1105.015.10.50 Disqualified for Trafficking Food Stamps – DSS Manuals

IM-140 December 30, 2004 ; IM-118 October 5, 1998

An individual is permanently ineligible to participate in the Food Stamp Program if convicted in a Federal or State court of trafficking in Food Stamp benefits of $500 or more. Ineligibility begins with the date of conviction.

A question asking the applicant if any EU member has been convicted of a trafficking offense is in the controlled flow. If the applicant answers yes for any EU member, enter the appropriate information on the Declaration Detail (FMMN) screen. Enter the disqualification on the Sanction/Disqualification (FMAM) screen using type TRA. Refer to the Entering a Sanction or Disqualification user guide for instructions.

The begin date for the disqualification is the first month the individual can be removed or disqualified following adverse action procedures (if an active case) or the first month of certification (for applications). If the individual should have been disqualified prior to this time and received food stamp benefits, enter a claim following current claim policy ( 1142.010.00 Claims Process ).

It may be possible that the conviction becomes known at times other than during the controlled flow. For example, the Welfare Investigation Unit (WIU) may notify the worker that the EU member has been convicted of trafficking. Do not enter any information on the Declaration Detail (FMMN) screen. Enter the disqualification on the Sanction/Disqualification (FMAM) screen using type TRA. Refer to the Entering a Sanction or Disqualification user guide for instructions.