Denial of Welfare

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1996 Federal Welfare Reform Act in part stipulates that any individual convicted of a felony drug offense can be denied federal welfare benefits, including food stamps and temporary aid to needy families, for life.

As of 2002, over 92,000 women have been denied access to welfare as a result of a felony drug conviction.

The law certainly affects low income individuals the most because they are the people who use the welfare system most.

People convicted of murder, rape, and other serious crimes are not denied access to welfare.

As of March 2003:

21 states still deny welfare to those convicted of felony drug charges
11 states do not enforce the proposition
18 states have modified the proposition in ways such as giving welfare benefits those convicted of felony drug charges who participate in drug treatment, denying benefits only to drug traffickers, or simply reducing the restrictions.
Regardless, the laws do still exist at the federal level.

"The felony drug ban significantly impedes the ability of an individual to transition into the community, reintegrate into the family, and access and maintain sustainable employment. The federal lifetime ban on TANF and food stamp benefits must be repealed." (link)

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