Card cloning or cyberattacks that break into the EBT system’s security can lead to theft of SNAP benefits. Most of the time, beneficiaries don’t notice these scams until they find balances that are unusually low or transactions that weren’t authorized. These scams are usually carried out in places far from the beneficiaries’ homes.
As of October 1, 2022, USDA rules let states handle claims for benefits that were stolen. But these reimbursements are only for thefts that happened after this date.
What are stolen SNAP benefits?
If your SNAP benefits are stolen, you need to act quickly. Here are the most important things you need to do to make sure your claim is accepted. How long you have to report the theft: If the fraud happened after August 21, 2023, you have 30 days from the time you found out about it to file a claim.
Not a precise date? Not a problem: You can leave the date blank on the form if you don’t know when the fraud happened. This won’t hurt your claim.
The most that can be reimbursed is:
Maximum reimbursement amounts:
- States will reimburse up to two months’ worth of benefits or double the amount issued in the month prior to the theft, whichever is greater.
- Steps to reclaim stolen SNAP benefits
To recover stolen benefits, you must follow a clear process and submit evidence supporting your claim. Here’s how to proceed:
- Report the theft immediately
- Contact EBT customer service at 1-888-328-6399 or use the ConnectEBT mobile app to report the fraudulent activity. Once reported, your card will be suspended, and you won’t be able to use it.
- Request a new EBT card
After reporting the theft, a replacement card will typically be issued within seven days.
Provide proof of the theft
To validate your claim, you’ll need a transaction history that highlights the unauthorized activities. You can access this information through:
- The ConnectEBT mobile app.
- The official website, connectebt.com.
- A phone inquiry via EBT customer service.
- Submit your claim form
Fill out the appropriate claim form, ensuring it includes evidence of the fraud and the amount stolen. Submit the form within 30 days of discovering the theft.
How to protect your EBT card
While it’s impossible to eliminate all risks, there are several steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of theft:
- Regularly change your PIN and never share it with others.
- Monitor your transaction history frequently for any unusual activity.
- Use your card only at trusted retailers.
- Report lost cards or suspected fraud immediately to customer service.
Why is quick action so important?
Theft of SNAP benefits can have a big effect on families who depend on them to meet their basic nutritional needs. Not only does filing a claim as soon as possible increase the chances of getting back stolen money, it also keeps you from having to deal with more financial problems.
The goal of the SNAP program is to give people important help during hard times. If you are a victim of fraud, use the tools and resources that are out there to report it and get your benefits back. To protect your rights and make sure you can keep getting the help you need, you need to act quickly and stay organized.
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