Losing a loved one is incredibly tough, and during this difficult time, it’s essential to understand all the details, even the ones that might seem complicated. One such detail concerns SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, often known as food stamps. If someone who received SNAP benefits passes away, you might wonder what happens to those benefits. This essay will break down what happens to SNAP when someone dies, helping to clarify the process during a time of grief.
Stopping the Benefits
Let’s get right to the main question. When a person who receives SNAP benefits dies, their SNAP benefits stop immediately. The benefits are for the individual and can’t be transferred or used by anyone else after the person’s death. This is because the benefits are intended to help the person who qualified with their food expenses.

Reporting the Death
It’s important to notify the local SNAP office or the state’s Department of Human Services as soon as possible after a SNAP recipient passes away. This starts the process of stopping the benefits and prevents any accidental misuse of the funds. This helps avoid any issues.
You might be wondering how to report the death. Here’s a general idea, but always check with your local office:
- Find the contact information for your local SNAP office. This is usually online or by phone.
- Call them or send an email.
- Provide the deceased’s name, date of death, and case number (if you have it).
- You might need to provide a copy of the death certificate.
The sooner you report the death, the better. This will make things easier for everyone and prevent any confusion about SNAP benefits.
Always, always check what the process is in your state or area.
Unused SNAP Benefits on a Card
If the deceased had SNAP benefits remaining on their EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card at the time of death, those benefits are typically not available for use by anyone else. The card is no longer valid. The money can’t be passed on or cashed out.
The rules about how unused benefits are handled can vary slightly by state, but the general rule remains the same. The card is deactivated. If there were a lot of remaining funds, you might ask the caseworker about it but usually, this can’t be done.
Think about the situation with the card like this. You can’t keep using a gift card after the person it was gifted to is gone.
Here’s a simple table to summarize this information:
Situation | What Happens |
---|---|
Unused Benefits on EBT Card | Benefits are usually not accessible and card is invalid. |
State Variations | The specific process may vary slightly. |
SNAP Benefits and Estate Settlement
SNAP benefits are not usually considered part of the deceased person’s estate. An estate is everything the person owned at the time of their death, like their home, car, bank accounts, etc. SNAP benefits are a form of public assistance and are intended for current needs, not to be part of an inheritance.
This means that the SNAP benefits generally won’t affect how the estate is divided among the heirs. The goal of these benefits is to help the deceased with food during their life, not to provide an asset after their death.
It is generally a simple process and usually doesn’t require an attorney to address this, but always consult a legal professional for specific advice about an individual situation.
A simple way to understand this is shown with a simple bulleted list:
- SNAP benefits are for food during life.
- They aren’t an asset that is part of the estate.
- It is usually a straightforward situation.
- Always consider expert advice.
Potential for Overpayment
Sometimes, SNAP benefits are issued, and after someone’s death, it’s discovered they shouldn’t have received them. This can lead to what’s called an “overpayment”. For example, if the deceased didn’t report changes in their income that would have lowered their SNAP eligibility, or if their household circumstances changed. After someone dies, it takes time to work all this out, so overpayments might occur.
In such situations, the state might attempt to recover the overpaid benefits. This usually involves looking at the estate to see if there are any assets that could be used to repay the overpayment. It’s not always possible or practical to recover overpayments, but it is something that can happen. In general, overpayments happen because the rules weren’t met.
Here are some things that might lead to an overpayment. This is not everything, but a sample:
- Failure to report income changes
- Not reporting changes in household members
- Changes to assets not reported
- Other eligibility changes
Always make sure to carefully and correctly complete forms, and contact the agency immediately with any questions. Overpayments can lead to repayment.
Fraudulent Use of SNAP Benefits After Death
It’s against the law to use someone’s SNAP benefits after they have passed away. This is considered fraud. This can involve using the EBT card to buy food or taking any steps to make it appear as if the deceased is still alive and using their benefits. It is very serious, and it is always better to report the death to the SNAP office immediately.
If you are caught committing SNAP fraud, you could face serious consequences. The penalties for SNAP fraud can include hefty fines, a prison sentence, and disqualification from receiving SNAP benefits in the future. It is never worth the risk.
Here are some key points about SNAP fraud:
- It is illegal to use SNAP benefits of someone deceased.
- Consequences include fines, jail time, and loss of benefits.
- Reporting the death quickly can prevent fraud.
Always follow the rules, and never try to cheat the system. It can have very serious effects on your life.
Funeral Expenses and SNAP
In most cases, SNAP benefits cannot be directly used to pay for funeral expenses. SNAP is designed to assist with food costs, not to provide funds for other expenses, such as burial or cremation.
However, there might be other programs or resources available to help with funeral costs. For example, many states offer assistance programs for low-income individuals or families. Social Security, or Veteran’s benefits, might also be available, depending on the circumstances. Burial insurance also might be an option.
Here are some programs that might help pay for funeral costs:
- State assistance programs
- Social Security benefits
- Veteran’s benefits
- Burial insurance
You would have to research each option for your specific case. Many times, there are options available.
Keep in mind that the rules and availability of these assistance programs may vary depending on your location and the specific circumstances of the deceased.
Conclusion
Dealing with the death of a loved one is an emotional journey. It’s important to know what happens to SNAP benefits when someone dies, including stopping the benefits, notifying the authorities, and what can be done with the funds remaining on the card. Understanding these details can help ease the burden during this difficult time. Remember to always check with your local SNAP office for the most accurate and up-to-date information about your specific situation. By taking the right steps, you can navigate the process more smoothly.