SNAP Bans for Drug Convictions

In 1996, a federal law imposed a lifetime ban on some public benefits to people with drug felony convictions. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), a form of food assistance, is one of the benefits denied to people with drug convictions. While states can opt out of these bans and many have, others have implemented restrictions to access food assistance, including drug tests, work requirements, and drug treatment.