DRUG FELONS
ISSUE DATE: 03/2026
A person convicted of a drug felony within ten years of the application date or recertification date may be subject to random drug testing.
Random drug testing is optional. Agencies must decide whether to require such testing.
When an agency chooses to require random drug testing and a person tests positive for an illegal controlled substance, the agency must provide them with information about substance use disorder treatment programs. DHS provides basic information about accessing treatment.
Do not deny or terminate assistance for a person who tests positive or fails to show up for a random drug testing.
End any disqualifications for someone who was disqualified for Cash programs or SNAP as a drug felon prior to 08/01/2023. They are eligible for these programs as long as all other eligibility factors are met.
MFIP:
Benefits for the entire assistance unit must be paid in vendor form for shelter and utilities during any time the person convicted of a drug felony is part of the assistance unit. See 0024.09 (Protective and Vendor Payments). For system instructions, see TE13.014 (Drug Felons).
SNAP, GA, MSA:
Follow general provisions.
HSP:
No provisions.
PREVIOUS REVISIONS
| Date | Notes |
|---|---|
| 11/2024 | Adding information on how to process cases where the client had a drug felon disqualification prior to the policy change 08/01/23. |
| 01/2024 | Added cross-references 24.09 (Protective and Vendor Payments) and TE13.014 (Drug Felonies – SNAP and MFIP). |
| 08/2023 | Modifies drug felon requirements for GA, MSA and MFIP. Sanctions are eliminated, drug testing is made optional, and counties are required to provide SUD treatment information to people with positive drug tests. |
| 09/2018 | in GA, MSA in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd paragraphs re-writes drug felon policy. |
| 01/2015 | delete reference to the Shared Household Standard as it was repealed effective 01/2015 |
| 12/2014 | Removed WB. This program was suspended 12/1/14. |
| 10/2013 | deletes MSA from no provisions and moves it with GA provisions. It also adds, deletes and rearranges policy. |
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