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Governments

Food Stamp Program Integrity


Certification and Eligibility

Given the size of the Food Stamp Program, the amount of fraud and abuse is relatively small.  While overpayments due to fraud account for less than 2% of the total issuance, FNS and its State partners are actively working to eliminate this type of abuse.  Also, FNS is working to reduce and eliminate overpayments due to non-fraud errors. Click here to learn about what FSP is doing to reduce fraud and non-fraud errors

Redeeming Food Stamp Benefits

The vast majority of firms accept and redeem food stamp benefits legally.   However, there are some individuals and firms who try to divert program benefits for personal profit.  USDA takes its role in preventing retailer and recipient food stamp fraud and abuse very seriously and is committed to aggressively working to reduce it.  USDA and FNS vigorously investigates and pursues criminal activity wherever it occurs. 

  • Click here to learn about what we are doing to prevent the improper use of benefits
  • Click here to learn about what can and cannot be purchased with food stamps
  • Click here to learn about EBT

USDA Phone Numbers and Address

USDA Hotline

Washington Metropolitan Area 202-690-1622
Toll Free 800-424-9121
TDD 202-690-1202

Office of Inspector General
P.O. Box 23399
Washington, D.C. 20026-3399


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    Accessibility | Privacy/Security | Nondiscrimination | USDA Last Modified: 05/20/2003