Oklahoma SNAP recipients who have had their food benefits stolen through fraudulent activities like card skimming or phishing have an extended opportunity to reclaim those lost funds. Thanks to the Continuing Appropriations Act of 2025, recently passed by Congress, the deadline to apply for stolen benefit replacement has been extended to December 20, 2024. This is crucial information for families relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to access nutritious food.
This extension builds upon previous legislation, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, which initially allowed the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to reimburse SNAP recipients for benefits stolen between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2024. The current act ensures continued support for vulnerable families facing food stamp theft in Oklahoma.
“SNAP benefits are a lifeline for Oklahoma families, helping them put food on the table,” stated Deb Smith, Deputy Director of Oklahoma Human Services. “Extending the benefit replacement period provides a safety net, ensuring that families impacted by criminal activities can still access essential food resources for their children.”
How to Claim Replacement for Stolen SNAP Benefits in Oklahoma
If you are an Oklahoma SNAP recipient and believe your benefits have been stolen due to fraud, it is important to act quickly. Oklahoma Human Services urges individuals to report stolen benefits as soon as possible. The date you report the theft initiates your claim. To ensure your claim is considered timely, it must be submitted within 30 calendar days of discovering the theft.
There are several convenient ways to submit your claim for stolen SNAP benefit replacement:
- By Phone: Call 405-522-5050 to speak with an Oklahoma Human Services representative and report the theft.
- In Person: Visit any Human Services Center in Oklahoma and file your claim directly.
- By Mail: Send your written claim to Oklahoma Human Services, SNAP, PO Box 25352, Oklahoma City, OK 73125.
Agency staff will assist you with the electronic request form when you contact them through any of these methods.
Eligibility Requirements for SNAP Benefit Replacement
To be eligible for the replacement of stolen SNAP benefits, you will need to include specific information in your claim. This includes confirming:
- That you had possession of your SNAP EBT card during the time the theft occurred.
- That the electronic SNAP benefits were stolen through no fault of your own. This means the theft happened due to fraudulent activities like skimming or phishing, and not because you willingly shared your card or PIN.
It is important to note that SNAP recipients are eligible for a maximum of two stolen benefit replacements per fiscal year. Additionally, the replacement amount is capped at a maximum of two months’ worth of benefits.
Protecting Your SNAP Benefits from Theft: Essential Tips
Just like protecting your debit or credit cards, safeguarding your SNAP EBT card is crucial to prevent food stamp theft. Oklahoma Human Services recommends these proactive steps to protect your benefits:
- Change Your PIN Frequently: Regularly updating your Personal Identification Number (PIN) is one of the most effective ways to prevent unauthorized access to your SNAP benefits. You can change your PIN by calling 1-888-328-6551 or visiting connectEBT.com. Be patient if call volumes are high and try again later or use the website.
- Beware of Suspicious Messages: Never respond to unsolicited text messages or calls from unknown numbers, and avoid clicking on links in suspicious messages. Oklahoma Human Services will never ask for your Social Security number or PIN via phone or text. If you receive such a request, it is likely a scam.
- Choose a Strong PIN and Keep it Secret: Avoid easy-to-guess PINs like 1111, 1234, or 9876. Never share your PIN with anyone outside your household and always cover the keypad when entering your PIN at payment terminals.
- Monitor Your EBT Account Regularly: Use the ConnectEBT app to frequently check your SNAP EBT account for any unauthorized charges. If you notice suspicious activity, immediately change your PIN to prevent further theft.
- Lock Your EBT Card When Not in Use: The ConnectEBT app allows you to lock and unlock your card. Locking your card between purchases adds an extra layer of security, giving you control over when your card can be used. For instructions, refer to the Oklahoma Human Services’ YouTube channel.
- Inspect Card Readers: Before using a point-of-sale device, check for anything suspicious attached to the card reader or keypad that might be a skimmer. If you notice anything unusual, alert the retailer and avoid using that machine.
- Avoid Large Account Balances: Try to spend your benefits regularly rather than accumulating a large balance on your EBT card. If your card is compromised, thieves could potentially steal all the funds available in your account.
If you believe you have been targeted by a fraud attempt or have experienced food stamp theft, contact Oklahoma Human Services immediately at 405-522-5050 for assistance. Protecting your SNAP benefits is vital to ensuring food security for your family.
