The USDA requires that the states’ quality control processes ensure that benefits are correctly awarded, are free from bias, and accurately report states’ error rates in making eligibility decisions. Since 2010, SNAP has served on average more than 45 million Americans per month, and provided more than $71 billion annually.Īlthough the federal government funds SNAP benefits, it relies on the states to determine whether applicants are eligible for benefits, to administer those benefits, and to perform quality control to ensure that eligibility decisions are accurate. Under SNAP, USDA provides eligible low-income individuals and families with financial assistance to buy nutritious food.
This nationwide investigation and series of settlements demonstrate our office’s commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that that those who abuse SNAP and other critical government programs will be held fully accountable.” I want to especially commend the outstanding work by the USDA’s Office of Inspector General’s special agents and auditors that enabled the United States to recover over $67 million in wrongfully obtained funds. “I am encouraged that Tennessee has acknowledged and corrected its conduct, cooperated with this investigation, and resolved its liability. Harrington, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. It is disheartening that Tennessee’s Department of Human Services, and so many other states’ agencies entrusted with feeding and caring for vulnerable and needy residents, would manipulate SNAP quality control data for their financial benefit,” said Joseph H. “The Justice Department will continue to protect public funds to ensure that they are used for their intended purposes.” Boynton of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The money allocated by Congress for the SNAP program funds critical USDA’s efforts to help families in need,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Until 2008, SNAP was known as the Food Stamp Program. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Department of Justice announced today. The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) has agreed to pay the United States $6,854,416 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act in its administration of the U.S.