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Food Stamp Program: Restoration of Improperly Denied or Terminated Benefits

RCED-87-51 Published: Oct 30, 1986. Publicly Released: Oct 30, 1986.
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Highlights

In response to a congressional request, GAO examined: (1) how federal and state administrative practices affect the participation of persons eligible for Food Stamp Program benefits; and (2) a problem in Illinois' procedures relating to the restoration of food stamp benefits to persons whose benefits were improperly denied or terminated.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Food and Nutrition Service The Administrator, FNS, should instruct Illinois to evaluate the cases and, where appropriate, restore benefits for the 26 households listed in the report that had benefits improperly denied or terminated.
Closed – Implemented
In accordance with this recommendation, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) required Illinois to make all necessary restorations of food stamps. That process is ongoing and USDA stated that all appropriate restorations will be made.
Food and Nutrition Service The Administrator, FNS, should instruct Illinois to establish a policy and implement a procedure to ensure that benefits are restored, where appropriate, in all such cases.
Closed – Implemented
As recommended, USDA required Illinois to establish and implement a food stamp restoration policy and procedure. Illinois established and is implementing the policy and procedure.

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Topics

Disadvantaged personsEligibility determinationsstate relationsProgram managementReporting requirementsState-administered programsFood relief programsNutritionFoodFood assistance programs