Replacing Stolen SNAP Benefits: State Plan Approvals

A summary by state of the replacement of stolen SNAP benefits process is included for reference. Any questions about specific state plans should be addressed to the SNAP state agency.

Congress passed a law in late 2022 to help SNAP participants who are victims of card skimming, cloning and other similar methods. The law allows for the replacement of benefits stolen through these methods in limited circumstances. More information can be found on the Stolen SNAP Benefits page.

To implement this new law, states are working quickly to develop and implement processes to help people whose SNAP benefits were stolen seek and obtain relief. As a first step, state agencies were required to submit their state plan to FNS explaining how they will process claims and reimburse stolen funds. FNS issued guidance for states in January 2023 and, by law, the state plans were due on Feb. 27, 2023.

FNS approved the state plans submitted by all 50 states, DC, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. With these approvals, states officially have the authority to use federal funds to replace stolen SNAP benefits pursuant to their approved plan.