Comment Request - SNAP Trafficking Controls and Fraud Investigations

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on this proposed information collection. This is a revision of a currently approved collection codified in FNS regulations.

Abstract

FNS regulations at 7 CFR 274.6(b)(5) and (b)(6) requires state agencies to issue warning notices to withhold replacement cards or a notice for excessive replacement cards.

Withhold Replacement Card Warning Notice

FNS regulations at 7 CFR 274.6(b)(5) and (b)(5)(i) state option to withhold replacement card requires a state agency to require an individual member of a household to contact the state agency to provide an explanation in cases where the number of requests for card replacements is deemed excessive. The state agency is required to notify the household in writing when it has reached the threshold, indicated that the next request for card replacement will require contact with the state agency to provide an explanation for the requests, before the replacement card will be issued. The state agency is also required to notify the household in writing once the threshold has been exceeded that the state agency is withholding the card until contact is made.

Excessive Replacement Card Notice

FNS regulations at 7 CFR 274.6(b)(6) and (b)(6)(i) Excessive Replacement Card Notice requires the state agency to monitor all client requests for EBT card replacements and send a notice, upon the fourth request in a 12-month period, alerting the household that their account is being monitored for potential, suspicious activity. The state agency is exempt from sending the excessive replacement card notice if they have chosen to service the option to withhold the replacement card until contact is made with the state agency per 7 CFR 274.6(b)(5).

FNS is currently aware out of the 53 state agencies, six state agencies have opted to follow our regulations at 7 CFR 274.6(b)(5) to withhold replacement cards. The remaining 47 state agencies follow our regulations at 7 CFR 274.6(b)(6) for the Excessive Replacement Card Notice.