarketLink. This will depend on your state’s program regulations and the status of your equipment.
What if I am not eligible for the SNAP Equipment grant?
You can still purchase MarketLink equipment. You can purchase equipment (card reader & printer) to accept SNAP, credit & debit. Please review our SNAP Equipment page to learn more.
If I am eligible for the TotilPay Go extension, will it affect my eligibility for the new MarketLink grant period?
You should no longer need to apply for the MarketLink new grant period; if you need a reader or other equipment, please contact us at info@marketlink.org. If you process more than $500 in sales over the year of your grant subscription, the subsequent year of your subscription will also be covered through the grant.
TotilPay Go Subscription Extension
How do I become eligible for the extension, and do I have to notify MarketLink?
You do not need to notify us. The renewal is automatically done by Novo Dia Group, the company that developed the TotilPay Go app. Look out for an email that reads, “Your TotilPay Go subscription has been extended” from Novo Dia Group.
My current subscription is deactivated because I canceled my subscription when my season was over. Can I apply for an additional year when I restart next season?
No, the additional year begins from your last payment date. However, If you process more than $500 in sales over the year of your grant subscription, the subsequent year of your subscription will also be covered through the grant. If you have not received a grant since October of 2023 then you may reapply.
I am a month-to-month subscriber to the TotilPay Go subscription, how will the 2023 extension affect me?
Your subscription payments will be covered for a free year beginning with your last payment date. After the additional year, monthly payments will resume with auto-payments that will be debited from your bank account just like they are now.
I’m only open for a few months each year. Can I use the one-year TotilPay Go extension for just the months I’m open until I’ve used a total of 12 months?
No, the 1-year grant begins on your renewal date and will end after 12 months, despite when your business is open or closed for the season. If you process more than $500 in sales over the year of your grant subscription, the subsequent year of your subscription will also be covered through the grant.
I already paid the TotilPay Go subscription fee at the end of my recent MarketLink year. Can I get a refund for that payment if I am eligible for the extension?
No, but you will still receive the free year once your paid subscription ends.
If I am eligible for the TotilPay Go extension, will it affect my eligibility for the new MarketLink grant period?
You should no longer need to apply for the MarketLink new grant period. If you need a reader or did not process more than $500 in SNAP sales over the year of your grant subscription, you can submit a new grant application.
SNAP Retailer Authorization
I’ve submitted my application, how do I check its status?
You can check your application’s status by logging onto the USDA website and clicking on the link to “Check Status of Previously Submitted Application”.
You can also call the SNAP Retailer Service Center at 1-877-823-4369 (then select options 2,1) and ask for the status of your application. They will ask security questions to verify your identity, including your FNS #, and the owner’s full name, social security number, and date of birth. They will only speak with someone listed on the application.
How do I apply to accept SNAP?
Any business that wants to accept SNAP must submit an application with the USDA to become a “SNAP Authorized Retailer”. Approval can take anywhere from 2-8 weeks, and it’s important to monitor your application’s status throughout the process.
MarketLink offers free assistance with that application, and we can even submit it on your behalf. We encourage you to schedule a phone call with one of our Regional Representatives to discuss the details of the application and how we can help.
If you’d like to submit on your own or review details of the process, check out our SNAP Equipment Grant page for the step-by-step instructions.
What information do I have to provide for the USDA application?
Kindly see our SNAP Equipment Grant page to review what you will need to prepare before applying for your SNAP Retailer Authorization.
How long does it take to get approved?
Anywhere from 2-8 weeks from the time you submit the required “supporting documents”. March-August is the busiest time of the year for applications, so expect it to take longer if you apply then.
How long does my SNAP Permit last?
A SNAP Permit and the FNS number assigned to it is good for 5 years. After that point, the owner will receive an email and likely a letter stating they need to reauthorize the permit. As long as there has been no change in ownership or location of the farm/market, then to reauthorize you will only need to follow the instructions in the email/letter to go to a website and enter in a code.
What if I need assistance with my USDA application?
You may call us at (833) 372-9489 or mail info@marketlink.org to request an appointment from a MarketLink team member to go through the application.
I am officially an authorized SNAP Retailer, what’s next?
Congratulations! Now you need equipment to process SNAP cards. SNAP card reader equipment can be purchased from various businesses and banks, some states have free equipment programs, or if you are eligible, there is equipment provided by the MarketLink grant program.
- We recommend for you to first determine if your state has a free equipment program.
- If not, complete MarketLink’s Eligibility Assessment to determine if you qualify for our free equipment.
- Lastly, review this list of companies and banks that have been authorized to process SNAP transactions (SNAP “Third Party Processors” or “TPP”) if the two options above are unavailable to you.
TotilPay Go Subscription
When does the free year start?
The 1 year of grant-funded TotilPay Go subscription starts when you receive the Welcome Email from TotilPay Go with instructions on how to activate the app. This Welcome Email arrives after you submit the TotilPay Go MarketLink Merchant Application and it is accepted.
How do I change to a monthly subscription?
If you would like to change from a yearly subscription to a month-to-month subscription, complete this form.
How do I turn on/off my monthly subscription?
Complete this online form to cancel/suspend your subscription.
Complete this form to turn on/reinstate your subscription.
How much will TotilPay Go cost after the free year is up?
For Direct Marketing Farmers and Farmers’ Markets, the cost is $19.95/month or $191.40/year.
Will I be charged automatically for renewal when the 1 free year is up?
Yes, you are signed up for auto-renewal of a yearly subscription, but TotilPay Go will email you several times to warn you when the end of the free year is approaching so that you can cancel or modify as desired. To cancel your subscription before auto-renewal, complete this form.
Is there a per-transaction fee for processing SNAP through TotilPay Go?
No, for TotilPay Go customers there is no per-transaction fee for SNAP sales.
Does the card reader provided by the grant also process credit/debit cards?
It can process credit/debit cards depending on which credit/debit provider you choose. We are partnered with both Square and WorldPay to offer credit/debit card processing.
Terms and conditions for Square:
- No contract required and no monthly fees.
- Per transaction for credit/debit sales: $0.10 AND 2.6% of the sale
- You also need to purchase a credit/debit card reader from Square (~$50). Both card readers will connect to the TotilPay Go app at the same time, and TotilPay Go will track all your sales in one place.
Terms and conditions for WorldPay:
- Three (3) year contract required +$120/per year subscription cost
- Per transaction for credit/debt sales: $0.15 AND 1.79% of the sale
- Credit, debit and SNAP sales can all be used with the same card reader we provide.
What transaction fees will I have to accept SNAP EBT, debit and credit cards all through one device?
There will be no transaction fees for SNAP/EBT sales, and the transaction fees for the credit/debit processing will depend on which provider you choose (WorldPay or Square). This applies whether you qualify for free equipment OR are purchasing equipment through MarketLink.
How do I cancel my subscription to TotilPay Go?
Complete this form to cancel your subscription.
TotilPay Go Setup
How do I generate Sales Reports?
Instructions are here.
How long does it take to get the equipment?
If you first need to get approved by the USDA as a SNAP Retailer, that step alone can take 4-8 weeks.
Once you’ve been authorized by the USDA to accept SNAP (receive your SNAP permit) you’ll need to fill out the TotilPay Go MarketLink Merchant Application, a short online form. Allow a minimum of 5 business days for processing, then your SNAP card reader will ship Fedex 2-Day. So if you’ve already been approved by the USDA to accept SNAP, getting the equipment is usually a very quick process.
Is the SNAP Point-of-Sale equipment wireless?
Yes. The equipment we provide is wireless and app-based. The equipment is a SNAP card reader that works concurrently with the TotilPay Go app. However, customers will need to provide their own smart device to run the TotilPay Go app on (Android 5 +, Apple iOS 14+ devices).
What are the operating system requirements for TotilPay Go?
Minimum of Android 5+ or Apple iOS 15 or later. Find out your operating system version here.
Do I need to purchase a smartphone or tablet specifically for this program?
No, the TotilPay Go app can be used on a personal or business related device.
How do I get an additional card reader?
You can learn how to purchase an additional card reader here.
How much does an additional card reader cost?
$129 for the ChipperBT (card reader only) or $319 for the Woosim P240i (printer card reader combo). You will also need to purchase an additional TotilPay Go license for the additional card reader ($19.95/month or $191.40/year for MarketLink customers).
How much data does the TotilPay Go app use?
Very little – the busiest Farmers’ Markets use less than 1 GB per month.
Eligibility
Is SNAP Online available to CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture)?
If the farm selling the CSA shares is a SNAP Authorized Direct Marketing Farmer, their CSA program is SNAP eligible.
Why is SNAP Online not available to farmers markets?
FNS is prioritizing DMFs during the first phase of rollout, and we are working with them to determine future steps for farmers markets.
Are Community Gardens eligible for the SNAP Online grant?
Yes, Community Gardens are eligible and can apply as a Direct Marketing Farmer as long as they are producing their own agricultural products and selling them directly to the public.
Can I apply to both the SNAP Equipment Grant and the SNAP Online grant at the same time?
Yes. You can indicate your desire to apply for both grants in our Eligibility Assessment.
I’ve been approved, what’s next?
Kindly wait for further instructions from us regarding the USDA process and necessary documents that you will need to complete. We are currently submitting SNAP Online processing applications in bulk of five, based on when they applied and if they have a GrownBy account already. We will email as soon as your application is up to get started.
Miscellaneous
How do I apply?
Please visit our SNAP Online page to learn more.
How long will the SNAP Online grant be available?
The SNAP Online grant is currently funded until September 2025.
What are the costs after the grant year finishes?
The grant covers the costs for the first year. However, the costs for the SNAP Online PIN processing (provided by WorldPay/FIS), are still to be determined as it will depend on how many farmers sign up. The good news is, just as with the equipment grant, participants are welcome to cancel anytime and are not obligated to continue after the free year is up if the costs aren’t feasible for your business.
Can I utilize the SNAP Online grant but use my current eCommerce provider instead of GrownBy?
GrownBy is currently the only eCommerce provider that can process SNAP Online through the MarketLink program. We are working to add other providers in the future but we recommend you switch to GrownBy if you would like to utilize the MarketLink grant. Contact GrownBy or MarketLink if you would like assistance in switching your eCommerce provider.
What do I need to do to maintain SNAP Online Internet Retailer (IR) Authorization?
We are working with USDA to confirm these requirements.
When does the free year officially start?
The free year officially starts when your farm becomes authorized as an Internet Retailer
Is there a way to add SNAP incentives onto the online store?
No, but we are working on finding a solution to include all the various programs with their programmatic variations.
Eligibility
I am a farmer, can I sign-up to accept WIC or S/FMNP electronically through MarketLink?
You can sign-up through MarketLink if you are participating in the Maryland Market Money program (MMM eIncentives) or located in Indiana. Determine if you’re eligible by completing our Eligibility Assessment.
Which states and programs are you currently working with right now on eSolutions?
We are currently supporting the following pilot programs:
Miscellaneous
My organization/agency wants to work with MarketLink to transition from our vouchers program. How can we get started?
Thank you for your interest! Please contact us directly with your interest inquiry.
Is WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) or Seniors’ Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks the same as SNAP?
No. WIC-FMNP and the S-FMNP are state-managed programs, whereas SNAP is a federally-managed program. To accept WIC-FMNP or SFMNP, you should contact your state’s program coordinator.
What is the difference between TIMS and myMarketLink?
TIMS is a management system that is available to vendors such as farmers or farmers market while the mymarketlink mobile app is available to customers utilizing SNAP, eWIC, eFMNP, eSFMNP to purchase at your market. Please refer to the Glossary.
Will it cost farmers or farmers markets to participate?
Direct marketing farmers and farmers markets would only be responsible for getting the TotilPay Go subscription. However, with the new MarketLink SNAP Equipment Grant extension, the subscription will be extended for an additional year if the farm or market maintain at least $500 in SNAP sales annually.
FNS Number
What is a FNS number?
A FNS number is a 7 digit number assigned to every business who applies to be a SNAP Authorized Retailer with the USDA Food & Nutrition Services (FNS). Once the business is officially approved, their FNS number is “active”. This number can be found on the SNAP Permit that is emailed and mailed to the business upon approval of their SNAP Authorized Retailer application.
How do I get an FNS number?
You must submit an application with the USDA to become a SNAP Authorized Retailer and be approved.
Learn more about the application
I lost my FNS number, how can I look it up?
Call the SNAP Retailer Service Center at 1-877-823-4369 and ask them to look it up for you. They will only speak to someone listed on the original SNAP application, and they will ask identifying information such as the business name and address, and the owner’s name, date of birth, and last 4 of their social security number.
I just submitted the application to become a SNAP Authorized Retailer and they assigned me a FNS number, have I been approved?
No. You are assigned a FNS number when you submit the application, but it does not become “active” until you have been approved and receive your permit.
Is the FNS number the same as my state assigned FMNP/WIC #?
No. FMNP/WIC/SFMNP are state-managed and are separate from the federally-managed SNAP program.
Do I have to reapply every year?
No. The USDA does periodically purge SNAP Permits that are not processing SNAP sales, so be sure to conduct SNAP sales at least once a year.
Every 5 years the USDA will send an email and letter asking you to “reauthorize” your SNAP permit. Reauthorizing involves following simple instructions to go to a website and enter in a code. If you miss the deadline in the letter to reauthorize, you will need to reapply.
How do I check if my FNS number/SNAP Permit is still active?
Call the SNAP Retailer Service Center at 1-877-823-4369 and ask them to verify that your SNAP Permit is still valid. They will only speak to someone listed on the original SNAP application, and they will ask identifying information such as the business name and address, and the owner’s name, date of birth, and last 4 of their social security number.
“Additional Information” Requests
I received a letter/email from the USDA asking for additional information, why?
While reviewing your SNAP application, the USDA may ask for additional information to determine your eligibility. They will give you a deadline to respond by, if you do not respond in time they will withdraw your application.
If you have questions on how to respond, contact MarketLink by phone (833) 372-9489 (ext. 0) or email (info@marketlink.org).
How do I respond to a request for additional information?
You should upload the requested information to the USDA website that you submitted your application through.
After you upload that information, you should also call the SNAP Retailer Service Center at 1-877-823-4369 to confirm they received the information.
Sometimes the Program Specialist (agent who reviews your application) assigned to your application will instruct you to email them the information. You can email it to them, but you should also upload it to the USDA website so there is proof that you complied with their request.
You are also allowed to mail in the requested information, but we do not recommend this as it will take longer for the USDA to receive and process the documents, potentially risking you missing the deadline to respond.
Why hasn’t my status on the USDA website changed since I responded?
Your status will not automatically update when you upload documents. The Program Specialist must first review and approve of the information before your status will update.
If the deadline to respond is drawing close or has passed and your status has not changed, you should call the SNAP Retailer Service Center at 1-877-823-4369 and request that your Program Specialist contact you.
Required Documents
I lost the IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter, are there any substitutes?
Download a new copy from this website.
You can use a copy of your most recent tax return, W-9, and EIN #. After uploading the documents to the USDA, call the SNAP Retailer Service Center and verify that they accept your substitution.
I can’t find my social security card, are there any substitutes?
Yes, they will accept the first page of your most recent tax return (you may black out income and spouse’s information), or any government-issued document with your name, address, and social security number such as a W-2 or 1099.
I have an EIN number, do I still have to provide my social security number?
Yes. The only exception to the social security number requirement is for 501(c)(3) nonprofit farmers’ markets.
My driver’s license is expired, are there any substitutes?
Yes, they will accept a color copy of a passport.