SNAP benefits refund 2025: If you’ve been a victim of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) fraud recently, you may no longer be eligible for a refund. The federal program that allowed for the reimbursement of stolen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits officially ended on December 20, 2024.
The refund mechanism was introduced under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, and was extended until the end of 2024. However, in a notable policy shift, Congress did not renew the authorization for 2025, making federal reimbursements for stolen SNAP funds no longer possible in the new year.
Why the Program Ended
The refund initiative was introduced to support SNAP households affected by card skimming, cloning, and other types of EBT fraud. While thousands of families benefitted from reimbursements during its active period, Congress opted not to extend federal funding into 2025, citing budget priorities and shifting fraud prevention strategies.
Are Any Refunds Still Possible?
Yes, but with limitations.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), states now have the option to use state-level funds to reimburse stolen benefits. However, this is entirely at the discretion of individual state agencies, and there is no federal backing or guarantee of reimbursement.
What Is Being Done to Prevent Future Theft?
In response to the ongoing threat of EBT fraud, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has begun promoting the transition to EBT cards with embedded chips, which are more secure than the traditional magnetic stripe cards. This technology is already showing promise in reducing fraudulent activity.
Additionally, FNS encourages states to educate SNAP households about best practices for protecting their benefits, including regularly checking balances and reporting suspicious activity immediately.
FAQs about SNAP benefits refund 2025
Q1. Can I still claim reimbursement for benefits stolen before December 20, 2024?
Yes. If your SNAP benefits were stolen between October 1, 2022, and December 20, 2024, you may still be eligible for a refund, provided you apply within the allowed timeframe and through your state agency.
Q2. What if my benefits were stolen in 2025?
Unfortunately, federal reimbursements have been discontinued. Some states may offer limited refunds using their own funds, but this is not guaranteed.
Q3. How can I protect my EBT card from fraud?
Use chip-based EBT cards where available, avoid sharing your PIN, check your balance often, and report any unauthorized activity to your local SNAP agency.
Q4. Will EBT chip cards be issued nationwide?
Yes, FNS is working with all states to gradually roll out chip-enabled cards for better fraud protection.
