Results 1 to 7 of 7
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    California
    Posts
    1

    Default Food Stamps and Fingerprints

    My question involves civil rights in the State of: California. Anyone out there can speak to this issue? I am one of the trillion unemployed here in California. Went to apply for Food Stamps. Was told I have to submit to fingerprinting, photographing and a background check. Did not agree to that. Application refused by the FS office. Went on the Fed website, only to find that there is no Fed requirement for this procedure. So, how does California have the legal right to subject us to this when issuing Federal benefits?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Key West, FL
    Posts
    2,350

    Default Re: Food Stamps and Fingerprints

    The federal government sets minimum standards, NOT maximum standards. States are permitted to set higher standards.

    As you are applying for government benefits, you obviously are in no position to take the issue to court. Chances are it has already been to court and there are legal opinions on the practice.

    The only substantive reason to object to this procedure is because you have a warrant out for your arrest or you are an illegal alien. Actually, illegal aliens can still get benefits in CA I have heard.

    I don't think anyone here is going to help you tilt at windmills.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    1,948

    Lightbulb Re: Food Stamps and Fingerprints

    SNAP states that "Normally a household must file an application form, have a face-to-face interview, and provide proof (verification) of certain information."

    The state of CA is asking for fingerprints, photograph and background check to verify your identity, Nothing illegal in that.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    38,867

    Default Re: Food Stamps and Fingerprints

    a state can impose their own rules as long as they do not act in contrast to the federal rules. Since the feds neither require fingerprints or state they cannot be taken, the state can impose such a rule.

    Personally, I do not like the idea myself and see it as an intrusion but unless it is illegal to require such info, there is little you can do. I suspect is has to do with preventing fraud which is a huge problem.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    California
    Posts
    20,594

    Default Re: Food Stamps and Fingerprints

    I do not see a problem in it. With the rampant fraud going on, with the number of wanted people receiving aid when they are not legally entitled to, and given the fact that such aid is not a Constitutional right, I see no problem with requiring they submit to a records check and verification of their idea. A person does not HAVE to accept welfare benefits, so they do not HAVE to submit to the program.

    I am amazed that some county is requiring this much data, though. Typically it has been my impression that if you have a pulse and claim a need, you qualify for some measure of aid.

    I am sure if he looks around there are programs that will not require that level of background checks. It could just be the program he is seeking funds through. there are many aid programs out there and not all of them require the same burden of proof. But, to those that ARE cracking down, as a taxpayer I applaud them!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Posts
    3,835

    Default Re: Food Stamps and Fingerprints

    Quote Quoting acuera
    View Post
    My question involves civil rights in the State of: California. Anyone out there can speak to this issue? I am one of the trillion unemployed here in California. Went to apply for Food Stamps. Was told I have to submit to fingerprinting, photographing and a background check. Did not agree to that. Application refused by the FS office. Went on the Fed website, only to find that there is no Fed requirement for this procedure. So, how does California have the legal right to subject us to this when issuing Federal benefits?
    What you seem to imply is taking a fingerprint is an UNreasonable seizure under the 4th AM? This fails. Additionally, such mainly applies to a criminal investigation, as the 5th AM's self incrimination clause is NOT triggered by a voluntary submission, as here the issuance of food stamps is a qualified right, not an absolute right. As was stated, identity fraud in a billion dollar budget agency is paramount. The state, you will find, has a more than "compelling government interest" to highly regulate entitlement programs.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Toledo, OH
    Posts
    16,307

    Default Re: Food Stamps and Fingerprints

    Quote Quoting acuera
    View Post
    My question involves civil rights in the State of: California. Anyone out there can speak to this issue? I am one of the trillion unemployed here in California. Went to apply for Food Stamps. Was told I have to submit to fingerprinting, photographing and a background check. Did not agree to that. Application refused by the FS office. Went on the Fed website, only to find that there is no Fed requirement for this procedure. So, how does California have the legal right to subject us to this when issuing Federal benefits?
    While the legality of this has already been spoken to, you might find this of interest.

    1. Sponsored Links
       

Similar Threads

  1. Marriage: Immigrant Marrying a Food Stamps Recipient
    By newlywed in forum Visas for Business, Tourism and Family
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 10-12-2010, 10:30 AM
  2. Fraud: Medicare and Food Stamps Fraud
    By EliseJ in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 03-13-2010, 06:27 AM
  3. Health Insurance: Are Food Stamps Part of Medi-Cal
    By Mylissa in forum Insurance Law
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 01-12-2010, 05:34 PM
  4. Fraud: My Parents Collected Welfare, Food Stamps for Kids That Didn't Exist
    By thatoriginalguy in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 10-01-2009, 07:05 PM
  5. Arrest Warrants: Felony for Food Stamps
    By hopeless momma in forum Criminal Procedure
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 07-16-2008, 10:29 PM
 
 
Sponsored Links

Legal Help, Information and Resources