LIBERTY, NY — New federal and state rules allow certain benefits to be replaced if they have been stolen through electronic means (card skimming, cloning, third-party misrepresentation or other …
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LIBERTY, NY — New federal and state rules allow certain benefits to be replaced if they have been stolen through electronic means (card skimming, cloning, third-party misrepresentation or other similar fraudulent methods such as phishing).
“Scammers are constantly looking for ways to separate people from their money, including those who are on government assistance,” says Sullivan County Deputy Commissioner of Social Services Giselle Steketee. “And they do it both on the Internet and at card-reading machines like ATMs, so people always need to be vigilant.”
“Thankfully,” she adds, “this new legislation allows us to refund stolen money to victims, ensuring they don’t endure further hardship because of crafty criminals.”
1. If Your Benefits Have Been Stolen
Immediately contact EBT Customer Service Helpline to report your card stolen and request a replacement EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card by:
After you have reported your EBT card stolen and requested a replacement card, you can apply for replacement benefits. If you already received a replacement card since your benefits were stolen, you do not need to replace your card again.
2. Eligibility for Replacement Benefits
Before applying for replacement benefits, note that:
Even if your SNAP or TA case has closed since benefits were stolen, you may still be eligible for replacement benefits.
3. How to Apply
You must apply for replacement benefits – it does not happen automatically. But you only need to complete one application for replacement of SNAP and/or TA cash benefits. Follow instructions below to complete and submit the application. Make sure you have your case number and client identification number (CIN), along with the date, location and amount of any fraudulent transactions.
If you received benefits from any county outside of NYC at the time of theft, you must submit a paper application to the local department of social services where you currently live. There is no online application for counties outside of New York City, but you can download and print the application at https://otda.ny.gov/programs/applications/5215.pdf.
Submit the application in any of these ways (Sullivan County residents only):
The Department of Social Services has 30 days to determine eligibility for replacement benefits, process applications and issue benefits. You will receive a notice telling you the outcome of the determination.
4. Stay Vigilant Against Scams
It is important to understand how EBT benefits can be stolen, and ways to protect your benefits.
Protect your benefits in the following ways:
If you notice any signs that a skimmer may be in use, do not swipe your card and alert the store manager. Contact the police and notify your local department of social services as soon as possible.
Check your EBT transactions frequently for any suspicious transactions. If you believe your benefits have been stolen, report that your EBT card has been stolen and request a new card.
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