Help to replace stolen SNAP benefits could soon end

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) – Hundreds of thousands of South Carolina families rely on public assistance every month to put food on their tables.

But a way to help make up for losses if those benefits are stolen could soon end.

In 2022, the federal government enacted a policy to allow states to reimburse recipients of SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program, if their benefits were stolen.

But unless Congress acts again — and soon — that help could stop.

“We really don’t know what Congress is going to do. We have sent our support in saying how much of this is needed and this would be something that would allow us to continue to serve children and families, especially those families that need help putting food on the table,” Connelly-Anne Ragley with the South Carolina Department of Social Services said.

Barring Congressional action, the reimbursement allowance is set to expire after next Monday, Sept. 30.

The South Carolina Department of Social Services oversees the state’s SNAP system and said it has received 707 reports statewide of fraud involving stolen SNAP benefits from EBT cards since Aug. 30.

To put that into perspective, DSS distributed SNAP benefits to 278,259 households last month, so fewer than 0.1% of all recipient households reported stolen benefits.

“While one family struggling and being able to not put food on the table because of some ill-doers is one family too many, we’re hopeful that Congress will act so that we can continue to replace stolen benefits,” Ragley said.

DSS urges people receiving SNAP to protect their EBT cards like they would a credit or debit card.

“We always encourage folks to change their PIN number frequently for their EBT card and make it something difficult — not 1234 or four 0s or 9876. Make it something that is challenging,” Ragley said.

Like credit and debit cards, the Federal Trade Commission advises SNAP recipients to frequently check their EBT account for unauthorized charges.

Even if the reimbursement provision is not renewed, DSS still encourages people to file a report if their benefits have been stolen.

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