SNAP Replacement Benefits FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on State and Federal SNAP Replacement Benefits

How to get SNAP and TAFDC/EAEDC Replacement Benefits:

Since 2022, there have been reports of fraudulent activity impacting individuals and families who receive SNAP and TAFDC/EAEDC benefits across the Commonwealth. These has mainly been through skimming and phishing schemes.

1. How can I get my stolen benefits replaced?

If your SNAP or TAFDC/EAEDC benefits have been stolen electronically, request a replacement in one of the following ways:

• Complete the online Claim for Replacement of Stolen Benefits form
• Call the Fraud Line at 833-602-9247 or the DTA Assistance Line at [phone]
• Download the Claim for Replacement Benefits Form form and mail the completed form to: 
  • DTAConnect upload​​​
  • Mail to:
                DTA Program Integrity
                Fraud Investigation Unit
                P.O. Box 4411
                Taunton, MA 02780-0435
  • Fax to the Fraud Investigation Unit at: [phone]
  • In person at a local DTA office, 

DTA must get a signed statement within 30 days after you report the theft of SNAP benefits. If you submit this completed online or paper form within 30 days of the theft, you do not need to sign a separate statement. If you report the theft over the phone with a worker, you can give DTA your signature over the phone. 

2. When will I get a replacement payment?

DTA will attempt to confirm what happened. If DTA is able to verify that your benefits were stolen electronically, DTA will issue replacement benefits for the amount you’re eligible for as quickly as possible, likely within a couple weeks.

If you told DTA your benefits were stolen and you have not gotten replacement benefits within two weeks, call the Fraud Line at 833-602-9247 or email [e-mail].

3. Will DTA replace all of my stolen SNAP or cash benefits?

Yes. DTA will replace the full amount of SNAP or TAFDC/EAEDC benefits that were reported stolen.

4. I reported that my benefits were stolen after October 1, 2022, but I did not receive replacement benefits. What should I do?

In order to issue SNAP replacement benefits, DTA must get a signed statement after you report the theft. If you reported a theft, but did not submit a signed statement, call the DTA Assistance Line at [phone] or the Fraud Line at 833-602-9247 to give DTA a signature over the phone. If you completed the online or paper form, you do not need to sign a separate statement. 

More information about replacement payments

1. I got my SNAP replacement in two different payments. Why? 

In December 2022 the federal government (through the Congressional Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023) created a new option for states to reimburse some SNAP benefits that were stolen with federal money. The federal reimbursements are limited to benefits stolen between October 1, 2022 and September 30, 2024. 

To support residents who had their benefits stolen prior to October 1, 2022, the Healey-Driscoll Administration filed a state supplemental budget that included $2 million in funding to reimburse victims of organized SNAP benefit theft that occurred between April 1, 2022 and September 30, 2022.  

Then, in December 2023 the Healey-Driscoll Administration approved a second state supplemental budget that included an additional $1 million in funding to cover benefit theft not replaced by federal reimbursement, when benefits are stolen between October 1, 2022 and June 30, 2024.  

Some people who have more SNAP stolen than is covered by federal rules get two payments – one with the federal replacement amount, one with the state. Most people have all of their stolen SNAP covered by federal replacement rules.  

Protect your DTA Benefits

How can I protect my benefits from fraud?

To protect your benefits:

• Change your EBT card PIN before each time you get your DTA benefits
• If you get TAFDC or EAEDC, you can call your case manager to ask about having your benefits deposited to your bank account. Their contact information is available on DTA Connect
• Never provide your personal information, EBT card number, or Personal Identification Number (PIN) to unidentified callers, or to a link provided via text or email

If you think your card and benefits have been stolen, tell DTA right away and change your PIN.

If you are ever unsure or uneasy about who you are talking to, end the call and reach out to DTA by calling the DTA Assistance Line at [phone]. DTA staff will never ask for your EBT card number or PIN.

For more information on potential scams and how to best protect your benefits, visit Mass.gov/ProtectYourEBT and Mass.gov/ProtejaSuEBT.

Additional Resources

Protect Your Benefits From Scams

Report Retailer or Client Fraud to DTA

Using your EBT Card

Date published:	May 11, 2023