An Examination of Welfare Fraud Outcomes in Texas

• In Event: Punishment, Place, and the Policing of Marginality

Abstract

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) formally known as the food stamp program is a federal government program that provides families with assistance to purchase groceries/food to maintain nutrition and healthy living for families who live below the poverty level and meet income requirements. Historically, the first food stamp act was passed by Congress established in 1964 and expanded nationwide by 1974. According to the Pew Research Center as of 2023 there are 41.9 million individuals who receive SNAP benefits. In 2016, there were almost one million reported cases of food stamp fraud. Welfare fraud can include falsifying income, selling benefits for cash and receiving more benefits than authorized. Specifically, in Texas welfare fraud can be classified as a third- degree felony with punishments of up to a year in prison. Thus, this study will explore similarities and differences among welfare fraud defendant sentencing outcomes in Texas. Specifically, utilizing data from the Harris County Clerk Office this study will answer the following research questions: To what extent does race impact type of disposition? To what extent does age impact type of disposition? Are there differences between welfare defendants and sentencing outcomes?

Authors

• Serita Whiting, Prairie View A&M University

• Shannon Davenport, Prairie View A&M University

• Destinee Rush, Prairie View A&M University