Congress extends SNAP replacement benefits following scamming breach, support for Georgia fraud victims announced

ATLANTA – In a pivotal decision made Wednesday evening (Sept. 25), Congress extended Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) replacement benefits until Dec. 20, 2024, as part of the latest federal stopgap legislation. The original provision for SNAP replacement benefits was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, which aimed to assist thousands of families affected by stolen benefits due to scamming activities. Initially set to expire on Sept. 30, 2024, the Act’s extension ensures continued support for those impacted by fraud.

Across the U.S., scammers have been targeting SNAP recipients, using skimming devices and other fraudulent methods to steal benefits. Unlike traditional debit cards, Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards used by SNAP recipients lack strong security features, leaving them vulnerable to theft. Unfortunately, victims of this fraud are not always guaranteed financial restitution.

According to Georgia’s Division of Family and Children Services, more than 5,600 SNAP households were approved for replacement benefits between October 2023 and September 2024, with the state disbursing nearly $3 million in replacement funds during that period.

Staci Fox,  President and CEO of the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (GBPI), praised Congress for its decisive action in extending the SNAP replacement benefits.

“Families struggling to put food on the table should never have to worry about scammers stealing their SNAP benefits. GBPI commends Congress for extending SNAP replacement benefits, a critical step that will allow victims of fraud to continue feeding their families and maintaining economic stability,” said Fox. “We also urge lawmakers to consider making these replacement benefits permanent in future funding legislation while working to improve security measures for EBT cards to protect families from future fraud.”

For those who suspect their SNAP benefits have been stolen, replacement benefits can be requested through the state’s website at dfcs.georgia.gov.