Florida SNAP Recipients Will Have to Reapply Amid Fraud Concerns

FLORIDA — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is requiring all food stamp recipients, also known as participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), to reapply for benefits amid concerns over fraud.

During the recent government shutdown, SNAP ran out of funding, drawing attention to potential waste and abuse within the program. Conservative analysts noted that this is an opportunity to address fraud and ensure benefits reach those who truly need them.

According to the USDA, roughly 42 million Americans received SNAP benefits in fiscal year 2024, costing taxpayers $100 billion. The agency says reapplying will help identify and remove ineligible participants, focusing resources on individuals in genuine need.

Reported examples of SNAP fraud include individuals lying to receive benefits or selling EBT cards for cash. The USDA also noted that 186,000 deceased individuals were still receiving SNAP payments.

A 2023 study by the Committee to Unleash Prosperity highlighted that food stamp spending, adjusted for inflation, rose 60% since 2019 and has tripled compared to pre-Obama levels. The report also indicated that over 62% of SNAP recipients are working-age and able-bodied but choose not to work.

Enrollment has grown from 17.3 million in 2001 to over 42 million in 2023, with the cost to taxpayers increasing from $31 billion (inflation-adjusted) to $135 billion. The federal government reported more than $45.75 billion in improper payments between FY 2003 and FY 2022.

Economist Steve Moore added that programs like SNAP expanded during the COVID-19 shutdowns, allowing some individuals to remain on welfare rolls even after returning to work or leaving the program.

The USDA’s reapplication effort is part of a broader push to reduce improper payments and ensure SNAP benefits reach eligible recipients.

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