The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps millions of Americans who need extra money to buy groceries. According to the USDA, 98% of SNAP households qualify for the help they get, and fraud is rare.1

But there are some times when people take advantage of the program. Below, we cover different types of SNAP fraud and when and how to file a SNAP complaint.

Types of SNAP fraud

Fraud by people who get SNAP

Most people who get SNAP use their benefits the right way. But sometimes, a person may break the rules on purpose. For example, they might lie about how much money they make or who they live with to get more SNAP benefits. Or they might try to sell their SNAP benefits for cash. These are serious crimes. 

Fraud by stores that accept SNAP

Most stores that take SNAP follow the rules. The government gives stores clear instructions and support so they know what’s allowed. But some stores ignore SNAP guidelines. For example, they might:

  • Trade SNAP benefits for cash
  • Sell items not allowed under SNAP
  • Lie on their application to accept SNAP

When stores do this, it hurts the SNAP program and the people who depend on it.

Scammers that steal SNAP benefits

Some people (who are not part of the SNAP program) try to steal benefits using tricks and scams. This includes things like:

  • Skimming: Stealing card info when someone uses their EBT card
  • Cloning: Copying a person’s card to use their benefits
  • Other ways of stealing benefits

These scams are not only criminal; they can be very harmful. People may lose the food money they need. The government works hard to stop these scams and teaches SNAP users how to protect their cards and benefits.

To make a complaint about SNAP fraud, you can:

  • Contact  your state agency that handles SNAP.
  • Submit a report to the USDA Office of Inspector General (OIG) online.
  • Call USDA OIG at 1-800-424-9121 or 1-202-690-1202 (TDD)
  • Write to USDA OIG at: P.O. Box 23399, Washington, D.C. 20026-3399

Other SNAP complaints

Benefits determination errors

Most of the time, the amount of SNAP dollars you qualify for is correct. But mistakes do happen, and your situation can change. If you are unhappy with your SNAP benefit amount, you should first contact your local agency to ask for help.

If the agency tells you your benefit amount is correct, but you still feel it is wrong, you can ask for an appeals hearing. The hearing process differs by state, but it usually involves these steps:

  1. On your SNAP verification letter, find the section titled “I want to appeal” and write “I disagree with this decision.” Sign it, date it, and bring or send it to your local SNAP office.
  2. Call your SNAP caseworker to let them know you want to file an appeal. Then e-mail or mail a note to your caseworker. You do not need to use an official form. Just type or write a letter.

Within a few weeks, you should get a notice from your state that includes more details about your hearing.

Many states have strict appeal deadlines, so make sure you ask about deadlines and stick to them. You have the right to ask a trusted family member, friend, social worker, or other advocate to help you file a SNAP appeal. You can also bring them to your hearing.

Caseworker problems

Most SNAP caseworkers have your best interest at heart. But you have the right to take action if you feel your caseworker has:

  • Handled your case unfairly
  • Treated you disrespectfully
  • Discriminated against you
  • Made a big mistake they will not fix

If you have a complaint against a SNAP caseworker, ask to speak to their manager. If the manager does not fix the issue, you can request a hearing. At the hearing, a third party will listen to your complaint, review the facts, and work to solve the issue.

To request a hearing, you can visit, call, or email your local SNAP office.

If you are not sure what to do, talk to a BenefitsCheckUp support specialist through our website's chat feature or call our hotline at 1-800-794-6559. You may also find it helpful to talk to a benefits enrollment specialist helpful. 

See if you can get help from SNAP

Did you know older adults living alone can expect an average of $188 in SNAP benefits each month—or $2,256 a year?2 Click here to browse benefits or contact your local SNAP office to learn more about this program.

Sources

1. USDA Food and Nutrition Service. “How FNS Fights SNAP Fraud, Waste, and Abuse.” Found on the internet at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/fraud

2. USDA. Characteristics of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Households: Fiscal Year 2023. April 2025. Found on the internet at https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/snap-FY23-Characteristics-Report.pdf