The theft of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits has been rising across the United States, and it’s becoming a major problem for many households that rely on these benefits to put food on the table. What began as an issue in a few states has now spread nationwide, with every state reporting incidents of stolen benefits.

For recipients who already have limited financial resources, losing their benefits means having to make tough decisions about what bills to pay or whether they will have enough food for the month. The situation has worsened with recent changes that leave beneficiaries without a safety net.

Theft of SNAP Benefits on the Rise

From January 2023 to September 2024, more than $150 million in stolen benefits were replaced for over 315,000 households, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). However, this amount represents only 0.17% of all SNAP benefits issued in that period. For the families affected, this represents a large portion of their monthly food budget.

Unfortunately, in 2025, things are changing. The provisions included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, which allowed federal funds to replace stolen SNAP benefits, expired in December 2024. Congress did not extend this program, meaning that states will now have to decide whether to continue replacing stolen benefits on their own—something that’s not guaranteed to happen.

What’s Changing in 2025?

Starting from December 21, 2024, there is no longer any guarantee that stolen benefits will be replaced. The program that once helped victims of fraud, such as card skimming or cloning, is no longer available, and the responsibility for replacing stolen benefits now falls entirely on the states.

While SNAP recipients can still claim stolen benefits from before the program sunset, they must file claims quickly after they become aware of the theft. But for those who have benefits stolen after December 20, 2024, it remains unclear whether they will be reimbursed.

Some states have already made it clear that they will not replace stolen funds, leaving SNAP beneficiaries in a difficult situation. Many households will have to decide whether to pay bills or skip meals in order to survive.

How Are SNAP Benefits Stolen?

SNAP benefits are stored in Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) accounts, and thieves often target these accounts by using skimming devices placed on card readers at retail stores. These devices capture card information and PINs when an EBT card is swiped, allowing thieves to create cloned cards and drain the victim’s account.

Currently, the security of EBT cards is weak because they do not have the same security features as modern debit or credit cards, which use chips to protect data. Though there are efforts to improve EBT card security, these upgrades are not expected to be fully implemented for some time.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Theft?

The USDA and state SNAP agencies are working to improve EBT card security. The goal is to transition to chip-enabled cards, which would help prevent skimming. However, this change is not happening overnight. While new cards are being distributed, it will take time to ensure that all retailers who accept SNAP benefits have the necessary equipment to process these new cards.

In the meantime, there are measures that recipients can take to help prevent theft. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) offers several tips for SNAP recipients, retailers, and state agencies to keep their benefits safe. Most states have systems in place that allow recipients to freeze their EBT cards when not in use, which can prevent unauthorized transactions. Some states also allow recipients to block certain types of purchases, such as those made out-of-state or online.

Despite these precautions, the theft of SNAP benefits continues to be a serious problem. Without federal funding to replace stolen benefits, many recipients are now facing an uncertain future. As states decide whether or not to fund replacements on their own, those who rely on SNAP will need to remain vigilant to protect their benefits.

How States Are Responding

While some states have already made it clear that they won’t be replacing stolen benefits in 2025, others have yet to announce their plans. Many states are still considering how to handle the situation, but for the time being, it seems that SNAP recipients will be largely left to deal with the consequences of theft on their own.

The lack of federal support for replacing stolen benefits has led to frustration among many recipients, who feel that they are being abandoned during a time when they need help the most. As the issue continues to unfold, it is important for policymakers to consider how to protect vulnerable populations from such fraud in the future.

Moving Forward: What Needs to Be Done?

To prevent further losses, the U.S. government and state agencies must take more action to protect SNAP recipients from fraud. This includes faster implementation of chip-enabled EBT cards and improved security measures at retailers. Additionally, lawmakers must consider whether to reinstate federal funding for replacing stolen benefits or create new programs to assist victims of theft.

The future of SNAP benefits is uncertain, and those who depend on this assistance must continue to advocate for their rights and work towards solutions that ensure everyone has access to the nutrition they need.

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