Since 2023, nearly 1,500 people have been charged with theft of public benefits, resulting in a total loss of more than $10 million, according to the Office of State Inspector General.
Since the start of the Shapiro administration, the office has charged 1,495 people, 1,392 of them were charged with felonies, with 95% of cases resolved through a conviction, guilty plea, or other disposition. It was stated that the total amount of theft in these incidents was $10,008,807.
Those charged may also lose access to Commonwealth public benefits.
In addition to the 1,495 charges, the Office indicated that in 2025, the Shapiro Administration will analyze approximately 20,000 applications to avoid benefit theft. They decreased or refused payments in 7,965 cases, returning more than $61 million to programs that Pennsylvanians rely on. In 2025, 310 persons were charged with misappropriation of benefits totaling $3,060,432.
“These cases highlight OSIG’s commitment to preventing theft, protecting taxpayer dollars, and ensuring the integrity of Pennsylvania’s public benefits programs,” State Inspector General Michelle A. Henry stated. “OSIG will continue to pursue these criminals and protect the programs that serve our most vulnerable to ensure that those who steal from Pennsylvania taxpayers are held accountable.”
The Office of the Inspector General and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) collaborate closely to prevent, detect, and investigate issues raised during the benefits application process. The Office of Inspector General is in charge of investigating and prosecuting public benefit thefts. The collaboration reduces theft and misuse, safeguarding essential programs and resources.
In addition to health and food benefits, SNAP is a major economic driver for Pennsylvania’s local businesses. Over 10,600 businesses in Pennsylvania accept SNAP assistance for food purchases across 38,000 locations. Each month, the DHS distributes more than $300 million in SNAP benefits, feeding over 1.7 million Pennsylvanians and supporting businesses around the state.
According to the USDA’s Economic Research Center, every dollar spent on SNAP contributes $1.54 to the Pennsylvania economy by retaining jobs, creating new ones, and providing cash to farmers and other producers.
The Office of the State Inspector General stated that misuse of SNAP benefits accounts for a small amount of the program’s reach, and those accused represent a very small percentage of the millions of Pennsylvanians who have received SNAP at some point since 2023.
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