
In response to the rampant electronic theft plaguing New Yorkers dependent on public assistance, Mayor Eric Adams and the Department of Social Services have successfully restored nearly $48 million to victims of benefits theft. Adams, who comes from a background where feeding a family was a constant struggle, has stated, "I have followed through on my promise to make sure New York City does everything it can to make sure working-class families are not left hungry like we were." This initiative has proven to be a lifeline for almost 95,000 households relying on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Cash Assistance (CA) benefits across the city, as reported by the Office of the Mayor.
Victims of card skimming, a method where thieves capture card and PIN information, have found some respite through the city's efforts. Yet, due to a lapse in federal legislation, New Yorkers face newfound vulnerability. The federal authorization for replacement of stolen SNAP benefits expired on December 20, 2024, leaving future victims without recourse for reimbursement. The city continues to push for Congress to act and to protect those at risk, an issue underscored by a statement obtained by the Office of the Mayor, "With the federal authorization for replacement SNAP benefits expiring, New Yorkers are again at risk of losing these critical benefits for good."
Despite these setbacks, the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) continues to distribute approximately $43 million in replacement SNAP benefits, which represents a vast majority of the funds reclaimed for victims. Since the authorization for such benefit replacements ceased, many New Yorkers must now be increasingly diligent in their use of EBT cards. HRA has provided guidelines and a flyer educating the public on identifying skimming devices and taking preventive measures like regularly changing PINs and freezing their EBT cards when not in use, as detailed in the Mayor's announcement.
The process for replacing stolen benefits, although potentially daunting, has been outlined: clients must report the theft, document pertinent information, and submit a claim to the HRA. Even with a comprehensive video guide and assistance available online and through phone services, the task is a difficult one for those already grappling with the harsh realities of poverty. In addition to that, New Yorkers can submit their claims for benefits stolen on or before December 20, 2024, to HRA. They have up to 30 days post-discovery of the fraud to ensure they are filed promptly, ensuring a crucial safety net for those affected by these crimes, as explained in the announcement by the Mayor’s office.