The USDA program allows for reimbursement of stolen benefits if the incident is reported within 90 days
If you are a SNAP beneficiary and have had your benefits stolen due to cloning or copying of your EBT card, you may be eligible for reimbursement. However, it is crucial that you report the theft within 90 days of the incident. If the claim is approved, you may receive the full amount stolen or up to two months of benefits prior to the theft, whichever is less.
Once you submit the claim, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will review it within 10 business days and, if approved, the funds will be loaded onto your EBT card the next business day.
It is important for you to know that you can only apply for a theft reimbursement up to two times per federal fiscal year, which begins October 1 and ends September 30. This means you should be on the lookout for any unauthorized use of your benefits and report it as soon as possible.
How to protect your account and report theft
To prevent future theft, you should act quickly if you detect unauthorized use of your EBT card. Here are the recommended steps:
- Review your transactions: You can track your transactions through the FIS ebtEDGE mobile app, available in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, or review your history online.
- Report the incident immediately: If your EBT card has been compromised, contact EBT Customer Service at (888) 356-3281 to report the theft and request a new card.
- Request a new EBT card: By submitting your signed claim form, the compromised EBT card will be deactivated, and you will receive a replacement card within 7 to 10 days.
Once you have submitted your claim, the USDA will send you a “Notice of Stolen SNAP Benefits” to the address on file. This notice will confirm whether your claim was approved or denied. If approved, benefits will be available the next day. In addition, the old card will be deactivated, ensuring no further unauthorized use.
Promptness in reporting the theft is critical to ensure that your account does not remain vulnerable. In addition, only after reporting the loss or theft of your EBT card can the replacement of your benefits be processed. Therefore, it is not only important to report the theft within 90 days, but also to take immediate action to protect your account.