Maryland

Tighter security for SNAP benefits pursued as Maryland sees $26M in fraud

Published

2 years ago

June 1, 2024

Tighter security for SNAP benefits pursued as Maryland sees M in fraud

On Maryland’s path to becoming one of the country’s biggest targets for fraud aimed at benefits for lower-income residents, the problem looked, at first, like maybe it involved just a few thousand claims.

But the theft went largely unchecked, and the claims, paid off by taxpayers, kept rising.

By the time the state started a new reimbursement process in early 2023, what had been less than $1 million in benefits the state had to restore to victims of fraud quickly turned into $4.3 million over two years. One year later, the state has paid nearly $26 million for claims since the start of 2021 to 39,000 households that started out needing extra help putting food on the table, then fell victim to a system that advocates say is still sorely lacking in security.

“This theft is real. It’s nationwide. It is essential that Marylanders can meet their food needs,” said Michele Gilman, a law professor and director of the Saul Ewing Civil Advocacy Clinic at the University of Baltimore School of Law. “But the other angle of it is protecting the public. This money is flowing into the hands of criminals and we know there are technological ways to prevent that.”

Gilman and others are hopeful the state’s technology may soon catch up — and the bleeding, finally, will stop.

On Wednesday, the Maryland Board of Public Works is scheduled to vote on a new contract for the operator of the state’s electronic benefits transfer (EBT) system — the method in which 382,000 households access the Supplemental Nutrition Access Program (SNAP) and about 32,000 benefit from cash assistance.

Key to the new contract — according to state Department of Human Services officials who are pushing for it — are new requirements to implement chip technology in EBT cards. In Maryland and across the country, the debit-type cards still have just the traditional magnetic stripes. Those are vulnerable to “skimming,” in which a device is used to read and access a card’s data.

A 2023 state law required chips in all EBT cards issued in Maryland starting last year. But the rollout has been slow, leaving families vulnerable to seeing their essential assistance disappear. Though the state has improved its system and is now usually quick to reimburse stolen funds, it’s been extremely challenging for SNAP beneficiaries, the advocates say.

“The longer we wait, the more people go hungry and the more criminals are lining their pockets with Marylanders’ money,” Gilman said.

Theft from ‘poorest of the poor’

Previously known as food stamps, SNAP is the federally funded program that pays a minimum $23 per month and, in Maryland, an average of about $327 per month per household for food purchases. Funds are deposited directly into EBT accounts and can be spent using what’s called the Independence Card. Eligibility depends on a number of factors, including income (for the current year, a family of four with a gross monthly income $3,250 or less or a net monthly income of $2,500 or less could qualify).

“The only people who can qualify for these benefits are the poorest of the poor,” said Cornelia Bright Gordon, director of advocacy for the nonprofit Maryland Legal Aid, which offers legal services to low-income individuals.

When “every dollar is of paramount importance,” she said, it makes the theft of that money that much more painful. Gordon said her group’s clients have seen their monthly food allowances vanish in minutes due to theft. Before changes to state law and the start of an online portal to file claims last year, the process was even more difficult, with victims required to file police reports and other paperwork to make claims, she said.

State Sen. Katie Fry Hester, a Howard County Democrat, said state lawmakers were spurred to act after seeing a spike in theft in 2021 and 2022 — a trend seen across the country as credit card companies adopted more secure chip technology while EBT operators didn’t. A law she sponsored in 2023 required the state to reimburse EBT account holders and implement new security measures, including chip technology by Oct. 1, 2023.

“I never thought we’d hit $24 or $25 million,” Hester said, referring to the amount of reimbursements DHS reported in early May to the state procurement board. That number has since risen, to $25.9 million in reimbursed benefits for theft since Jan. 1, 2021, a Department of Human Services spokesman said Friday. About $17.8 million of that came from federal funds and $8.1 million came from the state.

“It’s a huge amount, and it makes the microchip card that much more important, because it’s the only thing that can fully stop it,” Hester said.

According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Maryland ranks second in the number of claims of stolen SNAP benefits filed in the last year, at 33,500. That data is reported by states directly and not fully up to date. California, for example, has not reported data but is considered to potentially be the most impacted state. A recent U.S. Department of Justice notice indicated complaints between June 2022 and February 2024 in that state totaled $181 million, and California has just started rolling out chip cards.

Elisabet Eppes, deputy director of Maryland Hunger Solutions, said Department of Human Services “has done a really great job of springing into action” to ensure reimbursements for theft have been awarded easily and quickly. Though families were not originally being reimbursed in full, that policy changed earlier this year and victims of theft have been receiving payments quickly.

But Maryland and its EBT vendor, Conduent State & Local Solutions, also need to “pick up the pace” on the technology, she said.

Eppes said her group has worked with repeat victims of theft, adding “insult upon injury” as the state inches toward implementing chip cards. She said an 18-month timeline ending around mid-2025 for chip cards, indicated in Department of Human Services statements earlier this year, was not fast enough.

“We know that when it comes to services and products that are geared toward lower-income customers, they are seen as second-tier customers and oftentimes the technology that is available is not as modern as it should be,” Eppes said. “We see that as a lack of prioritization from the companies themselves, but we, of course, think Maryland DHS could be doing a better job, as well.”

Inching toward better security

Intermittent steps toward more secure EBT cards have come in a few forms in the last year.

Interactive voice response, or IVR, fraud-detection was incorporated to try to prevent phishing attempts, and an app launched in late 2023, called ConnectEBT, allows cardholders to lock and unlock their cards.

The advocates said the moves have been positive, but haven’t had their full intended effect.

“Any step to reduce this theft is great, but what I’ve heard on the ground is they’re sort of half measures,” Gilman said. “Not all cardholders know about them, not all are able to access or implement them, so having chip cards would be a better solution.”

Eppes said the card-locking and unlocking technology has been a step in the right direction, but it’s only reached a small portion of cardholders.

She said her group works directly with people to submit applications for theft reimbursement, and “something we’ve learned is folks who experienced theft did not know about the ConnectEBT app.”

Other recommendations so far have been frequently changing account passwords, which does not always prevent theft and can lead to users being locked out of their accounts, she said.

Gordon, of Maryland Legal Aid, put it this way: “Security is great, and our clients deserve that. But ease of use of these programs and protections are paramount.”

High stakes, high hurdles

Though the Department of Human Services has begun working with Conduent to implement chip cards, the agency is putting an emphasis on speed in its push Wednesday for a new contract.

The four-year contract worth just under $20 million to continue with the same vendor is being contested by the other major EBT vendor in U.S., Fidelity Information Services LLC, which submitted a $31.3 million bid.

Waiting for Fidelity’s appeal to move forward, however, could result in another delay of nine months to two years — all but ensuring the state is forced to pay back even more in stolen benefits, according to a memo from Department of Human Services officials to the Board of Public Works.

The three-member board consists of Gov. Wes Moore, Comptroller Brooke Lierman and Treasurer Dereck Davis, all Democrats, and contracts that appear on its agenda are almost always approved unanimously, even if they’re contested.

Gilman said it was common for bidders to appeal or sue in response to losing a contract. She appreciated the state’s push to move forward without delay, especially because “the stakes are really high here.”

“It’s about whether children are eating or not,” she said.

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Maryland

Maryland schools rank 3rd in nation in post-pandemic reading recovery – WTOP News

Published

5 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Press Room

Maryland schools rank 3rd in nation in post-pandemic reading recovery – WTOP News

Maryland schools made nation-leading strides in their recovery from students’ learning loss in the pandemic, data show.

Maryland schools made nation-leading strides in their recovery from students’ learning loss in the pandemic, according to new data.

They ranked third in the nation in their students’ reading recovery rates, and were fifth in math recovery, according to the 2025 Education Scorecard from Harvard and Stanford Universities and Dartmouth College.

D.C. led the U.S. in math and reading recovery.

The data was presented at the Maryland State Board of Education meeting Thursday.

Trish Brennan-Gac, executive director of literacy nonprofit Maryland READS, said the state board is correct to celebrate gains in reading, but proficiency is “nowhere near where we need to be.”

“It is not that we are No. 3-ranked in reading proficiency,” she told WTOP. “It’s a rate of change, and we are making a faster rate of change,” than most school districts nationally.

Brennan-Gac was at the meeting to ask that the state board consider ways to reduce the use of technology in classroom instruction and support a return to print and textbooks in schools.

“This is no longer a fringe concern. It is a growing movement, and it’s not about social media and phones,” she told the board.

Brennan-Gac said the board and Maryland schools superintendent Carey Wright can take a “visible meaningful leadership role.”

“You can develop transition guidance and funding pathways for districts that are ready to move now, and send a clear signal to the field that Maryland prioritizes developmentally appropriate instruction aligned to brain research that shows how books, not tech-based platforms, are effective in wiring kids’ brains for reading,” she said.

The Maryland State Department of Education has issued guidance to school districts on the use of cellphones in schools, and this year issued guidance on the use of artificial intelligence. In both instances, the state has made clear that it leaves implementation of policies to individual school districts.

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Maryland

Gov. Moore seeks disaster relief for farmers hit by April cold snap

Published

17 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Press Room

Gov. Moore seeks disaster relief for farmers hit by April cold snap

Gov. Wes Moore has requested a federal disaster declaration to help farmers recover from their losses after temperatures dipped into the 20s in April, devastating some of Maryland’s agriculture industry.

Temperatures dipped into the low to mid 20s for several hours, causing widespread damage to crops, wine grapes, berries, peaches and apples in some parts of the state.

“We had 6, 7 hours I believe here under 32 and that’s just a lot of stress on those small fruits and buds,” said Ben Butler, the farm manager of Butler’s Orchard in Germantown back in April.

Moore asked for the U.S. agriculture secretary to declare a federal disaster using Maryland Farm Service Agency data to back up the request. According to the agency, there were historic losses, including 94% of the apple crop, 99% of the peach crop and 98% of the barley in several jurisdictions.

The Maryland Wineries Association says 36% of grape acreage sustained total losses, with a $24.4 million projected deficit in wine sales for the 2026 vintage.

“For the majority of the varieties, the yield, the 2026 crop yield, will essentially be zero,” said Robert Butz, the owner of Windridge Vineyards.

The hours-long deep freeze in April left grapes at Windridge Vineyards in Germantown dead on the vine.

News4 visited Windridge Vineyards just a few days after the disaster. Butz said not only were there grape losses, some of the vines were damaged as well. He called the devastation “catastrophic.”

It’s challenging, but he said he’s pleased with the support being given to local farmers and the disaster declaration request.

“This announcement by the governor is further evidence of that, right,” Butz said. “Marylanders care about their farmers. That’s great.It’s incredibly gratifying for those who do this work.”

Moore is asking the agriculture secretary for a quick decision so emergency loans and relief programs are made available right away so farmers can prepare for the next growing season.

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Maryland

Anne Arundel County Executive Democratic candidates make their case ahead of Maryland primary

Published

1 day ago

May 28, 2026

Press Room

Anne Arundel County Executive Democratic candidates make their case ahead of Maryland primary

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, Md. — Five candidates are running to replace Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman, with four Democrats competing for their party’s nomination ahead of the Maryland primary.

Republican Dave Crawford is the only candidate on the GOP side, meaning he automatically advances from the primary. Democratic voters, however, face a choice between four candidates: county council members Allison Pickard and Pete Smith, Pittman administration Special Assistant James Kitchin, and city and regional planner Kyle Nembhard.

Pickard is serving her second term as councilwoman for the Second District.

Anne Arundel County executive democratic candidates make their case ahead of Maryland primary

Anne Arundel County executive race heats up ahead of Maryland primary

“I’m excited to move forward into the executive branch where we really get to execute and implement, uh, all of the policies that we’ve put forth,” Pickard said.

Smith has served on the county council for 14 years on and off.

“You will see that there is a crystal clear option in this race, uh, when you look at our resume when you judge me on my report card, you will see that I’ve been doing my homework for this county for the last 14 years,” Smith said.

Kitchin has served as special assistant in the Pittman administration for the past 7 years.

“I have the most relevant experience and I am the most ready on day one to come in and create a smooth transition from the Pittman administration into the next 4 years,” Kitchin said.

Nembhard has worked as a city and regional planner in the transportation field since 2002.

“I am literally an average citizen, like the majority of, of folks in Anne Arundel County, actually all the folks in Anne Arundel County. Um, who just like them, feel like their voices aren’t heard,” Nembhard said.

Where the candidates agree — and differ

All 4 Democratic candidates share similar positions on many of the county’s major issues, including housing affordability, public safety, mental health services, and education funding. Their approaches, however, differ.

On housing, Pickard emphasizes supply and transit-oriented development.

“I’ve been wholly focused on redevelopment and transit oriented development, which is exciting about creating cool spaces, uh, around our Mark station. Or our light rail stations so that maybe we’ll attract those younger folks who want to have walkable communities and really neat spaces — and be closer to where they work,” Pickard said.

All 4 candidates support increasing public safety staffing. Smith pointed to specific numbers to illustrate the strain on current personnel.

“In fact, on the police side of the house we’re about 809 positions. The reality is 1200 is where we should be at with this current population here in Anne Arundel County. We got about 850 to 900, uh, fire department personnel, uh, who are answering well over 100,000 calls every single year. That’s significant,” Smith said.

All 4 candidates also support funding mental health services and violence interruption programs. Both Nembhard and Smith expressed a personal connection to the issue and called for more community policing. Nembhard described the impact of officers who knew their neighborhoods.

“Where I grew up we were fortunate, I don’t know if that was by design or by chance, but like me and my friends, we knew the folks who, you know, walked the beat in our neighborhood. So, that intimate knowledge, that integration can make the difference between a good student who’s just in the wrong place at the wrong time getting shot,” Nembhard said.

On education, all 4 candidates support maintaining funding growth for county schools. Kitchin is the only candidate in the race endorsed by the teachers union.

“Like I’m a pro-education candidate, um, come from a pro-education family, and that didn’t change because I got their endorsement,” Kitchin said.

Public financing

Anne Arundel County has a public financing system for campaigns. Kitchin is the only candidate in this race using it.

“I’m not taking any corporate money, any PAC money, no developer money. I’m also not taking any union money,” Kitchin said.

All 4 candidates support the public financing system and said they would like to see more political candidates use it in the future.

Why vote for me?

With so much common ground among the candidates, voters may find it difficult to choose. Each candidate made their case.

Kitchin pointed to his experience inside the current administration.

“I have the most relevant experience and I am the most ready on day one to come in and create a smooth transition from the Pittman administration into the next 4 years,” Kitchin said.

Nembhard framed his candidacy around his connection to everyday residents.

“I don’t see voters. I see my neighbors, I see friends, I see family, the same people that I’m in the trenches all the time, all day, going to county council meetings and speaking up on their behalf and fighting to be heard, you know, like just, just to be heard, to have a seat at the table,” Nembhard said.

Pickard highlighted the support she has built across the county.

“I’m really proud of the coalition I’ve built, and I feel like it’s a real testament to my track record of getting results for our community,” Pickard said.

Smith pointed to his long record of service.

Early voting begins June 11. The Maryland primary is June 23. Whoever wins the Democratic nomination will face Crawford in the November general election.

JAMES KITCHIN

Full interview with Anne Arundel County Executive candidate James Kitchin

Meet the candidates for Anne Arundel County Executive: James Kitchin

Key Campaign Message:
Kitchin positions himself as the candidate of government reform and transparency, emphasizing his unique use of the county’s new public financing system. As the only candidate refusing corporate, developer, PAC, and union money, he frames his campaign around eliminating special interest influence in county government.

Core Qualifications:

Executive Experience: Seven-plus years in the Pittman administration, including roles in budget, legislative affairs, and communications
Education Background: Former teacher and current spouse of a 4th-grade teacher
“Ready on Day One”: Claims unique preparation for executive role through administrative experience

Policy Priorities:

Housing: Rejects “supply-side” approach, insists on building specifically affordable units rather than hoping market-rate construction reduces costs
Education: Strongly supports record $72.8 million education increase; endorsed by Teachers Association of Anne Arundel County
Environment: Proposes “no net loss of forest” program and opposes one-size-fits-all bulk regulations
Immigration: Strongest advocate for expanding Family Protection Initiative

Notable Positions:

Only candidate using public financing system
Most detailed critique of supply-side housing theory
Emphasizes upstream public safety investments over enforcement-only approach
Supports using rainy day fund to address potential federal cuts

KYLE NEMBHARD

Full interview with Anne Arundel County Executive candidate Kyle Nembhard

Meet the candidates for Anne Arundel County Executive: Kyle Nembhard

Key Campaign Message:
Nembhard presents himself as the “average citizen” candidate bringing fresh perspective and community empowerment to county government. He emphasizes transparency, community engagement, and reducing barriers between government and residents.

Core Qualifications:

Professional Background: City and regional planner with development experience
Community Advocacy: Extensive volunteer work and community organizing
Outsider Status: Only candidate without prior elected office experience

Policy Priorities:

Housing: Supports increased supply but emphasizes affordable units near transit corridors to reduce car dependency
Education: Advocates for maximum 20 students per classroom; child of union member though not endorsed by teachers
Transportation: Strong focus on transit-oriented development and reducing car dependency
Public Safety: Emphasizes community integration of law enforcement, drawing from personal positive police relationships

Notable Positions:

Late entry candidate who couldn’t access public financing due to timing
Most detailed focus on transit and transportation solutions
Unique emphasis on empowering communities through government transparency
Economic argument for protecting immigrant workers

PETE SMITH

Full interview with Anne Arundel County Executive candidate Pete Smith

Meet the candidates for Anne Arundel County Executive: Pete Smith

Key Campaign Message:
Smith emphasizes his proven track record and deep institutional knowledge, positioning himself as the candidate who has “done the homework” through 14 years of council service and 28 years of military experience.

Core Qualifications:

Legislative Experience: 14 years on county council (with breaks), including budget committee work
Military Service: 28 years as Marine, including overseas deployments
Institutional Knowledge: Claims deepest understanding of county operations and needs

Policy Priorities:

Public Safety: Most specific staffing targets – wants 1,200 police officers (currently ~809) and 1,200-1,300 firefighters (currently 850-900)
Housing: Supports county “driving the train” rather than leaving to market; backs cottage home bill creating $200k homes
Economic Development: Strong emphasis on P3 partnerships and reducing federal dependency
Education: Detailed history supporting education funding since 2012, including Blueprint implementation

Notable Positions:

Most specific public safety staffing numbers
Created stormwater remediation fund
Personal story about police officer saving his life
Opposes 287G immigration enforcement based on experience and human dignity

ALLISON PICKARD

Full interview with Anne Arundel County Executive candidate Allison Pickard

Meet the candidates for Anne Arundel County Executive: Allison Pickard

Key Campaign Message:
Pickard presents herself as the “successful legislator” who gets things done through coalition building and bipartisan cooperation. She emphasizes governing as a “team sport” and her proven ability to pass significant legislation.

Core Qualifications:

Legislative Track Record: Two terms on county council with major bill passage
Education Experience: Former Board of Education member during significant reforms
Coalition Building: Emphasizes bringing together labor and private sector supporters

Policy Priorities:

Housing: Strong “supply-side” advocate supporting zoning changes, transit-oriented development, and smaller lot sizes to increase overall housing stock
Environment: Proudest of creating Resilience Authority and securing federal partnerships
Education: Former Board of Education member supporting teacher pay increases and continued funding growth
Federal Relations: Strongest emphasis on leveraging federal partnerships and funding

Notable Positions:

Most detailed legislative accomplishments (Resilience Authority, education reforms)
Strongest advocate for market-based housing solutions
Helped create public financing system but chose traditional fundraising route
Most experience with federal grant acquisition and partnerships

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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