How and where can I file a SNAP complaint?
If you encounter any issues or concerns regarding the SNAP program, here are the steps you can take to address them.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program aims to provide low-income individuals and families in the US with access to nutritious food. Despite its noble aims of addressing food insecurity and hunger, mistakes and bad intentions can hinder the delivery of nutrition assistance to those who need it most.
SNAP recipients have encountered problems with the program in the past. Complaints range from issues related to eligibility determinations, to benefit calculations, program administration, discrimination, benefits trafficking, fraud, and other matters that require attention or resolution.
By reporting their concerns, SNAP beneficiaries are helping to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of the program.
If you have a complaint or want to report an issue related to SNAP, here are the steps you can take.
Contact your state SNAP office
SNAP is administered by individual states, so the first step is to reach out to your state’s SNAP office. You can find the contact information for these offices on the official website of the US Department of Agriculture- Food and Nutrition Service.
File a Complaint
Once you have the contact information for your state’s SNAP office, you can file a complaint by phone, email, or in writing, depending on your preference, and the procedures of your state. Be prepared to provide specific details regarding your complaint, such as the nature of the issue, the individuals or organizations involved, and any supporting documentation or evidence.
How to file a SNAP discrimination complaint
If you feel you have been discriminated against in SNAP because of race, ethnicity, gender, disability, language, or age, you can take the following steps:
Complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form. You can fill out the form online or print it out and fill it out by hand. The form can also be requested by calling (866) 632-9992.
For those who filled out a paper form, you can mail it to the following address:
US Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C.
20250-9410
How to report benefits trafficking, fraud, or file a complaint against a SNAP retailer
Online complaints can be submitted to the USDA Office of Inspector General through OIG’s complaint hotline. You can also contact the OIG by phone at 1-800-424-9121. Written complaints can be sent to this address:
US Department of Agriculture
Office of Inspector General
P.O. Box 23399 Washington, DC
20026-3399
Be prepared to give details of your complaint, such as the name and location of the retail store, if that is what your complaint involves. Your name will not be used in any action taken. Complaints may be made anonymously or you may request confidentiality. For more information, visit the USDA OIG website.
Seek help from advocacy organizations:
If you are unsure how to proceed or require additional support, you can reach out to local advocacy organizations or legal aid services that specialize in SNAP-related issues. They can provide guidance, advice, and potentially represent you in addressing your complaint.
Follow up
After filing your complaint, it is important to follow up to ensure that your concerns are being addressed. You can inquire about the status of your complaint and request updates on any actions taken.