Can you get food stamps if you've been convicted of a crime?
Yes, in most cases, you can still qualify for food stamps even if you’ve been convicted of a crime. However, there are a few specific situations where past convictions can affect SNAP eligibility.
Here’s everything you need to know about applying for SNAP for people with past criminal convictions.
Propel is the #1-rated EBT balance checking app
Does having a criminal record automatically disqualify you from SNAP?#does-having-a-criminal-record-automatically-disqualify-you-from-snap
No, having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from getting SNAP benefits, except in certain situations.
Most criminal convictions don’t affect SNAP eligibility at all. SNAP is designed to prevent hunger and support basic nutrition needs by giving people money to supplement their grocery budget each month. Most states allow people with criminal convictions to get SNAP.
Instead of your criminal record, SNAP eligibility is mainly based on:
- Income
- Household size
- Immigration status
- Work requirements (for some adults)
Plenty of people, including people who are on probation or parole, qualify for SNAP. You can apply for SNAP as soon as you are no longer incarcerated.
When can a criminal conviction affect SNAP eligibility?#when-can-a-criminal-conviction-affect-snap-eligibility
There are two situations where a past criminal conviction might impact your eligibility for SNAP:
- Having a drug-related felony conviction: Federal SNAP rules allow states to disqualify people convicted of certain drug-related felonies from getting SNAP, but states can choose how strict they want to be. Depending on your state, you may still be able to get SNAP or may have to meet certain conditions to get SNAP like completing probation or treatment.
- Committing fraud related to SNAP benefits: If you were convicted of food stamp fraud, you may face a temporary or permanent disqualification from the program. The consequences for SNAP fraud vary state to state. Outcomes usually match the severity of the fraud and are worse if you’ve committed SNAP fraud multiple times.
If you think these situations may apply to you, search for your state’s SNAP rules online or contact a local SNAP office.
If you’re unsure about your SNAP eligibility, it’s often better to apply and let the program decide whether you qualify so you don’t miss out on benefits that could be helpful for you and your family.
Can I still apply for SNAP for my kids if I don't qualify?#can-i-still-apply-for-snap-for-my-kids-if-i-dont-qualify
Yes, even if you don’t qualify for SNAP because of a past conviction or a previous SNAP fraud finding, you can still apply for benefits for your children or other dependents. If they are eligible, and live with you, you will be able to manage their food stamps for them.
If your children are approved for SNAP benefits, you will receive a SNAP approval letter detailing how much your children will get each month and an EBT card, which works like a debit card.
The benefits are meant for the children’s food needs only and can be used at participating grocery stores. For more information, here’s how to apply for SNAP in a few simple steps.
