(WSET) — For families who rely on SNAP, discovering that benefits have been stolen can mean an immediate crisis at the grocery store — and now, state officials say there are new limits on what can be replaced.
The Virginia Department of Social Services said it understands how devastating it can be for families to learn their SNAP benefits have been stolen, calling it a deeply personal loss that can impact food security.
But the agency said a recent federal change has narrowed replacement options. As of Dec. 20, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture ended authorization to replace EBT benefits lost to skimming, cloning or other fraud.
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For people who need help making up for lost food assistance, Feeding Southwest Virginia said it can connect families with support across the region.
“We offer a lot, they are provided directly through our food bank or association with hundreds of food pantries across Southwest Virginia,” said Rachel Garnett, director of Marketing and Communications for Feeding Southwest Virginia. “We do have the program that can best fit your needs, so please feel free to look us up on our website or our social media at Feeding Southwest Virginia, and we can get you connected to the resources you need.”
In the meantime, officials urged SNAP recipients to take precautions to protect their benefits, including using the ConnectEBT app to lock cards when they are not in use, changing PINs regularly and never sharing card information through unsolicited messages or calls.
If benefits are stolen or families are facing food insecurity, officials said help is still available through local social services, 211 or the Federation of Virginia Food Banks.
