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Are your SNAP benefits missing from your EBT account?

Produced by Massachusetts Law Reform Institute
Reviewed January 2023

Are you missing SNAP benefits from your EBT account?

Did you go food shopping and learned you had less SNAP than you expected or no SNAP?

Your SNAP may have been stolen by thieves who have been "skimming" EBT card information.

What is "skimming"?

Skimming happens when thieves put a device on an ATM or store’s card-swiping machine to copy card and PIN information. The thief can then use your benefits without your permission.

What can I do if my SNAP benefits were stolen from my account?

  • Make a new PIN for your EBT card right away. Call the EBT Customer Service number on the back of your card - 800-997-2555 - to set up a new PIN. You do not need to get a new card.
  • If you can, change your PIN after each time you use your card.
  • Report stolen SNAP benefits to DTA by calling 1-800-372-8399.
  • Please consider sharing your story with us through this stolen SNAP benefits story collection form. By sharing your experience, you can help us work for better card security and replacement policies. We will not share any information you give us without your permission.

Will DTA replace my stolen SNAP benefits?

  •  People whose SNAP was stolen on or after October 1, 2022 will get replacement SNAP, up to certain limits. It may take a couple months before DTA has procedures for replacing benefits.
  •  If your SNAP benefits were stolen before October 1, 2022, you were skimmed more than twice, or you lost more than two months of your SNAP, please fill out this stolen SNAP benefits story collection form or contact Attorney Betsy Gwin at Mass. Law Reform Institute by emailing [email protected] or calling 617-357-0700 x364. 

Learn more

To learn more about skimming and how to protect your SNAP,

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