Dear Neighbor,

We all have hit a “rough patch” or undoubtedly have lived through the rough patch of a neighbor or family member. A part of the effort to extend support to neighbors in need is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federal program that provides food-purchasing assistance for lower and/or no-income individuals. 

Regrettably, every community in this country has recently been affected by the rising crime of stolen SNAP benefits redirected by thieves through electronic skimming and cloning of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. This offense robs struggling families, seniors and Americans with different abilities of their monthly food budgets.

In response to these direct attacks on the thousands of Marylanders who rely on this financial relief to feed their families, I proudly voted to help pass the $1.7 trillion federal Consolidated Appropriations Act at the end of last year. A provision of this legislation allows the state to use federal funding to repay these stolen benefits. 

Thankfully, the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) is now ready to utilize this federal support to assist our friends and neighbors who have had their lives detrimentally impacted by this crisis.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?

To get reimbursed for benefits stolen from an EBT account since October 1, 2022, follow these three simple steps:

1. Click the link to view the EBT Fraud Claim Attestation form.

2. Complete the form.

3. Type your name on the signature line of the form and click the submit button.

WHAT ARE THE DEADLINES FOR FILING A CLAIM?

If your benefits were stolen between Oct. 1, 2022 - Feb. 28, 2023, the last day to file a claim is May 31, 2023. Likewise, if your benefits were stolen on or after March 1, 2023, you have 45 days from the date benefits were discovered stolen to file a claim.

WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?

For help completing the form, visit one of the local Department of Social Services located across the state of Maryland. If you have questions, please call the DHS Benefits Fraud Hotline at 1-833-330-7328.

For more information regarding Maryland's EBT Fraud Reimbursement Program, or help locating nearby emergency food providers, visit the DHS website.

I am proud the state of Maryland was able to move swiftly on this opportunity driven by the Maryland federal delegation and am pleased real families will find real solutions during critical times of need.

Yours in service,

Kweisi Mfume
Member of Congress