What are SNAP replacement benefits? Who qualifies and how to apply

The US provides various financial aid programs for low-income residents. One of the biggest such schemes on offer is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP.

This assistance offers monthly food stamps to families who struggle to put food on their tables. The amount depends primarily on the situation of each family, as well as the number of household members. Whatever the amount that beneficiaries receive, the money is deposited to an EBT debit card, which is accepted in markets and selected stores.

Unfortunately, many families have lost the benefits they were meant to collect due to card cloning. The government has taken measures to resolve the matter, so starting this week, several beneficiaries will begin to receive replacement benefits.

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What are SNAP replacement benefits and who qualifies?

As its name implies, replacement benefits are intended to repay those people who were victims of fraud or card cloning. The resources are administered by the state government, and for now, the measure applies to Mississippi residents.

Affected beneficiaries have until October 13 to report the fraud or theft, which must have occurred between October 1, 2022 and August 13, 2023.

How to apply

To claim the money, they will need to file a complaint with the MDHS Office of the Inspector General, Mississippi Department of Human Services. If they prefer, they can also call directly at 1-800- 299-6905.

Those who wish to claim the benefit should keep in mind that the amount of the replacement should not exceed two months of benefits and should not exceed the amount stolen. It is also necessary to take into account that those affected may only claim replacement up to 30 days after discovering the theft.

New EBT cards will be issued ten days after approval of the replacement.