What to do when your EBT benefits are stolen
If you think your EBT benefits have been stolen, it's crucial to act quickly. The sooner you take steps to report the theft and secure your account, the better chance you have of protecting your remaining SNAP or TANF benefits..
Here's what you need to know about safeguarding your EBT funds, preventing future theft, and the possibility of replacing stolen EBT benefits.
Help keep your EBT card safe from theft with Propel
A step-by-step guide to reporting stolen EBT benefits#a-step-by-step-guide-to-reporting-stolen-ebt-benefits
It is important to keep an eye on your EBT balance so you are aware of any missing or stolen benefits right away. Here are several steps you’ll need to take if your EBT benefits have been stolen:
- Report the theft immediately to your state benefits office
- Change your PIN
- Apply for a replacement EBT card right away
- Set up security features, like locking and unlocking your benefits or blocking out-of-state transactions
How to report stolen EBT benefits#how-to-report-stolen-ebt-benefits
Reporting stolen EBT benefits is similar to reporting a lost EBT card. You’ll need to call your state's EBT customer service number right away to let them know your benefits were stolen.
This will allow you to cancel your old EBT card and change your PIN so no one else can use it, protecting any TANF or SNAP benefits that may be left on the card.
Can I request replacement SNAP benefits?#can-i-request-replacement-snap-benefits
Unfortunately replacement benefits are no longer available for most victims of EBT theft. Federal funding for EBT theft reimbursement didn’t continue into 2025, so if your benefits were stolen after December 20, 2024, you may not be able to get replacement benefits.
But there are a couple states that still have EBT theft reimbursement available: If you live in California or Maryland and your EBT information was stolen, check with a caseworker to see if you’re eligible for replacement benefits.
How long does it take to get back stolen EBT benefits?#how-long-does-it-take-to-get-back-stolen-ebt-benefits
Reimbursement for stolen EBT benefits is only available in certain circumstances, but, if you’re eligible, your state may have up to 30 days to process your request for replacement benefits and reimburse your lost benefits.
Can you press charges if someone stole your EBT card?#can-you-press-charges-if-someone-stole-your-ebt-card
Yes, you can press charges if you believe someone has stolen your EBT benefits. According to the USDA, you should contact your local SNAP office if you believe your benefits have been stolen.
You should also immediately change your PIN, cancel your EBT card and get a new one, and consider contacting local law enforcement to report the theft. If they are able to determine who stole your EBT benefits you may be able to press charges.
How are EBT benefits stolen?#how-are-ebt-benefits-stolen
Skimming and phishing are generally the most common ways EBT benefits are stolen.
Skimming is when someone illegally installs a device on things like ATMs, fuel pumps, and point-of-sale terminals in stores in order to harvest your EBT card data.
Credit and debit cards with chips in them are much harder to skim, but EBT cards in most states don’t have chips, meaning you have to swipe your card to use your benefits.
According to the FBI, criminals usually cash out EBT benefits immediately after benefits have been loaded onto the card, usually within six hours of the time benefits become available.
Phishing is when a scammer sends you an official-looking message, email, text, or phone call in hopes of tricking you into giving them your information, like your PIN and your account number, so they can access your benefits.
Can the Propel app steal my EBT benefits?#can-the-propel-app-steal-my-ebt-benefits
No, Propel will never steal your benefits or EBT card information. In fact, Propel has security features that can help keep your EBT card safe, like the ability to block out-of-state transactions or turn on monitoring for suspicious activity.
