In a significant development, the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Family Assistance (BFA), has announced that it will no longer replace stolen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This decision comes after the federal law known as the American Relief Act of 2025, signed into law on December 21, 2024, did not extend the authority to replace stolen benefits.
Until recently, the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 allowed the BFA to replace SNAP benefits stolen through fraud methods such as card skimming and card cloning. However, this provision was only valid until December 20, 2024. The new law passed in December 2024 officially ended the authority to replace stolen benefits, leaving many West Virginia residents facing a new reality regarding their SNAP assistance.
Impact on West Virginia Residents
West Virginia residents who had their SNAP benefits stolen between October 1, 2022, and December 20, 2024, can still submit claims for replacement. However, any claims for benefits stolen after December 20, 2024, will not be accepted. This means that those who experience theft or fraud in the future will not be able to receive replacements for the stolen benefits.
To submit a claim for stolen benefits, individuals can visit their local DoHS office in their county or contact the Office of Constituent Services’ Customer Service Center at 1-877-716-1212. A full list of local offices can be found on the official DoHS website.
What You Need to Know
The recent change in policy has left many people concerned about the safety of their SNAP benefits, especially considering the increasing instances of card skimming and other fraudulent activities. To help protect their benefits, the DoHS has issued some important tips for residents:
- Choose Strong PIN Numbers: Avoid using easy-to-guess PINs. It’s crucial to have a strong, secure PIN to protect your benefits.
- Keep Card Details Private: Never share your PIN or card numbers with anyone. Always ensure that your card is in a safe place.
- Change Your PIN Regularly: To further secure your account, it is advisable to change your PIN numbers frequently.
- Monitor Your EBT Account: Check your EBT account regularly for any unauthorized charges or suspicious activity.
- Report Issues Immediately: If you suspect fraud or unauthorized charges, contact your local DoHS office immediately for assistance.
By following these precautions, residents can reduce the chances of their SNAP benefits being stolen or misused.
How to Get Help
For any concerns related to stolen SNAP benefits or to seek assistance, residents are encouraged to reach out to the DoHS. The department provides multiple channels for support, including local offices and the Customer Service Center. The aim is to ensure that residents are well-informed and able to protect their benefits as best as possible.
Additionally, more information about stolen SNAP benefits can be found on the official websites of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR).
- Visit the USDA’s FNS website: www.fns.usda.gov/snap/stolen-benefits
- Visit the DHHR’s Office of EBT website: dhhr.wv.gov/ebt/Pages/default.aspx
Why This Change Matters
The end of the replacement policy marks a shift in how SNAP fraud cases will be handled moving forward. While it may be disappointing for those who rely on these benefits, the department is emphasizing the need for greater personal vigilance to protect SNAP accounts. The increase in fraud cases over recent years has led to the federal government making changes to how these cases are addressed.
This policy change also reflects broader changes in how public assistance programs are being managed. As fraud continues to be a growing concern, many states are revisiting the policies related to the replacement of stolen benefits, leading to stricter guidelines and enforcement.
Conclusion
The decision by the West Virginia Department of Human Services to no longer replace stolen SNAP benefits marks a major change for residents who rely on these benefits for their daily needs. While claims for stolen benefits before December 2024 will still be accepted, all future claims will be denied. Residents are urged to take precautions to protect their SNAP benefits and report any fraudulent activities immediately. It’s more important than ever to stay vigilant in safeguarding financial assistance programs from theft.
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