02/11/2025
Summary
This manual release provides information ending replacement of stolen Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to victims of card skimming, cloning, scamming, phishing, and other similar fraudulent methods beginning 12/21/2024.
- The Consolidation Appropriations Act, 2023 signed into law 12/29/2022 allowed for replacement of SNAP benefits due to electronic theft between 10/01/2022 through 09/30/2024.
- An extension for replacement of SNAP benefits due to electronic theft was authorized through 12/20/2024 by the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025.
- On 12/21/2024, the American Relief Act, 2025 was signed into law absent of extensions to authorize replacement of SNAP benefits due to electronic theft.
- MR #23.23: Replacement of Stolen SNAP Benefits Due to Electronic Theft published 07/03/2023 and Replacement of Stolen SNAP Benefits Due to Electronic Theft Extended through 12/20/2024 published 10/25/2024 introduced and extended the process of replacing stolen SNAP benefits due to electronic theft.
Replacement of Stolen SNAP Benefits due to Electronic Theft Ends
- On 12/21/2024 the American Relief Act, 2025 was signed into law ending the replacement of stolen of EBT SNAP benefits to victims of card skimming, cloning, scamming, phishing, and other similar fraudulent methods.
- The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) will continue to accept and process new claims received after 12/20/2024, for benefits stolen between 10/01/2022 and 12/20/2024, as long as the claim(s) meet all requirements. Continue to follow the guidelines instructed on WAG 22-03-02.
- EBT SNAP benefits stolen on or after 12/21/2024 are not eligible for replacement.
- Theft of electronic benefits is based on the date the theft occurred and not the date the customer reports the theft.
Note: The replacement of stolen benefits due to electronic theft applies to SNAP benefits only. State Food and Summer EBT benefits cannot be replaced due to electronic theft.
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. B called the ABE Customer Call Center on 12/26/2024 and reported his SNAP benefits were electronically stolen on 12/22/2024. He provided a verbal attestation and the worker completed 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 denied. Mr. B 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 occurring outside the eligible replacement period.
Manual Revisions
[signed copy on file]
Dulce M. Quintero
Secretary-Designate, Illinois Department of Human Services
Forms Referenced
IL444-4986 Report of Electronic Theft of Illinois Link Benefits
