TEXAS – Texas Health and Human Services Commission announced Wednesday that it will replace the stolen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for several families.
What’s been happening
Over the past few months, families complained about having their SNAP benefits electronically stolen. HHSC said Texas has experienced increased reports of scams -- including skimming and cloning -- tactics scammers use to obtain Lone Star Card numbers and Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) to gain access to SNAP benefits.
According to the Texas Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the first SNAP skimming incident was reported to the agency in February 2022. The OIG has subsequently initiated 108 investigations in year 2022 and 36 report so far this year.
“These benefit replacements will help those affected by fraud get their funds replaced so they have access to the food they need,” said HHS Access and Eligibility Services Deputy Executive Commissioner Wayne Salter. “We’re doing all we can to help our customers detect and prevent fraud, and this is just another step in ensuring we’re helping those who have been scammed.”
“I said thank you Lord,” Juanita Lacour said.
Juanita Lacour was happy to hear about the announcement and thanked KPRC for getting results.
“If it wasn’t for you, we, wouldn’t be getting our SNAP benefits back,” she said.
Back in April, Lacour spoke to KPRC 2 after her benefits were electronically stolen the same day, she received them.
“I called around to the food bank and stuff. They helped me with a lot of stuff I needed until my benefits were replenished,” she said.
The announcement is a huge relief for many families.
“I was excited, and I was like it’s about time because it shouldn’t have gone on this long.”
KPRC spoke to Jasmine Williams in April who had hundreds of dollars electronically stolen from her SNAP card at Walmart in Flower Mound, Texas.
“I did everything. I filed a police report. I canceled my card,” she said.
Now the Texas Health and Human Services -- the state agency that regulates SNAP benefits is replacing stolen benefits.
HHSC said it received approval in May from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to move forward with replacing stolen benefits.
What to do if you’re a victim
SNAP recipients who are victims of fraud should request a new Lone Star Card and PIN. To request replacement benefits, SNAP recipients will have to visit a local HHSC office and fill out Form H1854, Affidavit for Unauthorized Use of EBT Benefits. If individuals are unable to visit a local office due to factors such as age, disability, distance, or inability to appoint an authorized representative, they can call their local HHSC office to have the form mailed to them. Once the claim is reviewed, HHSC will inform the individuals by mail within two weeks if they are eligible for replacement benefits.
If eligible for replacement benefits, the total replacement amount cannot exceed the amount of the stolen benefits or the amount equal to two months of the household’s SNAP benefits, whichever is less. Most eligible SNAP households will receive replacement benefits issued to their new Lone Star Cards within 10 days of completing Form H1854.
Deadlines to know
SNAP recipients can request replacements of stolen benefits twice in each federal fiscal year (FFY). FFY 2023 is from Oct. 1, 2022-Sept. 30, 2023, and FFY 2024 is from Oct. 1, 2023-Sept. 30, 2024. Recipients who believe their SNAP benefits were stolen between Oct. 1, 2022, and May 30, 2023, have until Aug. 29, 2023, to request a benefit replacement. Beginning May 31, 2023, SNAP recipients must report stolen SNAP benefits within 30 days of suspected fraud to request a benefit replacement.
Learning more about replacement benefits
Customers can learn more about requesting replacement benefits on the SNAP Fraud Benefit Replacement page. You can also learn more about how to prevent and detect fraud on the EBT fraud web page.
Reporting suspected benefits fraud
If you suspect fraud associated with any of your benefits, report it to the HHSC Office of Inspector General (800-436-6184) and local law enforcement. Those affected by Lone Star Card fraud should take immediate action by calling the Lone Star Help Desk (800-777-7328).
If you need help getting food
If clients need assistance with food, you’re advised by authorities to contact a local food bank or food pantry. To find help in your area, call 2-1-1 and after selecting a language choose option 1, or visit 211Texas.org.
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