For subsequent offenses, or for food stamp fraud involving larger dollar amounts, the accused may be facing up to five years in prison, several years of probation or an even bigger fine. Nonetheless, individuals who commit food stamp fraud may find themselves facing up to one year in jail and a substantial fine. The ability to file criminal charges, and the penalties enforced, vary considerably between counties and states. It is also possible for the agency to pursue criminal charges at the misdemeanor or felony level. Moreover, they may be required to repay any amounts received in excess of their rightful entitlement. If they are successful at doing so, the person who wrongfully received food stamp assistance may become ineligible for such help for a specified period of time. During the hearing, the agency must prove that the individual intended to commit fraud. The first of these is a disqualification hearing. If the agency believes that food stamp fraud has been committed, then they have several steps available to them. It may also involve interviews with family and neighbors who can attest to the size of the household and any income sources. The investigation may include visits to the home of the family who is receiving assistance. The government agency responsible for the dispensation of food stamps may conduct an investigation if they receive information or suspect that someone is committing food stamp fraud. But what are the penalties? Penalties Of Food Stamp Fraud Agency Investigation With technological advances, it is easier for the USDA to track suspicious behavior and catch those who commit food stamp fraud. Tracking fraud and preventing it is a high priority for the government, and they are able to monitor fradulent activity through undercover investigations, regular audits, and retailer/buyer data. While food stamp fraud does happen, it is getting harder and harder to get away with it. Buying something that is outside the scope of your food stamp benefits.Providing false information about how much money you make.“ SNAP trafficking” (receiving cash in exchange for the SNAP card).And while this is the most common form of food stamp fraud, there are other examples that happen more often than you’d think. What is food stamp fraud? When someone intentionally provides misleading information about the size of their household or the amount of their income on an application for food stamps, they may be guilty of food stamp fraud. Below, we’ll take an in-depth look at these transgressions – the different types, how it is handled, and the penalties of food stamp fraud. And as helpful as the SNAP program may be, it is taken advantage of in more ways than one. A household with more dependents and less income is generally entitled to a larger food stamp allowance. The amount of food stamps given depends upon the family’s situation. SNAP benefits are housed on an electronic benefits transer (EBT) card, which functions the same way a debit card would.

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