TEA Program Penalties

In the TEA Program, an IPV (Intentional Program Violation) is an intentional action by an individual to establish or maintain an assistance unit’s (AU’s) eligibility, or to increase or prevent a decrease in the AU’s benefits, by providing false or misleading information or withholding information.

Any household member who hides information and does not report changes on time or does not tell the truth will lose TANF benefits for six months for the first violation, twelve months for the second violation and permanently for the third violation. The misuse of the cash assistance funds or TEA DEBIT card to withdraw cash or perform transactions at casinos, liquor stores, adult-oriented entertainment facilities “strip clubs”, poker rooms, bail bonds, night clubs/salons/taverns, bingo halls, race tracks, gaming establishments, gun/ammunition stores, cruise ships, psychic readers, smoking shops, tattoo/piercing shops, and spa/massage salons is strictly prohibited and will result in a loss of TEA benefits for six months for the first violation, twelve months for the second violation and permanently for the third violation.

If a court of law finds you or any household member hiding information, or you do not report changes on time or do not tell the truth and are convicted, you may not get TEA for 12 months for the first violation and permanently for the second violation.

If a court of law finds you or any household member guilty of giving false information about where you live so you can receive benefits in more than one state, you will be barred for 10 years.