In a move to support individuals feeling the sting of benefit theft, Oklahoma Human Services is reminding SNAP recipients that they can still report and apply for benefit replacement due to the Continuing Appropriations Act of 2025. The recently passed federal legislation allows for these claims to extend until December 20, 2024. Citing the importance of SNAP benefits in providing essential nutrition for families, Deputy Director Deb Smith stated, "This new law helps ensure families who experience theft can still feed their children, even when criminals try to take their benefits," according to Oklahoma Human Services.
The act reinforces the previously established Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, enabling reimbursement for stolen SNAP funds as early as October 1, 2022. SNAP households must make a timely claim within 30 days of realizing their benefits were stolen and can submit these claims via phone, in person, or by mail. Importantly, to be eligible to potentially receive their benefits back, households must confirm that the theft was not their fault and that they possessed their card during the theft.
Oklahoma Human Services has also outlined several preventative measures SNAP recipients should practice routinely. These include frequently changing their PIN, never sharing it outside of their household, and regularly checking their accounts for any unauthorized charges. In an effort to bolster security, customers also have the option to change their PIN online, or via phone, though they're warned about high call volumes and encouraged to use the online method if possible.
Additional advice offered includes avoiding easily guessable PIN numbers, using the ConnectEBT app to monitor accounts and lock cards between purchases, and staying vigilant for any suspicious devices that might have been attached to card readers. By taking these suggested actions, the aim is for SNAP customers to not only just reactively respond to fraud attempts but also proactively secure their benefits against potential theft.
