Whether you are a participant or a retailer, it is important to know and follow SNAP rules. Remember there are serious penalties for SNAP fraud

If you are a retailer, violations can result in:

• Temporary disqualification from the program.

• Permanent disqualification from the program.

• Payment of a civil monetary penalty.

• Criminal charges and prosecution resulting in restitution payments and imprisonment.

If you are a retailer, falsification of your application can result in:

• Disqualification, and a $10,000 fine, imprisonment for as long as 5 years or both.

If you are a recipient, violations can result in:

• Temporary disqualification from the program for 12 or 24 months.
• Permanent disqualification from the program.
• Repayment of benefits obtained illegally.

Here are Some Dos and Don’ts to Help You Follow the Rules

If you are a SNAP participant:

Do:

• Use your benefits for food.

• Tell the truth on your application.

• Report income changes to your caseworker.

• Report suspicious activity.

• Keep your EBT card and PIN secure

Don’t:

• Don’t sell your benefits for cash.

• Don’t pay money to apply for SNAP. There is no cost to apply for SNAP. Stay up to date with our SCAM Alert.

• Don’t share your EBT card.

• Don’t share your PIN with anyone outside your family.

If you are an interested public citizen:

Do:

• Report suspicious activity.

• Share the facts about SNAP.

Don’t:

• Don’t ignore suspicious activity.

• Don’t spread myths about the program.

If you are a retailer:

Do:

• Tell the truth on your application.

• Train your employees about the rules.

Don’t:

• Don’t buy benefits for cash.

• Don’t sell ineligible foods.

Last modified: 05/24/2012