Maryland plans to use federal funds to reimburse residents whose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were stolen.
Around 3,800 people have fallen victim to the crime known as electronic benefits transfer skimming, which involves the theft of card and PIN information. This action has caused a total loss of $2.5 million.
Maryland SNAP Benefits
The SNAP provides low-income individuals with a monthly payment that can be used to purchase food and other necessities.
In 2021, the University of Maryland School of Social Work estimated that around 573,000 households in Maryland participated in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Governor Wes Moore was quoted as saying that these benefits are crucial for some of the most vulnerable residents of the state and that it is imperative that we restore faith in their services and heal them as soon as possible.
According to the Maryland Department of Human Services, the state will soon be able to repay funds that were withheld between October 2022 and September 2024. This capacity is predicted to be accessible in the near future.
Maryland must adhere to the plan given to the United States Department of Agriculture and add additional safety precautions to the electronic benefit cards that will be utilized.
They are able to lock the card when it is not being used and can send the cardholder a text message when a transaction is complete.
This card transfers funds to a bank account. The state will also give instructional materials on the security of credit cards and payment information.
Read more: SSI beneficiaries may claim Student Earned Income Exclusion; Here’s how!
Stolen SNAP Benefits
The most recent omnibus budget proposal passed in the United States requires states to make up for stolen SNAP benefits, the source of federal funds. The current law allows benefits to be reinstated for a maximum of two months at a time.
Towards the middle of March, cardholders will have access to the myMDTHINK Consumer Portal. This site will enable cardholders to submit reimbursement claims for eligible costs.
Anyone who feels they have been a victim of fraud must immediately report any suspicious conduct to their local department of social services and get a replacement EBT card.
Read more: How to claim your Social Security benefits when you are out of the country?