Georgians struggle with stolen SNAP benefits as reimbursements expire

STONECREST, Ga. - SNAP recipients across Georgia are facing a tough challenge, as hackers have reportedly wiped out funds from their food assistance cards, leaving many without essential support.

What we know:

According to the Georgia Department of Human Services, between October 2023 and Jan. 10, 2025, the Office of Inspector General has substantiated 21,342 claims of fraud leading to $10,929,171 worth of reimbursed food stamps. 

After numerous reports of stolen benefits, believed to have been cloned, skimmed, or stolen in some fashion, Congress established that SNAP clients could be reimbursed up to two times a year if they could prove their benefits had been stolen. That policy expired on Dec. 20, 2024. 

That means people like DeKalb County resident Elaine Edwards, who had her food stamps stolen in December and January, can't get reimbursed for the most recent incident.

What they're saying:

"As soon as they put it on my card, it was gone," the Stonecrest woman told FOX 5. "They got $199, left with $1.70."

The fraudulent transaction happened at stores in New York and Philadelphia - places Edwards had never been.

Her December money was repaid, but Edwards discovered she was out of luck for January's theft.

"I'm just tired. I'm sick of it," she tearfully said.

The other side:

The SNAP Benefits Program is under the control of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees.

Since January, FOX 5 has been searching for answers from Georgia's representatives on those committees to learn if there is an ongoing investigation into how and why these thefts are happening or if there is a plan to extend the reimbursement window.

Senator Raphael Warnock provided this statement:

It’s important to remember the poverty rate is highest among children— when thieves steal SNAP benefits from Georgians, it’s often children who go hungry. It’s a shame my colleagues refused to continue reimbursing families who had their SNAP funds stolen. I’m advocating to allow USDA to reimburse Georgians whose benefits have been stolen at the next possible opportunity so Georgia families can continue to put food on the table for their children and keep our communities healthy."

When given an open-ended invitation to discuss these issues, Congressman Austin Scott's office said the congressman was "not available."

FOX 5 did not receive a response from Congressman David Scott's office on the matter.

Edwards wonders if the problem is due to bad or outdated technology or an inside job.  Either way, she believes a reimbursement extension is warranted, and says people need answers sooner rather than later.

"I vote every year," Edwards said. "I wonder, do they even care? Some people take advantage of it (SNAP) but there are people who need this help like me."

What you can do:

In December, the Department of Human Services launched the Gateway EBT app and website. It allows SNAP recipients to be able to lock their cards to prevent these types of thefts from happening.

State officials say victims should change their PIN and lock or replace their card immediately and then report the incident to the DHS Office of Inspector General.