Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced that his administration has begun compensating EBT fraud victims.
Since beginning outreach efforts one week ago, the Maryland Department of Human Services has approved nearly 1,300 claims totaling $761,585 in reimbursed benefits.
Changes To SNAP Benefits System
In a statement to the press, Governor Moore said, “My administration is taking a direct and prompt approach to reimbursing those whose food and cash benefits were stolen.” “We are demonstrating how our state will take the initiative to find innovative solutions to our common problems and restore faith in our institutions serving families.”
Maryland is the first state in the nation to reimburse families and adults whose EBT card benefits were stolen using federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds. The new process developed in less than 90 days, according to the governor’s office, will provide reimbursements for stolen benefits in 15 days or less.
Residents of Maryland whose benefits were stolen between October 1, 2022, and February 28, 2023, must submit a reimbursement form by May 31 in order to receive replacement benefits. Claims must be submitted within 45 days of the theft’s discovery for thefts occurring on or after 1 March.
To submit a claim:
- Access the EBT Fraud Claim Confirmation form.
- Complete the form
- Input your name on the form’s signature line
- Click the submit button
Read more: Social Security benefit: When to receive double payment in April?
EBT Fraud Victims Across The US
Between October 1, 2022, and February 28, 2023, more than 2,300 families and adults in Maryland reported the loss of more than $1.6 million in benefits.
The Maryland Department of Human Services and Conduent, its technology partner, continue to improve the security and robustness of Maryland’s Electronic Benefit Transfer card system.
Enhancements include an interactive voice response adaptive fraud solution, a card lock/unlock feature accessible via mobile app or online cardholder portal, and EBT fraud alerts to monitor account activity more closely.
Visit the Maryland Department of Human Services EBT Fraud Reimbursement webpage for more information on the EBT Fraud Reimbursement Program.