Key Takeaways:
– Thousands of New Yorkers have reported losses from their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to theft.
– Funds stolen by criminals using skimming devices – a particular problem in New York.
– The upgrade to card technology with encrypted chips could solve the issue, but it hasn’t happened yet.
– States like California and Oklahoma are planning to upgrade to chipped cards this year.
– Advocates and lawmakers argue the cost of upgrading will be outweighed by the decreased need for reimbursements due to theft.
Stealing SNAP: A Growing Issue
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as food stamps, has supported countless New Yorkers facing food insecurity. Nevertheless, the rise in theft incidents using skimming devices has raised concerns. These criminals are draining the benefits intended to support vulnerable families at the checkout, leaving users without much-needed assistance.
Complication in Reimbursements
Until recently, victims of SNAP theft could apply for reimbursements. However, negotiations in Congress fell through unexpectedly, suspending refunds for stolen benefits. This development has intensified the effect of these thefts on many families, who are unable to recover the lost aid.
Curbing the Theft: A Potential Solution
In the current system, SNAP benefits are issued on cards that use a magnetic strip for transactions. Tech experts suggest that upgrading these cards to include encrypted chips, a standard feature in most credit and debit cards since 2015, could significantly reduce theft.
Despite this, no national mandate for such a switch has been successfully implemented as of yet. As a result, states have taken the initiative to upgrade their SNAP cards individually.
States Leading the Charge
California and Oklahoma, for instance, intend to launch encrypted chip cards this year after numerous delays. Equally, Maryland has greenlighted a contract to make the same switch. Massachusetts is also considering switching to chip cards later this year or early next.
On the other hand, New York, a hotspot for SNAP theft, has not moved forward substantially in this regard. Efforts to modernize the SNAP system have not gained traction, even with proposed legislation requiring a transition to chip-enabled cards.
Securing SNAP: The Burden on States
As federal assistance stalls, many believe that states need to play a more active role. As Jessica González-Rojas, an Assemblymember who has proposed laws for chip-enabled cards, explains, states need to protect their residents as federal actions remain uncertain.
The New York state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, responsible for the SNAP program, has not disclosed whether it’ll move towards chip-enabled cards. However, Governor Kathy Hochul has directed SNAP recipients towards a mobile app, which allows them to lock their EBT cards when not in use.
View on Implementation Costs
Though upgrading might seem costly, proponents argue that long-term savings from reduced fraud can justify the initial expenses. For instance, California has budgeted $50 million for chip cards, a fraction compared to the losses from theft.
Legal Aid’s Voice
Legal Aid, an advocacy group, highlights the urgent need for stronger security measures while pointing out that the state bears the cost when cash benefits stored on the same skimmed cards are stolen. Upgrading to chip technology seems like a logical solution, rather than a reluctant undertaking.
SNAP Reimbursement: Room for Improvement
Claims for reimbursement can be a lengthy process, with applicants needing to fulfill various requirements within a short timeframe. Critics argue that this process needs a significant overhaul to offer a more comprehensive solution to recipients.
Protecting Your SNAP Benefits
While the issue continues, SNAP recipients can take steps to protect their benefits, such as freezing their EBT card when not in use, changing their PIN frequently, monitoring their EBT account, and being alert for skimming devices.
The issue of SNAP theft looms large over thousands of New Yorkers. A solution involving upgrading the card technology holds potential promise. However, until significant steps are taken at both the state and federal level, recipients will need to remain vigilant.