Woman Terrified Because Funds Are Not Available to Repay Stolen SNAP Benefits

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — News 4 has repeatedly reported on thieves continually targeting Oklahomans who use SNAP benefits, or food stamps, to feed their families. Theft is not decreasing, but now there are no federal funds to reimburse victims.

“I work full time, but I rely on my food stamps to get my family through the month,” Jennifer Roy said.

Roy said he receives $756 in SNAP benefits to help feed his family of five and get through the month.

“It only lasts about two weeks,” Roy said. “I know it sounds like crazy laughter, but there are a lot of us.”

These funds arrived in his account at midnight of each first of the month. However, on New Year’s Day, Roy woke up to an empty account.

The money only stayed in his account for, at most, five hours.

“These were all made in New York,” Roy said.

On Thursday, Roy called DHS. Turns out he’s out of luck because the funds have run out.

Oklahoma Human Services knows that SNAP benefits are critical to keeping food on the tables for our state’s families. Although the federal government had repeatedly extended the deadline for SNAP recipients to apply for replacement of stolen benefits, this deadline was not extended with the latest budget bill, and SNAP replacement officially ended on December 20.

Oklahoma Department of Health and Human Services

“Only to be told there was nothing I could do right now, there were no funds and I was just out of luck,” Roy said. “I felt panic. Know? Like, ‘What am I going to do?’”

For months, DHS has been warning food stamp recipients to use the ConnectEBT app to lock their card. The department said: “This simple action ensures that you are in control of when your card is used.”

Additionally, funds will continue to be deposited into your account without having to unlock your card.

Roy said she didn’t know.

“I never got an email or a text to do that,” Roy said.

After his Thursday phone call with DHS, Roy downloaded an app called “Propel.” OKDHS said it is a third-party app, while ConnectEBT is the only state-approved EBT app because it has more safety features.

DHS also has the following reminders to keep your food stamps safe.

“Use your ConnectEBT account to:

1. Change your PIN monthly:

◦ Change your PIN every month, especially the day before your benefits are added. This helps keep your account secure.

◦ Avoid PINs like 1111 or 1234. While our system blocks easy PINs, updating your PIN frequently is a good habit.

2. Keep your card Blocked everywhere:

◦ Keep your card locked in the ConnectEBT app until you are ready to make a purchase. Close it again immediately after use. Wear auto relock for greater security.

3. Be careful online:

◦ Enter your card number and PIN only on trusted websites. Be very careful with sites that offer discounts or subscriptions.

4. Beware of scams:

◦ Don’t answer text messages or calls from numbers you don’t know. Don’t click on links in strange messages. We will never ask for your Social Security number or PIN by text message or over the phone.

Oklahoma is also on track to implement chip-enabled SNAP cards later this year. “We are proud to be the second state in the country to implement additional chip card security features to protect our customers.”

Oklahoma Department of Health and Human Services