Sep. 11, 2023 By Carlotta Mohamed
Flushing Councilwoman Sandra Ung is partnering with the Human Resources Administration and Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE) to host an upcoming event to help residents file claims to recover stolen SNAP and Cash Assistance benefits.
On Wednesday, Sept. 13, members of the Department of Social Services (DSS) Outreach Team will be at AAFE’s Flushing office, located at 133-29 41st Ave., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to assist people with filing their benefit replacement claim.
Ung says she has heard from a number of her constituents who have had their benefits stolen, but suspects that there are many more people who have had a similar experience.
“This upcoming Stolen Benefit Replacement Event is a great opportunity to recover those lost benefits, especially for people who may have trouble filing their claims online or are simply confused by the process and need assistance,” Ung said.
Acting HRA First Deputy Commissioner John Rojas said he’s thrilled that New Yorkers who have had their SNAP and/or Cash Assistance benefits electronically stolen can now recoup some or all of their stolen benefits simply by submitting a claim to HRA.
“This is a major victory for victims of electronic benefits theft who, until now, had to navigate the loss of these critical benefits largely on their own. We are also proud of the online portal we have created to deliver this critical service, making it easy for SNAP and Cash Assistance recipients who have been the victim of skimming attacks to apply for reimbursements remotely,” Rojas said. “We look forward to partnering with elected officials and community-based organizations to conduct outreach around the availability of replacement benefits and help New Yorkers recover the benefits that are rightly theirs.”
Emily Rios, managing director of AAFE Community Services, said many low-income community members served by AAFE in Queens and across New York City are reliant on SNAP benefits to feed their families.
“That’s why this program, to reimburse people targeted by scammers, is so important and why we’re proud to be partnering with Councilmember Ung and the Human Resources Administration to help recipients replace their benefits,” Rios said.
Walk-ins will be accommodated if possible, but it is recommended that people RSVP in advance to ensure an appointment with a DSS representative. To make a reservation call (646) 360-0253 or email xiaodong_zhang@aafe.org.
Residents who experienced an electronic theft of SNAP benefits between Oct. 1, 2022, and Sept. 30, 2023, are eligible to file a claim. People who had their Cash Assistance benefits stolen after Jan. 1, 2022, are also eligible.
Prior to submitting a claim, a benefit recipient should change their account PIN, report their EBT card stolen, and request a new card by visiting connectebt.com or calling EBT Customer Service at 888-328-6399. Once a claim is submitted, allow up to 30 days to receive a decision notice in the mail. Replacement benefits will be applied to a person’s newest and most recently used EBT card.
For more information on filing a claim to recover stolen SNAP or Cash Assistance benefits, visit nyc.gov/hra.
