Laws Offering the Replacement of Stolen SNAP Benefits Sunset

It appears that a recent safety net for beneficiaries receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits has been taken down, and state SNAP agencies should make them aware of the change.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (Pub. L. 117-328), enacted in December 2022, included provisions for the replacement of SNAP benefits stolen via card skimming, card cloning and other similar fraudulent methods between Oct. 1, 2022, and Sept. 30, 2024, using federal funds. This authority was extended through Dec. 20, 2024, by the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025 (Pub. L. 118-83). The law directed state SNAP agencies to submit plans for the replacement of stolen benefits to the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) for review and approval.

However, the American Relief Act of 2025 (Pub. L. 118-158) does not extend the authority for the replacement of SNAP benefits stolen via these methods. Therefore, SNAP benefits that are stolen on or after Dec. 21, 2024, are not eligible for replacement using federal funds. SNAP state agencies can choose to replace stolen benefits using state funds, but there is no guarantee that state-funded replacements would be retroactively reimbursed with federal funds.

FNS is encouraging state SNAP agencies to notify all program beneficiaries about the cessation of the federal replacements program. FNS adds that this notification should also include information to help households protect their benefits from fraud. FNS has a website that includes tips and resources about preventing benefit theft. The agency last fall also encouraged state agencies to transition to SNAP EBT chip cards, noting that they have been proven as an effective method to safeguard card usage from theft and fraud in the credit and debit industry.

In addition, states still must continue to submit data reports to FNS for all previous replacement issuances using federal funds.

This replacement opportunity was a good idea while it lasted. Time to be more careful out there, if possible.

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