On Wednesday, Texas Health and Human Services Commission received federal approval to replace stolen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for people who were fraud victims.
HHSC press release, Texas has seen increased reports of scams such as skimming and duplicating. Scammers use these methods to obtain Lone Star Card numbers as well as Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) in order to gain access to the benefits.
Wayne Salter, the deputy executive commissioner for HHS’ access and eligibility services, stated that these benefit replacements would assist those who had been the victims of fraud in having their funds restored so they could purchase the food they required. We’re doing everything we can to assist our clients in identifying and avoiding fraud, and this is just one more measure to make sure we’re supporting those who have been defrauded.
According to the press release, HHSC has received federal approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to proceed with replacing SNAP benefits that have been stolen.
Request a Replacement of Stolen Benefits
The victims of fraud can request a new Lone Star Card and PIN and request replacement SNAP benefits. To do this, they must go to their neighborhood HHSC office and complete Form H1854, which refers to the unauthorized use of EBT benefits.
Individuals who are unable to visit a local office due to some disability, age, distance, or inability can appoint a certified agent, can call their local HHSC office will be mailed a form, the release said.
According to HHSC, if eligible for replacement benefits, the total replacement amount cannot be greater than the sum of the benefits that were stolen or the sum equal to two months’ worth of SNAP benefits for the household, whichever is less. Within ten days of submitting Form H1854, the majority of eligible SNAP households will receive replacement benefits issued to their new Lone Star Cards.
Deadlines and Procedures for Recipients
SNAP recipients have two chances per federal fiscal year (FFY) to request replacements for benefits that have been stolen. According to HHSC, FFY 2023 runs from Oct. 1, 2022, to Sept. 30, 2023, and FFY 2024 runs from Oct. 1, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2024. The deadline to request a benefit replacement for recipients who believe their SNAP benefits were stolen between October 1, 2022, and May 30, 2023, is August 29, 2023. According to the release, SNAP recipients will need to report stolen benefits within 30 days of suspected fraud in order to request a replacement benefit starting on May 31, 2023.
