If you’re a recipient of food assistance through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and have had your funds stolen or skimmed, time is running out to get reimbursed. The deadline for federal reimbursement after theft or skimming is rapidly approaching, and it’s vital to act promptly.
In 2022, Congress passed a law to safeguard SNAP benefits from fraud, including card skimming and cloning. This law requires states to reimburse benefits stolen between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2024.
However, the federal assistance for reimbursement ends on September 30, 2024. After this date, states like New Mexico, whose Health Care Authority’s Income Support Division handles these claims, will no longer receive federal funds to replace stolen benefits.
Secure Reimbursement
To protect your SNAP benefits and secure any eligible reimbursement, it’s crucial to act immediately. If your benefits were stolen, you must submit a replacement request within 30 days of discovering the theft. The process can be daunting, but don’t let that delay you. Time is of the essence.
Here’s what you can do to protect yourself and ensure you get reimbursed:
- Check Your Account Balance Regularly: Keep a close eye on your SNAP account. Regularly monitoring your balance can help you spot any unauthorized transactions quickly. The sooner you catch a theft, the faster you can report it.
- Review Past Purchases: Take the time to review your past transactions. Look for any suspicious activity, such as purchases made at locations you don’t recognize or at times when you weren’t shopping. If you find anything out of the ordinary, it’s essential to report it immediately.
- File Claims Before the Deadline: If you do discover that your benefits have been stolen, you must file a claim before the September 30 deadline. This deadline is non-negotiable, and any claims filed after this date will not be eligible for federal reimbursement. Don’t wait—file your claim as soon as possible.
Deadline
After September 30, 2024, states will no longer receive federal funding to replace stolen SNAP benefits. This means that any claims submitted after this date will not be reimbursed, leaving victims of theft without recourse. For those who rely on SNAP benefits to feed their families, this could be a devastating blow.
To avoid this situation, take action now. Ensure that your benefits are protected by regularly monitoring your account and filing any necessary claims well before the deadline. Remember, the clock is ticking, and every day counts.
The expiration of federal assistance for SNAP reimbursement is a critical deadline for anyone who has experienced theft or skimming of their benefits. By acting quickly and staying vigilant, you can protect your SNAP benefits and secure the reimbursement you deserve.
Don’t let the September 30 deadline pass without taking action. Check your account, review your transactions, and file any claims as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss out on eligible reimbursement.
FAQs
What is the deadline for SNAP reimbursement?
September 30, 2024, is the last day to file claims.
What should I do if my SNAP benefits are stolen?
File a replacement request within 30 days of discovery.
How can I protect my SNAP benefits?
Regularly check your account balance and review past purchases.
Will I get reimbursed after the deadline?
No, claims after September 30, 2024, are not eligible.
Who handles SNAP reimbursement in New Mexico?
The Income Support Division of New Mexico’s Health Care Authority.
