Bill > A03578

This bill establishes a program and a dedicated fund to compensate individuals who have been victims of fraud or theft related to their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or cash assistance. SNAP, a federal program administered by states, provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families, while cash assistance refers to direct financial aid. The program, to be managed by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, will have an application process available in English and other commonly spoken languages to ensure accessibility. The Inspector General and Attorney General will collaborate with the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to verify claims of fraud or stolen benefits. A new fund, the SNAP and Cash Assistance Fraud Victims Compensation Fund, will be created within the State Finance Law, holding money from appropriations, transfers, civil penalties related to SNAP, and various contributions and grants, and will be used exclusively to support the compensation program.