Ensuring Fee-Free Benefit Transactions Act of 2025

# Ensuring Fee-Free Benefit Transactions Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would prohibit financial institutions from charging fees when people access or transfer government benefits. The legislation aims to ensure that recipients of federal benefits—such as Social Security, unemployment insurance, food assistance (SNAP), and other programs—can access their money without losing part of it to transaction fees charged by banks and payment processors. **Who It Affects:** The bill would directly benefit millions of Americans who receive government assistance programs. It would also affect financial institutions and payment processors that currently charge fees for benefit transactions. The bill targets a practice that critics argue disproportionately impacts low-income individuals who can least afford additional costs. **Current Status:** As of now, HR 4158 is in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House.

The bill was introduced by Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH) in the 119th Congress. For the bill to become law, it would need to pass out of committee, receive a House vote, pass the Senate, and be signed by the President.