When someone passes away, there’s a lot to sort out, from dealing with their belongings to handling their finances. One common question that arises, especially if the person received food stamps, is what happens to those benefits. Food stamps, officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), are designed to help people with low incomes buy groceries. But what happens to the unused funds on the EBT card when the person who received them is no longer with us? Let’s dive in and get some answers.
Can the Family Keep the Remaining Food Stamps?
This is a common question people have when a loved one dies. It’s natural to wonder if the family can use the remaining benefits to help with expenses. Unfortunately, the answer is generally no; the remaining SNAP benefits do not automatically transfer to the deceased person’s family.
SNAP benefits are meant for the individual who was approved for the program. They are not considered part of the deceased person’s estate in most cases. The money on the EBT card belongs to the SNAP recipient, and once that person is gone, the rules change. The EBT card is linked to the individual’s identity and eligibility.
Federal and state regulations govern SNAP, and these regulations are strict about who can use the benefits and under what circumstances. Allowing family members to simply take over and use the remaining balance could be seen as a violation of those rules.
Therefore, it’s important to understand the rules to avoid potential issues. There might be certain exceptions, which we’ll explore later, but in general, families cannot use the deceased person’s EBT benefits.
What Happens to the EBT Card Itself?
The EBT card is an important piece of the puzzle. It’s how SNAP benefits are accessed and used. After a person dies, what happens to the card becomes a critical detail. The card is tied to the individual and their eligibility, so it’s not something you can just keep and use.
Typically, the EBT card should be returned to the local Department of Social Services or the agency that issued it. You should contact them to let them know the cardholder has passed away and to ask about how to return the card. This helps prevent anyone from trying to use the card fraudulently.
Here are some things to keep in mind about what to do with the card:
- Do not try to use the card after the person’s death. This is against the rules and could have legal consequences.
- Safeguard the card. Keep it in a secure place until you can return it.
- Contact the issuing agency as soon as possible to report the death and arrange for the card’s return.
Returning the card is an important step in closing out the account and ensuring that benefits are not misused after the individual has passed. It’s part of the process of handling the person’s affairs.
Reporting the Death to the SNAP Agency
One of the most important steps after a person passes away is to notify the SNAP agency (usually the local Department of Social Services). This is essential for several reasons. It stops any further benefits from being issued and ensures that the account is properly closed.
Reporting the death is generally a straightforward process. You’ll typically need to provide the deceased person’s name, Social Security number, and date of death. You might also need to provide a copy of the death certificate. The agency will then take steps to close the account and stop any further benefits from being deposited.
Here’s what you should do when you report the death:
- Gather necessary information: The deceased person’s full name, Social Security number, date of birth, and date of death. Have a copy of the death certificate ready.
- Contact the SNAP agency: Find the contact information for your local agency, usually online or in the deceased person’s records.
- Follow their instructions: The agency will likely have specific procedures for reporting a death, so follow their directions carefully.
By reporting the death promptly, you prevent any potential complications and ensure the SNAP account is closed correctly.
Potential Exceptions or Special Circumstances
While the general rule is that unused SNAP benefits are not transferred to the family, there can be some unusual situations where the outcome might be different. These exceptions are often very specific and depend on the circumstances.
For example, in some rare cases, if the deceased person was part of a household that also received SNAP benefits, and the other members of the household are still eligible, there might be a way for them to use the remaining funds. However, this is not a standard practice and requires specific authorization.
Here’s a basic look at what might affect the situation, but you should always check with your local agency:
| Scenario | Possible Outcome |
|---|---|
| Deceased lived alone | Unused benefits are usually not accessible to the family. |
| Deceased lived with other SNAP recipients | Agency may evaluate their situation. |
| Household changes due to death | Agency may need to reassess eligibility for those remaining. |
It’s important to understand that these are not guaranteed outcomes and that the specific rules vary by state and local regulations.
What About Using the Benefits for Funeral Expenses?
Many people wonder if the remaining SNAP benefits can be used to help pay for funeral expenses. Unfortunately, this is generally not allowed. SNAP benefits are intended to cover food costs, and they cannot be used for other purposes, like funeral costs.
Funeral expenses are a significant cost, and families often struggle to cover them. But the SNAP program doesn’t include provisions for using benefits to pay for these expenses. Instead, families may need to explore other options for financial assistance, such as life insurance, social security benefits, or funeral assistance programs.
Here are some things to remember:
- SNAP benefits are for food only.
- Funeral expenses are not an eligible expense.
- Families should investigate alternative sources of financial aid for funeral costs.
Dealing with funeral expenses can be difficult, but it’s important to know how SNAP benefits can and cannot be used in such situations.
Seeking Help and Resources
When dealing with the death of a loved one, it’s essential to know where to turn for help and information. There are several resources available to help navigate the complexities of closing out the SNAP account and handling the deceased’s affairs.
Start by contacting the local Department of Social Services. They can provide specific guidance on how to handle the SNAP benefits and EBT card. They can also answer any questions and direct you to additional resources.
Here are some other resources that may be helpful:
- Legal Aid: Provides free or low-cost legal assistance.
- Financial Counselors: Can offer advice on managing finances and making important decisions.
- Community Organizations: Offer additional support and guidance.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are many organizations and professionals who can provide support and guidance during this difficult time.
Conclusion
In summary, when someone who receives SNAP benefits passes away, the unused funds on their EBT card generally do not transfer to their family. The EBT card should be returned to the issuing agency, and the death should be reported to the local SNAP agency. While there may be rare exceptions or specific circumstances, the primary purpose of SNAP benefits is to provide food assistance for eligible individuals. Families may need to explore other options for financial assistance and support during this challenging time. Understanding the rules and seeking out available resources can help ease the process of dealing with the SNAP benefits and handling the deceased’s affairs.