If you are found guilty of an IPV by a court of law or a hearing officer or you sign a waiver, you will not be eligible for benefits for yourself for
- one year for the first violation,
- two years for the second violation, and
- permanently for the third violation. 106 C.M.R. § 367.800(A).
The disqualification penalties are more severe for people found guilty by a court of trading SNAP/food stamp benefits for drugs or firearms, trading more than $500 in benefits, or getting multiple benefits with a fake identity or address. 106 C.M.R. § 367.800(B), (C).
DTA has to follow special notice and hearing rules if it has charged you with an IPV. Be sure to check the rules. 106 C.M.R. §§ 367.600-367.750.
Advocacy Reminders
- DTA can stop SNAP/food stamp benefits only for the person who committed the intentional program violation. The IPV disqualification does not affect children or other people who are in the same household with the person who committed the IPV. 106 C.M.R. § 367.800(F).
- An IPV is a very serious matter. Contact Legal Services right away if you get notice of an IPV. Find legal aid on the Massachusetts Legal Services website.
Additional Policy Guidance on Sanctions
Additional Policy Guidance on Sanctions
- Individuals in SNAP/food stamp households subject to an IPV or other sanction should receive notice from DTA of when the sanction period ends and be re-evaluated for benefits with the rest of the household. DTA Transitions (Sept. 2005)
Produced by Patricia Baker, Laura Gallant, Deborah Harris, Rochelle Hahn Massachusetts Law Reform Institute Last updated January 2011
