Important changes to replacement for stolen SNAP and Temporary Assistance (TA) benefits

Federal authorization to replace stolen SNAP benefits ended on December 20, 2024. Local social services districts are not allowed to issue SNAP replacement benefits for theft that occurs on or after December 21, 2024. You can still file claims to replace stolen SNAP benefits that occurred on or before December 20, 2024. Your claim must be filed within 30 days after you learned the benefits were stolen.

This change does not impact claims for stolen TA (cash) benefits. However, beginning on October 1, 2024, households are limited to ONE Temporary Assistance cash benefit replacement per federal fiscal year (October 1 to September 30). All applications filed after October 1, are subject to the “one replacement benefit per year” rule, even if the theft occurred before October 1, 2024.

To learn more, visit the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s website.

The Public Benefits Unit provides legal assistance to persons who experience problems with public benefits programs that are administered by the local Departments of Social Services, including:

• Welfare (TANF and Safety Net)
• Medicaid
• Food Stamps (SNAP)
• Child Care Assistance
• HEAP
• Emergency shelter for the homeless
• Unemployment insurance appeals and overpayments
• Other emergency assistance programs

We also assist low-income households in establishing Supplemental Needs Trusts to eliminate the Medicaid spend-down and assist homeless families in obtaining rent supplements from DSS to enable families to leave the shelters or retain permanent housing. Nassau residents can call 516-292-8100 and Suffolk residents can call 631-232-2400.