PM 22-01-01-j.
Electronic Theft
Effective 12/21/2024, the American Relief Act, 2025 was signed into law ending the replacement stolen of EBT SNAP benefits to victims of card skimming, cloning, scamming, phishing, and other similar fraudulent methods.
- Continue to accept and process new claims received after 12/20/2024. SNAP replacement benefits cannot be issued for thefts that occurred after 12/20/2024, the claim(s) will be denied.
- Electronic theft that has been reported with an occurrence prior to 12/21/2024 may still be processed. The claim must be filed within 30 days from when the customer learns the benefits were stolen.
- Approve theft claims through 12/20/2024 if all eligibility measures are met.
- Continue to follow the guidelines instructed on WAG 22-03-02.
Example 1: Ms. Z came into the local office and reported on 12/23/2024 that her SNAP benefits were electronically stolen on 12/19/2024. Ms. Z provided a verbal attestation and the FCRC worker completed Report of Electronic Theft of Illinois Link Benefits (IL444-4986). Although Ms. Z reported the claim on 12/23/2024, the theft occurred prior to 12/21/2024. Ms. Z met the all eligibility factors for her claim. Her report of theft will be processed and the benefits will be replaced according to policy.
Example 2: Mr. W called the ABE Customer Call Center on 12/26/2024 and reported his SNAP benefits were electronically stolen on 12/22/2024. Mr. W provided a verbal attestation and the worker completed the Report of Electronic Theft of Illinois Link Benefits (IL444-4986) with a telephonic signature. The claim was processed however since the theft occurred after 12/20/2024 the request was be denied. Mr. W will receive a Notice of Decision on Replacement of EBT Benefits Due to Theft (IL444-0370) indicating that the request for replacement was denied due to the theft occurring outside of the eligible replacement period.
