LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Victims of stolen EBT funds will soon have relief as a new rule goes into effect.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition approved the rule change on July 31.
Now, people receiving SNAP benefits who have had their EBT accounts skimmed, cloned, or otherwise defrauded can apply to have them replaced, within a certain time frame.
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The customer must report the the loss of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds to the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS), then they have 10 business days to make a claim for replacement.
Additionally, the DWSS will be accepting claims on stolen funds from October 1, 2022 through July 30, 2023—customers have 60 days to do so.
Next, the Investigations and Recovery Unit will review claims, those approved will have the benefits replaced within about 30 calendar days, according to DWSS.
DWSS says they suggest the following prevention tips to minimize the chances of being a victim of stolen benefits:
- Use only the EBT Edge [ebtedge.com] site or mobile application.
- Freeze or lock your EBT card when not in use.
- Change your PIN monthly before your benefit issuance date.
- Avoid simple PINs such as dates of birth, part of your social security number or easily guessed PINs like 1234, or 9876.
- Do not share your PIN with anyone outside your household and keep both your EBT card number and PIN a secret.
- Do not respond to phone calls or text messages asking for your EBT card number or PIN.
- Check your EBT account regularly for unauthorized transactions.
