The Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance sent out the following update on the current status of replacement of SNAP benefits lost to skimming. The key information is:

• Congress failed to extend the authorization for states to replace SNAP benefits lost to third-party theft. It expired December 20.
• If you believe your SNAP benefits were stolen on or before December 20, DTA may reissue them.
• If your benefits were stolen after December 20, 2024, they are not currently eligible for replacement.
• Cash EBT benefits will still be replaced.

Regardless of when you believe your SNAP was stolen, you should report the loss to DTA for record-keeping purposes. Food policy advocates are pushing legislators to pass legislation that will authorize replacement of SNAP benefits stolen after December 20.

Read more details below.

• Stolen SNAP Benefits Replacement After December 20:
• Under current federal law, states are authorized to replace stolen SNAP benefits using federal funds for thefts occurring before December 20, 2024, but not after that date.
• DTA will replace stolen TAFDC/EAEDC.

1. • Report Stolen Benefits: Clients should continue to report any stolen benefits to DTA as soon as they discover it, even after December 20. DTA will accept reports, and this is important should additional funding become available.
   • Timeframe for Reporting: Clients who believe their benefits have been stolen should report this as soon as possible—ideally within 30 days of discovering the theft.
   • How to Report Stolen Benefits:
     • Call our Fraud Line at 833-602-9247
     • Fill out the Claim for Replacement of Stolen Benefits form online
     • Complete and mail the Claim for Replacement of Benefits Stolen Electronically form to: DTA Program Integrity Fraud Investigation Unit
       P.O. Box 4411
       Taunton, MA 02780-0435
     • More information can be found here.

 Contact MLRI through this form if your SNAP was stolen on or after December 21, 2024.

1. Tips for Keeping Benefits Safe:
   • Control the Safety of Your Benefits: Change your EBT card PIN frequently (at least monthly, before every benefit issuance) and to lock your EBT card when not in use. These steps help keep their benefits secure.

• If your cash benefits were stolen, they may be replaced.
• DTA is keeping a record of stolen SNAP benefits for two reasons:
  • If funds become available, they will attempt to replace as much as possible. They can only do that if they have a report.
  • They are tracking the number of clients and amount of theft reported to help them make their case as they advocate for money in the budget to replace skimmed SNAP benefits. When you file a report, you are helping to highlight the issue so that the legislature understands the urgency of the problem.