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Reimbursement for victims of SNAP fraud has ended, leaving no way to recoup stolen funds
By: Theo Peck-Suzuki | Report for America
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB/Report for America) — Congress has cut off an important lifeline for low-income Americans who find themselves the victim of SNAP fraud.
Americans who qualify for federal food assistance through SNAP use EBT cards to help pay for groceries. The cards have a well-known vulnerability: Skimming devices can steal their information, allowing thieves to drain victims’ accounts. From June 2023 through December 2024, thieves stole $14.87 million from EBT users in Ohio alone.
The EBT cards that receive SNAP money are government issued, and the government would previously reimburse anyone whose EBT account was plundered. That program ended after Congress did not reauthorize it in the continuing budget resolution on Dec. 20. Victims of EBT theft occurring from Dec. 21 onward cannot get their money back.
“I’m just devastated that we can’t reimburse people who’ve had their SNAP benefits skimmed,” said Athens County Job and Family Services Director Jean Demosky.
“Our fraud unit had suggested it several years ago,” Demosky said. “It’s a big cost, to collect up and replace cards.”
Implementing chips for EBT cards would likely require legislative action at either the state or federal level.
In the meantime, Ohio Job and Family Services recommends all EBT recipients lock their cards using the official ConnectEBT app when not in use. Locking the cards prevents thieves from draining the funds, even if a skimmer steals the card’s information.
Demosky warned against using third-party EBT apps, which she said are not vetted and may contain vulnerabilities.
It’s not clear why Congress did not reauthorize SNAP reimbursements. WOUB reached out to Rep. Troy Balderson, whose district includes Athens County, for insight and received no response.
“I just think it wasn’t a priority,” Demosky said.
In the meantime, Demosky said Athens County Job and Family Services is working to strengthen its Operation Full Belly program. Athens residents whose EBT funds are stolen can come to Job and Family Services and get food bags through that program.