Virginia receives federal approval to replace SNAP benefits for fraud victims

Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, Virginia can use federal funding to replace certain SNAP benefits stolen between Oct. 1, 2022 and Sept. 30, 2024 through card cloning, skimming and other fraudulent methods. Eligible SNAP benefits may also include Disaster SNAP and emergency allotments.

Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer benefits, also known as P-EBT benefits, established by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, are not approved to be replaced in accordance with the Consolidated Appropriations Act.

VDSS officials are urging SNAP customers to take preventive measures to protect their funds, whenever possible, including changing their card's PIN often, examining card swiping devices for any signs of tampering, and not responding to unsolicited texts, emails or phone calls concerning their EBT account. VDSS has a dedicated webpage with more information on how customers can help protect themselves from EBT scams.

Virginia households that become victim to EBT scams should contact their local department of social services and fill out all required paperwork within 30 days of discovering that benefits were stolen. Upon validation of the claim, replacement funds will be issued within 10 days of the reported loss. Households are limited to two replacement issuances for stolen benefits in the federal fiscal year.

Visit www.dss.virginia.gov/EBTscam to access the funds replacement form and find more information about SNAP replacement funding.