Common SNAP Myths vs. Facts
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a critical component of the U.S. social safety net, providing essential food aid to millions. However, SNAP myths and misconceptions about its recipients are on the rise. Here is a breakdown of the most common misconceptions versus the reality.
SNAP Myth 1: SNAP recipients don't work and are "lazy."
Fact: The vast majority of SNAP recipients are not expected to work because they are children, elderly, or have disabilities.
Data from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) shows that roughly two-thirds of all SNAP recipients are children, older adults, or people with disabilities.
Many households that receive SNAP do work. For example, among SNAP households with children, over half have at least one working parent.
For many, SNAP is a vital supplement to low-wage jobs that do not pay enough to cover all household expenses. The benefit is not a replacement for a living wage, but a supplement to it. The average benefit per person is low, amounting to just a few dollars per meal.
SNAP Myth 2: The SNAP program is filled with fraud and abuse.
Fact: While no large program is entirely free of fraud, SNAP has rigorous quality control systems.
It's important to distinguish between "fraud" and "improper payments." The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) defines improper payments as those "that should not have been made or were made in the incorrect amount." This figure includes all errors, not just recipient fraud. It also accounts for administrative errors by caseworkers and even underpayments (where a household received less than they were eligible for).
The USDA actively works to prevent intentional fraud, which includes recipients lying about income or selling benefits, and retailer fraud (trafficking). Intentional "recipient fraud" makes up a small portion of the program.
SNAP Myth 3: People use SNAP to buy junk food, soda, and luxury items.
Fact: SNAP benefits have strict rules, and purchasing patterns are similar to all shoppers.
What SNAP CANNOT Buy: Benefits cannot be used to purchase alcohol, cigarettes or tobacco, vitamins, medicine, pet food, cleaning supplies, paper products, or hot, prepared-to-eat foods.
What SNAP CAN Buy: Benefits are for food items intended for home consumption, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, bread, and cereals.
Purchasing Habits: While snack foods and soft drinks are eligible (as they are classified as food items), a key USDA study found that the purchasing patterns of SNAP and non-SNAP households are "relatively limited." The top 10 categories of items bought were the same for both groups.
SNAP Myth 4: SNAP is a long-term "welfare" program people depend on forever.
Fact: SNAP is a nutrition assistance program, not "welfare" (which refers to cash assistance, or TANF). For most people, it is a temporary support.
The program is designed to supplement a family's food budget, not replace it entirely.
The length of time people receive SNAP is often short as their financial situation improves. The benefit is a supplement, not a replacement for income, helping families free up money to pay for other essentials like rent and utilities.
SNAP Myth 5: Undocumented immigrants receive SNAP benefits.
Fact: Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for SNAP benefits.
Federal law has never extended SNAP eligibility to undocumented non-citizens.
To receive SNAP, an individual must be a U.S. citizen or a "qualified" non-citizen.
Qualified non-citizens include refugees, asylees, and Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs), but most LPRs must wait five years after receiving their status before they can become eligible. Benefits are also available to eligible children under 18 and individuals receiving disability assistance.
SNAP Myth 6: If I apply, I'm taking benefits away from someone who needs it more.
Fact: SNAP is an entitlement program, not a limited fund.
SNAP is available to anyone who qualifies. You don't need to worry about "running out of spots."
One person or family applying for and receiving SNAP does not reduce the amount of benefits available to another eligible family. If you qualify, you are entitled to the assistance.