WAG 22-02-06: Replacing Cash due to EBT Electronic Theft

PM 22-02-06

  • The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (the Omnibus), signed into law December 29, 2022, allows for the replacement of stolen EBT SNAP benefits to victims of card skimming, cloning, and scamming through fraudulent phone calls, text messaging, phishing and other similar fraudulent methods revised textthrough 12/20/2024, if certain eligibility requirements are met. See PM 22-03-02. 
  • Illinois Link Cash benefits are not eligible for replacement at this time.
  • Benefits received under the P-EBT and VTTC programs cannot be replaced under the law.
  • When an EBT electronic theft claim is filed for replacement of Cash assistance, Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) benefits and/or Victims of Trafficking, Torture, or other Serious Crimes (VTTC) benefits, the FCRC worker sends Form IL444-0370 with the denial reason: Benefits received under these programs cannot be replaced (PM 22-02-00). 

Note: The law does not change current federal regulations prohibiting replacement of SNAP benefits lost due to a customer's mishandling of their EBT card and PIN. See PM 22-01-01-j.

new manual textEffective 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. IDHS cannot issue SNAP replacement benefits 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 after the customer learned 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.