OLGT 2024-45: SNAP: Clarification of Drug Felon Policy

Clients who are found to be convicted of a drug felony under Federal or State law for the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance (felony drug conviction) on or after August 22, 1996, are still able to apply for and receive SNAP benefits if otherwise eligible. Massachusetts has opted out of invoking a permanent ban for these clients. It is important that staff are made aware that if a client has been convicted of a drug felony, these clients are not ineligible or banned from receiving SNAP.

However, if it is determined that a client has been convicted of trading (buying or selling) SNAP benefits for drugs, this client will be ineligible for SNAP for two years for the first finding and permanently disqualified from SNAP for the second finding. The Fraud Investigation and Data Match (FIDM) Unit will interview these clients and make a determination if there is sufficient evidence to disqualify them from SNAP. Local office staff are not to make a determination of ineligibility due to a reported conviction of trading SNAP benefits.