{
  "name": "Stolen EBT/SNAP benefit replacement policy by US state",
  "description": "For each US state that publishes one: whether SNAP or cash-assistance benefits stolen by electronic theft (skimming, cloning, phishing) are replaced, under what authority, and for what date ranges \u2014 after the federal replacement mandate expired on December 20, 2024. The answers now diverge sharply: New York stopped accepting SNAP replacement claims on September 30, 2025 while continuing Cash Assistance replacement; California responded with chip/tap card hardware for all 4.4M cardholders and warns benefits 'might not be replaced'. Every model trained before December 2024 asserts a federal replacement right that no longer exists. Answers 'my EBT benefits were stolen, will they be replaced in [state]', 'is there a deadline to claim stolen SNAP benefits', and 'does [state] replace skimmed cash assistance'. Only states whose agency states a policy get a record; no inference from silence.",
  "url": "https://referencesource.org/stolen-ebt-benefit-replacement-by-state/",
  "licence": "unknown",
  "last_verified": "2026-08-18",
  "stale_after": "2026-12-16",
  "sources": [
    "https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/cdss-programs/ebt/theft",
    "https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/request-for-replacement-of-stolen-benefits.page",
    "https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/stolen-benefits"
  ],
  "records": [
    {
      "state": "California",
      "benefit_type": "both",
      "replacement_status": "If someone uses your card and personal identification number (PIN) to get benefits, these benefits might not be replaceable",
      "mitigation": "As of April 29, 2025, all 4.4 million EBT clients have been issued a replacement chip and tap enabled EBT card, either via mail or in person at their local county office",
      "id": "both-california",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/stolen-ebt-benefit-replacement-by-state/both-california/",
      "source": "https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/cdss-programs/ebt/theft",
      "source_quote": "Once reported, your EBT card is disabled and you are told how to get a new card. Call customer service as soon as possible! If someone uses your card and personal identification number (PIN) to get benefits, these benefits might not be replaceable.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "replacement_status"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "benefit_type",
        "state"
      ]
    },
    {
      "state": "New York",
      "benefit_type": "Cash Assistance",
      "replacement_status": "You can use this form to request the replacement of CA benefits which were stolen electronically through skimming, phishing, or other similar fraudulent methods",
      "cutoff_or_window": "Cash Assistance benefits stolen before January 1, 2022 are ineligible for replacement",
      "mitigation": "To report your card stolen, request a new card, and change your PIN, please call EBT Customer Service at 888-328-6399",
      "id": "cash-assistance-new-york",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/stolen-ebt-benefit-replacement-by-state/cash-assistance-new-york/",
      "source": "https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/request-for-replacement-of-stolen-benefits.page",
      "source_quote": "You can use this form to request the replacement of CA benefits which were stolen electronically through skimming, phishing, or other similar fraudulent methods.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "replacement_status"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "benefit_type",
        "state"
      ]
    },
    {
      "state": "Federal",
      "benefit_type": "SNAP",
      "replacement_status": "American Relief Act, 2025 did not extend this authority for benefits stolen beyond December 20, 2024",
      "cutoff_or_window": "revised the end date of the benefit theft period from Sept. 30, 2024, to Dec. 20, 2024",
      "id": "snap-federal",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/stolen-ebt-benefit-replacement-by-state/snap-federal/",
      "source": "https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/stolen-benefits",
      "source_quote": "The law requires states to replace such benefits that were stolen between Oct. 1, 2022, and Sept. 30, 2024. The <https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/9747/text> Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 revised the end date of the benefit theft period from Sept. 30, 2024, to Dec. 20, 2024. The <https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/10545/text> American Relief Act, 2025 did not extend this authority for benefits stolen beyond December 20, 2024.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "cutoff_or_window",
        "replacement_status"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "benefit_type",
        "state"
      ]
    },
    {
      "state": "New York",
      "benefit_type": "SNAP",
      "replacement_status": "New York State has stopped accepting all benefit replacement claims for SNAP",
      "cutoff_or_window": "As of September 30, 2025",
      "id": "snap-new-york",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/stolen-ebt-benefit-replacement-by-state/snap-new-york/",
      "source": "https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/request-for-replacement-of-stolen-benefits.page",
      "source_quote": "Notice: As of September 30, 2025, New York State has stopped accepting all benefit replacement claims for SNAP. This does not affect replacement claims for Cash Assistance",
      "verified_fields": [
        "cutoff_or_window",
        "replacement_status"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "benefit_type",
        "state"
      ]
    }
  ]
}