7 Things That Can Disqualify You From SNAP Benefits

SNAP benefits can be taken away quickly. Seven specific violations cause disqualification from food stamps. Number 4 surprises most applicants—penalties from other programs automatically affect SNAP eligibility.

Quick Disqualification Facts:

• Work requirement violations disqualify you for 1+ months
• Fraud causes 12-month to permanent bans
• College students face strict eligibility limits
• Other program penalties transfer to SNAP automatically
• Criminal convictions result in permanent disqualification

Understanding these rules prevents losing benefits. Use our SNAP eligibility checker to verify your qualification status before applying.

Understanding SNAP Disqualification Rules

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service enforces strict rules. Federal law under the Food and Nutrition Act governs disqualifications. Violations result in temporary or permanent benefit loss.

Two types of disqualifications exist:

1. Temporary disqualifications – Last months to years
2. Permanent disqualifications – Lifetime SNAP bans

States must follow federal disqualification guidelines. No exceptions exist for most violations. Understanding rules protects your food assistance eligibility.

1. Failure to Meet Work Requirements

SNAP requires able-bodied adults to follow work rules. Ages 16-59 must comply with general requirements. Breaking these rules causes immediate disqualification.

General Work Requirements

You must follow four basic rules:

• Register for work when applying
• Don’t quit jobs voluntarily without good cause
• Don’t reduce work hours below 30 weekly
• Accept suitable job offers when available

Disqualification Penalties

First violation: 1-month disqualification minimum. Second violation: 3-month disqualification period. Third violation: 6-month or longer ban. Additional violations increase penalties further.

What “Good Cause” Means

Good cause exceptions protect legitimate situations. These include:

• Discrimination at workplace
• Unsafe working conditions
• Lack of transportation to job
• Illness or disability preventing work
• Caring for incapacitated household member

Document good cause reasons immediately. Provide proof to your SNAP caseworker. Missing documentation leads to disqualification.

2. ABAWD Noncompliance (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents)

ABAWDs face stricter work requirements than others. This rule affects adults aged 18-52. You must have no dependent children.

The 80-Hour Monthly Rule

ABAWDs must complete 80 hours monthly of:

• Paid employment
• Unpaid work through workfare program
• Approved job training programs
• Volunteer work combined with job search

Three-Month Time Limit

Without meeting requirements, you receive SNAP three months only. This covers any 36-month period. After three months, benefits stop automatically.

Regaining Eligibility

You can restart benefits by:

• Working 80 hours in one month
• Completing approved training programs
• Moving to a waived area
• Gaining a dependent child

Some states waive ABAWD rules temporarily. High unemployment areas often receive waivers. Check your state’s current waiver status.

3. Intentional Program Violation (IPV) or Fraud

SNAP fraud results in serious penalties. Intentional violations include lying about income. Trading benefits illegally causes disqualification too.

Common Fraud Examples

These actions constitute intentional program violation:

• Lying on your application
• Hiding income or assets
• Using someone else’s EBT card
• Selling SNAP benefits for cash
• Buying non-food items with benefits
• Not reporting household changes

Disqualification Timeline

First offense: 12-month disqualification period. Second offense: 24-month disqualification period. Third offense: Permanent lifetime disqualification.

Trafficking Penalties

Selling benefits for drugs or firearms results in permanent disqualification immediately. No second chances exist for these violations. Criminal charges may also apply.

Administrative Hearings

You can contest IPV findings at hearings. Bring documentation proving your innocence. Legal representation helps complex fraud cases. Request a hearing within 10 days.

4. Comparable Disqualification from Another Program (This Shocks Everyone!)

This rule surprises most SNAP applicants. Penalties from other assistance programs transfer automatically. Your SNAP eligibility suffers from unrelated violations.

What Is Comparable Disqualification?

If you’re disqualified from programs like TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) or Medicaid for fraud, that same disqualification applies to SNAP. The penalty period transfers directly.

Why This Rule Exists

Congress created this rule to prevent fraud. It stops people from keeping SNAP while banned from similar programs. The policy ensures consistency across assistance programs.

Real-World Example

You commit fraud in TANF program. You receive a 12-month disqualification penalty. That 12-month ban automatically applies to SNAP. You lose food assistance despite never breaking SNAP rules.

Which Programs Apply?

Comparable disqualification affects these programs:

• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
• Medicaid (in some fraud cases)
• Housing assistance programs
• Other federal means-tested benefits

How to Avoid This

Stay honest in all benefit programs. Report changes to every program promptly. Don’t assume penalties stay separate. One violation affects multiple benefits.

5. Failure to Provide or Verify Information

SNAP requires accurate documentation always. You must verify income, expenses, and household composition. Refusing to cooperate causes benefit denial.

Required Verification Documents

Provide these documents when requested:

• Photo identification for all adults
• Social Security numbers
• Proof of income (pay stubs, letters)
• Rent or mortgage statements
• Utility bills
• Bank account statements
• Medical expense receipts

Verification Deadlines

Most states give 10 days for verification. Extensions available for valid reasons. Missing deadlines stops your application immediately.

Intentional vs. Unintentional

Forgetting documents differs from lying. Honest mistakes rarely cause disqualification. Intentionally hiding information triggers fraud penalties.

Reporting Changes

Report household changes within 10 days. This includes:

• New household members
• Income increases or decreases
• Address changes
• New employment
• Loss of income sources

6. Student Ineligibility Rule

College students face strict SNAP restrictions. Half-time enrollment generally disqualifies you. Several exemptions exist for working students.

Basic Student Rule

You cannot receive SNAP if you’re:

• Ages 18-49
• Enrolled at least half-time
• In higher education institution

Student Exemptions

You qualify for SNAP if you meet one exemption:

• Working 20+ hours weekly
• Participating in state/federal work-study
• Caring for dependent child under 6
• Caring for dependent child 6-11 without childcare
• Receiving TANF benefits
• Enrolled in ETTP program
• Physically or mentally unfit for employment
• Assigned single parent with child under 12

Documentation Requirements

Prove exemption status with:

• Pay stubs showing 20+ weekly hours
• Work-study award letters
• Birth certificates for dependent children
• Medical disability documentation
• TANF award notices

Part-Time vs. Full-Time

Half-time enrollment equals disqualification cutoff. Check your school’s credit hour requirements. Drop below half-time to regain eligibility.

7. Criminal or Trafficking Convictions

Certain criminal convictions cause permanent SNAP disqualification. These penalties have no appeal process. Understanding these rules prevents lifetime bans.

Permanently Disqualifying Crimes

You lose SNAP forever if convicted of:

• SNAP benefit trafficking
• Trading SNAP for controlled substances
• Trading SNAP for firearms or ammunition
• Multiple fraud violations (third offense)

Fleeing Felons

You cannot receive SNAP while:

• Fleeing to avoid felony prosecution
• Fleeing to avoid felony custody
• Violating parole conditions
• Violating probation terms

Drug-Related Convictions

Federal law previously banned drug felons. Most states now waive this rule. Check your specific state’s drug conviction policies.

Regaining Eligibility

Complete your sentence fully. Finish all parole or probation terms. Then reapply for SNAP benefits. Some convictions remain permanent blocks.

How to Avoid SNAP Disqualification

Prevention protects your food assistance benefits. Follow these strategies to maintain eligibility.

Stay Honest Always

Report all income truthfully. Don’t hide household members. Provide accurate information on applications. Honesty prevents fraud charges completely.

Meet Work Requirements

Register for work when required. Accept suitable job offers promptly. Don’t quit jobs without documented good cause. Maintain 20+ weekly hours if student.

Report Changes Quickly

Notify your caseworker within 10 days. This includes income, address, and household changes. Fast reporting prevents overpayment issues.

Keep Documentation

Save pay stubs for six months. Store rent receipts and utility bills. Maintain copies of all verification documents. Documentation protects against false accusations.

Respond to Requests Promptly

Answer caseworker calls and letters immediately. Submit requested documents before deadlines. Missing responses causes automatic benefit termination.

What to Do If Disqualified

Disqualification doesn’t mean permanent loss always. You have rights and appeal options.

Request a Fair Hearing

File an appeal within 90 days. Request continues benefits during appeal process. Bring evidence supporting your case. Consider legal representation for complex situations.

Understand Your Rights

You can:

• See your case file
• Present witnesses and evidence
• Cross-examine opposing witnesses
• Have a lawyer or representative
• Receive a written decision

Correct Mistakes Quickly

If you made honest errors, explain immediately. Provide correct information with documentation. Show good faith effort to comply. Caseworkers may reduce penalties for honesty.

Complete Requirements

For temporary disqualifications, meet all requirements. Then reapply for SNAP benefits. Your eligibility returns after penalty period.

State-Specific Disqualification Differences

Federal rules set minimum standards. States can add stricter requirements. Know your state’s specific policies.

States with Stricter Rules

Some states enforce additional disqualifications:

• Shorter time limits for ABAWDs
• Drug testing requirements
• Asset limits below federal standards
• Stricter student rules

States with Lenient Policies

Other states offer more flexibility:

• ABAWD requirement waivers
• Broad good cause exceptions
• Extended verification periods
• Drug conviction policy waivers

Check your state SNAP agency website. Local rules significantly impact your eligibility. Don’t assume federal rules apply exactly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Seven specific violations cause SNAP disqualification in 2025. Work requirement failures lead to temporary bans. Fraud results in 12-month to permanent disqualifications. Comparable disqualification from other programs shocks most applicants.

College students face strict half-time enrollment rules. Criminal convictions cause lifetime SNAP bans. Failing to verify information stops benefits immediately. Understanding these rules protects your food assistance eligibility.

Most disqualifications are preventable with honesty. Report all changes within 10 days. Meet work requirements consistently. Provide accurate documentation when requested. Keep copies of all verification materials.

If disqualified, request a fair hearing immediately. You have rights during the appeal process. Temporary disqualifications end after penalty periods. Complete all requirements to regain eligibility.

Don’t risk losing benefits! Review your SNAP responsibilities today. Use our eligibility verification tool to confirm your status. Apply correctly to maintain uninterrupted food assistance.