04/16/13
Summary:
- As a fraud prevention initiative, on or about April 12, 2013, the Department sent CN 13.13 (pdf) to SNAP households that have requested 4 or more replacement LINK cards in the previous 6 months. Numerous requests for replacement LINK cards may indicate trafficking or the misuse of benefits.
Illinois Department of Human Services is committed to ensuring our SNAP families receive accurate and timely SNAP benefits while at the same time ensuring that SNAP benefits are used for their intended purpose. The intention of the client notice is to ensure the appropriate use of the LINK card and to voluntarily stop fraudulent requests for replacements.
CN 13.13 was centrally issued to SNAP households that have requested 4 or more replacement LINK cards in the previous 6 months. The notice was to remind a household that to trade, steal or sell SNAP benefits for cash or to resell food bought with SNAP benefits is an illegal activity which could result in disqualification from the program, fines or even criminal prosecution. It also informed these households that a new LINK card is not required each month.
In July 2012, a notice was sent to selected cases meeting the criteria. Over 90% of the cases currently selected for excessive LINK card replacement requests did not appear on the July 2012 listing.
If the FCRC is contacted by the customer, remind them of the correct use of the card. No further action by the FCRC is required.
[signed copy on file]
Michelle R.B. Saddler
Secretary, Illinois Department of Human Services
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