> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.vori.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Processing EBT SNAP & EBT Cash Refunds

> Learn how to process EBT SNAP and EBT Cash refunds correctly on the POS.

### Overview

When processing refunds for Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) transactions, Vori POS enforces specific workflows to keep your store compliant with federal regulations.

#### Key compliance rules at a glance

| Transaction Type | Allowable Refund Method | Compliance Rule                                                        |
| ---------------- | ----------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| EBT SNAP         | Original EBT card only  | Federal law prohibits returning cash for SNAP purchases (trafficking). |
| EBT Cash         | Cash, gift, or credit   | EBT Cash funds cannot be returned to the EBT card.                     |

***

### EBT SNAP refunds

When you refund an item originally purchased with **EBT SNAP**, there is only one compliant option: the refund goes back to the original EBT card automatically.

<Warning>
  Federal regulations prohibit giving cash, store credit, or debit/credit refunds for items purchased with SNAP benefits.
</Warning>

#### Understanding refunds for split EBT SNAP payments

Vori handles refunds at the order level, not the item level, to stay compliant with federal anti-fraud regulations.

Here's how it works:

* The system looks at the total paid by each method (EBT SNAP vs. cash or credit) across the whole order. It does not track whether a specific item was paid for with EBT or another method.
* It always refunds the EBT SNAP card first, up to the total originally charged to that card.

For example:

1. A shopper buys \$20 of EBT-eligible groceries and \$5 of non-EBT charcoal.
2. They split the payment: \$20 from EBT SNAP and \$5 in cash.
3. Later, they return the \$5 charcoal.
4. The system refunds the \$5 to the EBT SNAP card, not as cash.

The refund (\$5) is less than the total paid with EBT SNAP (\$20), so the system refills the EBT card first. This prevents shoppers from receiving cash back for EBT funds.

<Note>
  This is normal, compliant behavior. The POS handles it automatically, and cashiers cannot override which payment method receives the refund.
</Note>

***

### EBT Cash refunds

Because **EBT Cash** acts as a cash-equivalent benefit, it follows different rules. When refunding an EBT Cash transaction, you can choose one of these options:

* Refund to a credit or debit card.
* Refund in cash.
* Refund to a store gift card.

<Note>
  **EBT Cash** cannot be refunded to the original EBT card. Only EBT SNAP supports direct-to-card refunds.
</Note>

***

### Troubleshooting

If you can't locate the original order or you hit a processing error, contact Vori Support with these details:

* The date and time of the original transaction.
* The order ID or the last four digits of the EBT card used.
* A brief description of the error message or issue.


## Related topics

- [Frequently Asked Questions](/faqs.md)
- [Process Refunds on the POS](/point-of-sale-pos/basic-cashier-functions/process-refunds-on-the-pos.md)
- [Handle Card Voids and Payment Cancelations at the POS](/point-of-sale-pos/basic-cashier-functions/handle-card-voids-and-payment-cancelations-at-the-pos.md)