Kentucky has kicked people off food benefits using data that doesn't tell the full story [View all]

Source: AP

By SYLVIA GOODMAN
Updated 5:37 AM CDT, September 30, 2025

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A single mother who relied on federal food assistance lost her benefits in 2020 after Kentucky investigators concluded she’d committed fraud.

The state alleged she had made multiple same-day purchases, tried to overdraw her account a few times, entered a few invalid PINs and sometimes made “whole-dollar” purchases that are unlikely during typical grocery runs.

The woman from Salyersville in Appalachian Kentucky had an explanation: She worked at the store. She would sometimes buy lunch there and then get groceries after work. Her child would also occasionally use her card.

An administrative hearing officer kicked her off the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) regardless, based solely on the allegedly suspicious shopping pattern. She sued — and won.



Read more: https://apnews.com/article/food-benefits-kentucky-fraud-investigation-snap-1d52c57bd83fec4cc2bf9ba6f822179f