New York City has helped nearly 95,000 low-income households recover $47.7 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Cash Assistance (CA) benefits stolen through electronic fraud over the past 16 months, Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner Molly Wasow Park announced on Thursday.
The funds, vital for nearly 2 million New Yorkers who rely on federally funded benefits to stay healthy, housed and fed, were stolen due to vulnerabilities in Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, primarily through card skimming. This method copies a cardholder’s information using a skimmer device placed over a business's card reader, according to a press release.
"Across the country, benefits are being stolen from the people who need them the most, but New York City is leading the way in ensuring that people are made whole again with nearly $48 million in vital funds," the mayor said. "This is just another way we are making our city more affordable and the best place to raise a family.”
While New York City previously offered replacements for stolen SNAP and CA benefits, federal authorization to replace SNAP benefits expired on Dec. 20, 2024, after Congress declined to extend the measure under the American Relief Act 2025. The city is no longer able to issue replacement SNAP benefits for theft occurring after that date.
Claims for SNAP benefits stolen on or before Dec. 20, 2024, must be filed within 30 days of discovering the theft. Replacement CA benefits, funded by New York state, remain available with restrictions, including one replacement per federal fiscal year.
To combat EBT fraud, DSS encourages cardholders to take precautions, such as inspecting card readers, frequently changing their PINs and using the EBT card freeze function when not making transactions. The freeze function prevents unauthorized access, although it does not stop skimming. Cardholders can unfreeze and refreeze their accounts via the ebtEDGE mobile app or website.
New Yorkers can report suspected skimming devices to DSS's Fraud Unit at 718-557-1399. DSS is collaborating with the New York City Department of Investigation to monitor skimming incidents and hold perpetrators accountable.
New Yorkers who have had eligible benefits stolen can file a claim online, by mail, or in person at a SNAP or Benefits Access Center. Claimants must report their cards as stolen and document details, including case numbers, dates of theft, transaction locations, and stolen amounts.
For more information or assistance, residents can contact EBT Customer Service at 888-328-6399 or visit the ebtEDGE website or app.
