I’m not providing commentary on this one, just reporting the news. A Michigan man has been collecting and using food stamps for 11 months after winning $2M from his state’s lottery and there is apparently nothing that the state can do about it – yet. The man, Leroy Flick who drives a brand spanking new Audi, was seen using the food stamp card called the Bridge Card which is intended for use by low income families.
What many residents in Michigan did not know is that Flick himself had already reported his lottery winnings to the state welfare department and was told that he is eligible to continue using the card. Why? Well, there is a gapping loophole in Michigan’s welfare program. Lottery winning are not counted as income, they are counted as liquid assets. It seems that liquid assets are not used in the income calculation on which welfare eligibility is based. Because of this, Mr. Flick is able to continue using his Bridge Card.
Welfare officials and the public are understandably outraged. Department of Human Services are seeking to close this gaping loophole that has been outed by Mr. Flick’s case, however, the rules on eligibility are determined by the Federal government. While Mr. Flick’s case highlighted this problem, I wonder just how many people are on welfare rolls that have millions stashed in the bank.
What are your thoughts about this?
This post was included in the Festival of Frugality #281 Graduation Statistics Edition hosted by My Personal Finance Journey.