By Marielis Acevedo
31 Oct 2023, 10:35 AM EDT
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) food stamp recipients in Georgia who have had their checks stolen through fraudulent actions can get their money back.
The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) reported mid-month that the Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) received federal approval to electronically replace stolen SNAP benefits for recipients who are victims of card skimming. of cards or similar frauds.
Those affected have until November 18 to request a new EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card to receive the stolen money.
For these purposes, people should call 1-888-421-3281. Additionally, a “Replacement Application” must be completed and submitted to DFCS. Recipients may also contact the DHS Office of Inspector General at 844-694-2347 or email inspectorgeneralhotline@dhs.ga.gov
“Any Georgian who believes their SNAP benefits were stolen between October 1, 2022 and October 18, 2023 has until November 18, 2023 to request a replacement benefit,” the office said on its website.
“Beginning October 18, 2023, SNAP recipients will be required to report stolen benefits within 30 days of the discovery of the suspected fraud to potentially receive a replacement benefit. Please note, the replacement amount will not exceed the amount of stolen benefits or the amount equivalent to two months of SNAP benefits at home, whichever is less,” the entity explained.
“Our team is working quickly to develop and implement a SNAP benefit replacement process to provide much-needed relief to Georgians who have been defrauded by bad actors,” said DHS Commissioner Candice Broce. “As we begin receiving and reviewing benefit replacement applications, we will continue to educate our customers on best practices to protect their SNAP benefits, such as safeguarding the PIN pad, changing PIN numbers frequently and verifying their accounts. of EBT constantly,” he stated.
Just this week, WSAV television reported the delay in the arrival of tens of thousands of SNAP checks for beneficiaries in the state due to a backlog of case renewals and staff shortages in the Department. A spokesperson for the office informed 11Alive that numerous applications for renewal of benefits are being received and at the same time there is a reported increase in back-to-school applications.
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