The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) was approved by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service to replace stolen benefits to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, has empowered the state of Virginia to take decisive action in addressing the issue of stolen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Until September 30, 2024, Virginia can utilize federal funding to replace food stamps that have been stolen through card cloning, skimming, and other fraudulent methods.
Stolen food stamps: How to get your SNAP benefits replaced
The first thing you need to do is determine if you are one of the people who will receive replacement SNAP benefits. For example, the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer benefits, also known as P-EBT benefits, established by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, will not be replaced so far. The normal SNAP benefits are ready to be replaced as soon as you fill the requesting form.
To request the replacement of your SNAP benefits, you must contact the local department of social services and collect all the documentation that they indicate is necessary. All this must be done within 30 days of the beneficiary discovering that their money had been stolen. Visit this official website to access the funds replacement form and find more information about SNAP replacement funding.
SNAP benefits in Virginia: When are your food stamps being replaced?
The VDSS will start sending the replacement for the stolen food stamps from July 17, 2023, and on. Remember that you must change your PIN immediately and report your card/benefits stolen to either Virginia’s EBT Client Customer Service Helpdesk. You could call by phone at 866-281-2448 (available 24/7) or your local department of social services.
Download, print and complete the form available here (in english). The form is also available in Amharic, Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Spanish, Ukranian, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
How to avoid being scammed with your EBT card?
Scammers are becoming increasingly adept at targeting the EBT cards for their own gain, and needed families are left without their important money for food. Defrauders often try to trick individuals into revealing sensitive data that can be used to gain unauthorized access to their EBT accounts. Be cautious when sharing personal information, and never provide it to unknown or untrusted sources.
They frequently employ tactics such as phishing to deceive unsuspecting individuals into revealing their EBT card details. They may pose as representatives from government agencies or financial institutions, urging you to disclose your personal information. Remember, legitimate organizations will never ask for your EBT card number, PIN, or other sensitive information over the phone or via email.