Grant Strengthens DPHHS Efforts to Prevent SNAP Benefit Fraud in Montana

MISSOULA, Mont. — The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services is getting help detecting fraud.

DPHHS received a $425,000 SNAP 2024 Fraud Framework Implementation Grant to help detect and prevent fraudulent submissions for those receiving public assistance.

DPHHS SNAP benefits data shows 1,528 referrals from program-eligible workers, other state agencies and members of the public in the 2024 state fiscal year.

Officials say 94% of the referrals are for suspected SNAP benefits fraud. Of all referrals received, they issued 241 SNAP disqualifications in FY 2024 for program violations.

“Our administration will continue to take steps to verify that those who receive public assistance are indeed eligible for taxpayer-funded benefits,” said DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton. “This new funding will allow us to implement more technology to ensure public assistance programs remain available to those who truly need them.”

The goal is to detect fraud earlier and prevent erroneous payments so that those who really need help can receive it.

According to DPHHS, fraud occurs when a person intentionally fails to report all household members, new sources of income or moves out of state and still receives assistance.

Officials say the new technology will launch in summer 2025.