![]() We can advise you of your rights and represent you before a judge. If you face fraud charges, give our firm a call or send a message. Many people might feel tempted to apply for benefits they don’t really qualify for. Nevertheless, the state can hit you with felony charges for as little as $200 in fraudulently obtained or used benefits. The women were also ordered to pay back the money as restitution.įew people will participate in a fraudulent scheme so widespread. Investigators uncovered a scheme where the two women used a point-of-sale device at a meat market to convert food stamps into cash. Combined, they defrauded the program of $1.2 million. Two Texas women recently received prison terms in 2022 for food stamp fraud. Of course, there are many factors that come into play, such as your criminal history and the extent of the fraud. To keep criminal charges from snowballing, you should quickly reach out to a Houston fraud attorney for assistance.Ĭan You End Up in Jail for Food Stamps Fraud? A person might use someone else’s Social Security Number to apply for benefits. Defendants could face time in jail for intentionally lying. ![]() ![]() Applicants must attest under penalty of perjury that the information in their application is accurate to the best of their knowledge. If you do, you could face misdemeanor or felony charges based on the value of benefits obtained. Approved recipients receive the SNAP benefits in the Lone Star Card, which can be used just like a credit card at any authorized retaile. You can’t sign someone else’s name to an application. Houston SNAP Office HHSC Benefits Office- Meadowfern 220 Meadowfern Drive Houston, TX - 77067 (281) 874-0048 Fax Number: (281) 775-7855. Someone who commits welfare fraud might also violate other laws: What Other Laws Apply to Food Stamp Fraud? Failing to report changes in income, employment, disability, or other eligibility information.Making false statements to obtain, retain, or increase benefits.Lying about the number of dependents you have.Filing multiple applications at more than one location.Applying for benefits using someone else’s name or forging their signature.This is also a class A misdemeanor if less than $200 or a third-degree felony if $200 or more Knowingly possess a SNAP transfer card when not authorized by law or knowingly use or redeem one for an unauthorized reason.This is a Class A misdemeanor if the value is less than $200 and a third-degree felony if the value is $200 or more. Knowingly use, transfer, or alter a SNAP transfer card in an illegal manner.There are several types of fraud under the law. If you’ve been accused of food stamp fraud, you need to contact an experienced Houston fraud lawyer. It is illegal under Texas Human Resources Code Section 33.011 to seek or obtain benefits you are not entitled to. ![]() Now, benefits are loaded electronically onto debit cards.īut fraud remains the same. In the old days, people received paper stamps to use when buying food. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the food stamp program in Texas. ![]()
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