Which States allow and ban SNAP Food Stamps for People with Felony Drug Convictions

Drug convictions are among the most serious criminal offenses in the United States, carrying significant legal consequences and long-lasting repercussions for individuals convicted. These convictions often result in prison sentences, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record, which can hinder a person’s ability to rebuild their life after serving their time.

One of the challenges that individuals with felony drug convictions face upon reentering society is access to essential resources, including food assistance. In this article, we will delve into the complex landscape of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Food Stamps, specifically focusing on how different states approach eligibility for individuals with felony drug convictions.

Also Read: What States Allow Felons to Get a Real Estate License?

Which States Allow and Ban SNAP Food Stamps for People with Felony Drug Convictions?

As of April 2022, the policies regarding SNAP Food Stamps for individuals with felony drug convictions vary from state to state. These policies fall into three broad categories: Full Ban, Modified Ban, and No Ban.

Full Ban:

1. South Carolina: South Carolina enforces a full ban on SNAP Food Stamps for individuals with felony drug convictions. This means that individuals with such convictions are not eligible to receive food assistance through the SNAP program in this state.

Modified Ban:

Several states have implemented a modified ban, which means that eligibility for SNAP Food Stamps may be restricted or subject to certain conditions for individuals with felony drug convictions. These states include:

1. Alabama
2. Alaska
3. Arizona
4. Colorado
5. Connecticut
6. Florida
7. Georgia
8. Hawaii
9. Idaho
10. Indiana
11. Kansas
12. Maryland
13. Minnesota
14. Missouri
15. Montana
16. Nebraska
17. North Carolina
18. Tennessee
19. Texas
20. West Virginia
21. Wisconsin

In these states, individuals with felony drug convictions may still be eligible for SNAP, but they might face restrictions or additional requirements.

No Ban:

A significant number of states have chosen not to implement a ban on SNAP Food Stamps for individuals with felony drug convictions as of April 2022. These states include:

1. Arkansas
2. California
3. Delaware
4. District of Columbia
5. Illinois
6. Iowa
7. Kentucky
8. Louisiana
9. Maine
10. Michigan
11. Massachusetts
12. Mississippi
13. Nevada
14. New Hampshire
15. New Jersey
16. New Mexico
17. New York
18. North Dakota
19. Ohio
20. Oklahoma
21. Oregon
22. Pennsylvania
23. Rhode Island
24. South Dakota
25. Utah
26. Vermont
27. Virginia
28. Washington
29. Wyoming