Prohibited Use of Benefits

A client must not use cash assistance funds held on an electronic benefit card for the purchase of alcoholic beverages as defined in M.G.L. c. 138, § 1; lottery tickets or tobacco products as defined in M.G.L. c. 64C, § 1; visual material or performances intended to create or simulate sexual conduct or sexual excitement as defined in M.G.L. c. 272, § 31; firearms and ammunition as defined in M.G.L. c. 140, § 121; tattoos or body piercings; jewelry; televisions, stereos, video games or consoles at rent-to-own stores; vacation services; gambling as defined in M.G.L. c. 23K, § 2; and/or for the payment to the commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof for fees, fines, bail or bail bonds ordered by a court. Any cash assistance client found to have knowingly used cash assistance benefits in violation of 106 CMR 701.225 shall be required to reimburse the Department for the full amount of such use and may be subject to disqualification from the cash assistance programs.