SC Congresswoman wants EBT recipients to use a photo ID to reduce fraud

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A South Carolina Congresswoman wants to crack down on food stamp fraud. Republican Nancy Mace says in the first four months of this year fraudsters stole more than $102 million worth of food stamp benefits.

Jennifer Schneck is in a tough spot right now, she doesn’t have a place to live or work. She’s hoping food stamps give her some cushion.

“Hopefully, they’re going to rush it to me and within seven days, hopefully I should have some stamps to be able to go and buy some, get some food,” Schneck said.

Congresswoman Mace says SNAP benefits don’t always reach people in need but reducing fraud could make benefits more helpful for people.

“The cost of living has risen and one of the things that we can do to, I think, help people is reduce spending in government, reducing fraud that frees up resources for those who need them most,” Mace said.

Mace has introduced the Food Assistance Integrity and Responsibility Act or FAIR to crack down on the problem. She wants food stamp cards to have a photo ID. Right now, people use a PIN number for transactions on an EBT card, but Mace says people sell the PIN which adds to the fraud.

Some people say showing an ID will create an unnecessary barrier that could impact the vulnerable populations.

“I go grocery shopping for my grandmother or, you know, family members and stuff. They may not make it to the store. So if I’m using, you know, with an ID, it will hinder me from shopping for them,” Kelsey Whitman in Charlotte said.

Congresswoman Mace says taxpayers could be on the hook if leaders don’t get a handle on the misuse.

“The way the administration is going to penalize states for the amount of fraud that they have, South Carolina is going to hundreds of millions of dollars to the federal government and fees and fines, etcetera,” Congresswoman Mace said.

As the economy gets tighter for many people, Schneck hopes the government gets a better system for SNAP benefits.

“It makes me angry and it ruins it for everybody else. It really does. The people that really need it,” Schneck said.

The FAIR Act would offer some kind of accommodations for caregivers and people with disabilities. There would be additional cards for households with multiple users. The USDA would have 18 months to decide how to implement the new regulations if lawmakers pass the FAIR Act.

The bill was introduced in early December and has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.