I worked in grocery for 4 years and people who aren’t on the front lines of this abuse of the system have no real idea all that goes on. This is commonplace.
I live in IL, one of the largest welfare states. We believed this to be illegal as well but getting a straight answer was very difficult. I tried calling the welfare office and you get put on a loop. I tried looking online, it’s not there either. It took one of our employees actually going to the welfare office to ask. Turns out they can buy “whatever they need”. This is what our employee was told. So evidently, cigarettes are now considered a “need”.
I actually ended up quitting because I found myself becoming so discouraged and even angry at the abuse I witnessed daily. But here’s a few things I want people to know that happens:
1. Each month recipients are issued a “food” balance AND ready for it... a CASH balance. Yes, that’s right CASH. No way to regulate how that is spent.
2. Balances carry over from month to month so if they don’t use it all that month it accumulates. I’ve seen balances at the END of a month at nearly $2 grand. Yeah, at the END of the month. So, if they are not using that much of what they get then they’re receiving more than they need in the first place. It’s not a savings account!
3. Recipients simply withdraw the cash off their cards, using it as an ATM card and by law we have to let them, then purchase their cigarettes, alcohol on a regular basis.
4. Many “immigrants” (many who don’t speak English) withdraw money from their cards and then wire the money via Western Union to other countries. Happens daily. So, our taxpayer money is being used OUTSIDE of our own borders. Also, money is frequently wired to inmates in Federal and state prison.
5. There are very few restrictions on what is considered “Food Stamp Approved” now. These people eat better than I do. I often saw them buying steaks, crab legs, you name it all the while carrying a Coach purse and smartphone with pretty nails.
6. Many of the cards are used by the “boyfriends” of these young gals that get them. It is totally lawful for them to give their card to someone else to use.
7. In IL, at my store at least I would say probably every 4th person uses a Link card.
Spread the word people. This has sort of become my pet cause because the abuse is so egregious and so many have no idea what really goes on.
” 1. Each month recipients are issued a “food” balance AND ready for it... a CASH balance. Yes,that’s right CASH. No way to regulate how that is spent.”
Partially true. They have to apply for cash in addition to food stamps. If they do receive cash, they have to participate in the welfare transition program(volunteer 30hrs per week at say, Goodwill). They don’t automatically get cash, and they’re not supposed to be sitting on their ass.