Electronically Stolen SNAP or Public Assistance Benefits

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    You can submit a claim to request the replacement of SNAP or Cash (public assistance) benefits that were electronically-stolen. This is also known as electronic benefit theft or fraud.

    Your electronically-stolen benefits may be partially or entirely replaced. You can submit a claim whether your case is active or closed.

    The NYC Department of Social Services (DSS) only processes claim requests for electronically-stolen benefits that were issued by DSS. If your electronically-stolen benefits were issued in another New York County, you need to apply for replacement in that County. Visit OTDA’s website for information on submitting a claim in other counties.

    If you suspect or know that your EBT card information was stolen, report your card as stolen.

    Types of Theft or Fraud

    Electronic benefit theft or fraud includes:

    • Skimming: This is when someone puts an overlay on a store’s card-swiping machine to copy EBT, credit, and debit card information. The stolen information is used to make fake cards (called “clones”) and use them to steal money from accounts. Skimming can happen anywhere you swipe your EBT card. Your benefits can be stolen through skimming even if you always have possession of your EBT card.
    • Phishing: A type of scheme where thieves trick people into clicking on a link, usually sent through text or email, that allows them to access your account information.
    • Third party misrepresentation: A type of phishing where thieves call, text, or email you and trick you into thinking that they are someone else, such as an employee from the Department of Social Services, so that you will give them your account information. 

    Report Stolen EBT Card and Get Your Transaction History

    Before you submit a claim for the replacement of stolen benefits, you must report your EBT card as stolen and get your transaction history.

    If you already reported your card as stolen when you noticed that your benefits were stolen, you do not need to report your card as stolen again.

    Report your EBT card as stolen and get your transaction history:

    Online

    Visit the ConnectEBT website. 

    You can also download the free ConnectEBT mobile app for:

    By Phone

    • Agency: New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
    • Division: Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Customer Service
    • Phone Number: (888) 328-6399
    • Business Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
    • Staff is available at all times through the automated phone system.

    Submit Your Claim

    After you have reported your card as stolen, or if you had already done so, submit your claim form online, by mail, or in-person. The quickest and easiest way to submit your claim is online. 

    You must provide your:

    • Client Identification Number (CIN)
    • Case number
    • Current mailing address
    • Detailed information about each fraudulent transaction

    The claim process does not require an eligibility interview.

    Online

    You are strongly encouraged to submit your claim online.

    Learn more and submit a claim for replacement of benefits that were issued by DSS.

    By Mail

    Submitting your claim form by mail is the slowest method.

    Mail your completed claim form to:

    Department of Social Services
    P.O. Box 02-9121
    Brooklyn GPO, NY 11202

    In Person

    You can drop off a completed claim form or use a computer at any Benefits Access Center or SNAP Center to submit your claim.

    Paper Claim Forms

    You are strongly encouraged to submit your claim online. It is the quickest and easiest way to submit your claim.

    If you are unable to submit your claim online, you can get a claim form:

    Online

    Download and print a claim form.

    By Phone

    • Agency: Human Resources Administration
    • Phone Number: (718) 557-1399
    • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
    • You can reach staff during business hours (except for City Holidays). You can get help in most languages. Automated Assistance is available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    In Person

    Pick up a claim form at any Benefits Access Center or SNAP Center.

    SNAP (Food Stamp) Benefit Claims

    The replacement of SNAP benefits that were stolen electronically is limited to theft or fraud that happened on or after October 1, 2022.  

    You must file a claim within 30 days of discovering that your benefits have been stolen. 

    You may only receive up to two replacement SNAP benefits during a federal fiscal year (October 1 through September 30). 

    Cash Assistance Benefit Claims

    The replacement of Cash Assistance benefits that were stolen electronically is limited to theft or fraud that happened on or after January 1, 2022.  

    You must file a claim within 30 days of discovering that your benefits have been stolen. 

    You may only receive up to two replacement cash benefits during a federal fiscal year (October 1 through September 30).

    After September 30, 2024, you may only receive one instance of replacement of cash benefits during a federal fiscal year (October 1 through September 30).

    Please allow up to 30 days from the time you submit your claim until you receive your determination notice and (if eligible) your replacement benefits. 

    You do not need to submit another claim while your claim is being processed.

    DSS will mail you a decision notice that lets you know if your claim was approved or denied.

    If your claim is approved, the replacement benefit you get will be the lesser of either:

    • The amount of SNAP or cash benefits that were stolen; or
    • An amount equal to two times the SNAP or cash benefits you received in the most recent complete month during which you received SNAP or Cash before your benefits were stolen.

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