Under a new federal law, Arkansas SNAP recipients who have had their benefits stolen through EBT card skimming or cloning can seek reimbursement from the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS). This temporary program offers crucial relief to those affected by these crimes, specifically covering thefts that occurred between October 1, 2022, and December 20, 2024.
Skimming and cloning are forms of electronic theft that target EBT cards, which are used to distribute SNAP benefits. Skimming involves thieves attaching devices to card readers at point-of-sale systems to steal card information. Cloning is when stolen EBT card information is copied onto a new card, allowing criminals to access and steal the victim’s benefits.
If you believe you have been a victim of EBT card skimming or cloning, it is essential to act quickly. You must report the theft to DHS no later than January 20, 2025, to be considered for reimbursement.
To apply for reimbursement, affected individuals need to complete the Declaration of Stolen Benefits form. This form is available in English, Marshallese, and Spanish to ensure accessibility for all recipients. You can download the form in your preferred language:
- Declaration of Stolen Benefits form in English
- Declaration of Stolen Benefits form in Marshallese
- Declaration of Stolen Benefits form in Spanish
Once completed, the form can be submitted in several ways for your convenience:
- Email: Send the form to [email protected]
- Mail: Send via postal mail to DHS, P.O. Box 2630 Blytheville, AR 72315-2802
- In-Person: Return the form to your local DHS county office.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, plays a vital role in Arkansas by providing food assistance to eligible low-income households. SNAP benefits help families afford groceries and maintain a healthy diet. These benefits are distributed monthly via Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, similar to debit cards, which can be used at authorized retailers, including grocery stores and farmers markets. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase a wide range of eligible food items for home consumption, including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and even seeds and plants to grow food.
Alt text: Image of an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, used to distribute SNAP benefits in Arkansas.
Beyond food assistance, SNAP also offers additional resources to help recipients achieve self-sufficiency. SNAP recipients can access nutrition education to make informed food choices and learn about healthy eating habits. The SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program further supports participants by providing opportunities to gain skills and find employment. This program offers various services across all 75 counties in Arkansas, including GED preparation, basic skills education, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, and apprenticeship and internship training. If you are a SNAP recipient in Arkansas and interested in enhancing your skills or participating in job training programs, you can contact your DHS eligibility worker or find a list of E&T providers on the ARWorks Resource website.
It’s important to be aware that SNAP Time Limit Rules, which were previously suspended, resumed on July 1, 2023. You can find comprehensive details about these rules by clicking here.
For easy access to SNAP services and information, explore these helpful resources:
| Resources for Arkansas SNAP Recipients |
|---|
| Access Arkansas Online Applications for SNAP |
| SNAP Application Form |
| SNAP Application Form | Spanish |
| SNAP Quick Reference Guide |
| SNAP Time Limit Rules |
| SNAP Change Report |
| Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Card Information |
| SNAP Farmer’s Markets |
| SNAP Double Up Food Dollars |
| SNAP Double Up Food Bucks – How It Works |
| SNAP non-discrimination statement (Spanish) |
The Arkansas Department of Human Services is committed to providing accessible and non-discriminatory services. If you believe you have faced discrimination from DHS, you have the right to file a complaint. Complaints can be made orally or in writing to the Office of Program and Grant Management-Civil Rights Unit. Contact them at P.O Box 1437-Slot S335, Little Rock, AR 72203-1437, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 501-534-4119. The complaint form is available here.
Alt text: Image of the DHS Discrimination Complaint Form, available for download, enabling Arkansas residents to report discrimination.
It is crucial to use SNAP benefits responsibly. Misusing SNAP benefits can lead to penalties, including disqualification from the program and potential legal consequences. Knowingly providing false information to obtain benefits, using someone else’s EBT card, purchasing non-food items with SNAP, or trading benefits for illegal items are all violations that can result in penalties. Penalties can range from program disqualification for one year to permanent bans, fines up to $250,000, and imprisonment up to 20 years, depending on the severity and nature of the offense.
The temporary reimbursement program for stolen SNAP benefits due to EBT card skimming and cloning provides a vital safety net for vulnerable families in Arkansas. If you have been affected by EBT card theft, make sure to report it to DHS and apply for reimbursement before the deadlines. This program is designed to help Arkansas families maintain food security and recover from the financial impact of these crimes.
