Michigan SNAP Fraud Surged Nearly 400%, But Few Criminal Cases Filed, Records Show
MICHIGAN — As food stamp fraud surges across Michigan, newly obtained records reveal that the state has done little to investigate or prosecute the growing problem — leaving both taxpayers and needy families at risk, according to a Michigan Capitol Confidential report.
The number of alleged Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud cases jumped by nearly 400% between 2023 and 2024, yet the number of investigations has remained virtually unchanged over the past five years.
Records show Michigan opened just 110 fraud cases in 2024, the same number as the previous year, despite a spike in suspicious activity and digital abuse of Bridge cards, the state’s electronic benefit system.
Hundreds Referred, Few Prosecuted
State officials considered 432 individuals for criminal food stamp fraud charges since 2020. However, only 91 cases were formally referred to the attorney general’s office for prosecution over that entire period:
-
2020: 5 referrals
-
2021: 5 referrals
-
2022: 20 referrals
-
2023: 34 referrals
-
2024: 27 referrals
It remains unclear how many of those cases resulted in actual convictions, as the state has not released that data. Investigations often begin with tips from Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) employees or others familiar with recipients suspected of abusing the system.
Thousands of Replacement Cards Issued
In 2024 alone, Michigan mailed out 738 replacement Bridge cards per day — totaling 269,644 replacement cards for the year. The frequency of these reissuances raises concerns that benefits are being stolen or manipulated for profit.
Experts say the state’s low enforcement numbers paint a disturbing picture.
“To believe that out of approximately $65 billion in spending, there were just 432 instances of fraud is not only implausible — it reflects a dereliction of duty,” said Haywood Talcove of LexisNexis Risk Solutions.
Talcove called on Michigan to adopt more robust front-end identity verification to prevent organized fraud rings from exploiting social programs, not just SNAP, but Medicaid, TANF, and unemployment insurance as well.
State Officials Stay Silent Amid Rising Criticism
Despite multiple media inquiries, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has not commented on the discrepancy between fraud activity and enforcement.
Critics argue that lax oversight hurts not only taxpayers but also the most vulnerable residents who rely on SNAP for legitimate support. When benefits are siphoned off or abused, genuine recipients face delays and limited resources.
Do you believe your state is doing enough to protect SNAP and Medicaid from fraud? If you’ve had benefits delayed, misused, or stolen, share your story with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com — we’re investigating the systems meant to serve you.
