The federal government will not stop reimbursing EBT recipients who have been scammed until December 20, 2024, according to Assemblyman William Colton (D—Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights) City Councilmember Susan Zhuang (D—Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Gravesend, Dyker Heights, Boro Park and Sunset Park).

Assemblyman Colton and Councilmember Zhuang had previously alerted individuals enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) of a rash of unauthorized withdrawals from EBT accounts; at that time, the Human Resources Administration (HRA), the federal agency which oversees the program, had said it would stop reimbursing recipients, even when they provide proof of such withdrawals, as of the end of September.

According to Assemblyman Colton and Councilmember Zhuang, numerous constituents have reported that unauthorized transactions by people unknown to them have been made using their accounts, either out of state or online. Based on this, they said EBT account holders should consider locking their accounts to prevent fraudulent transactions from being made online or in other states.

“It’s great news that HRA has extended the deadline,” said Assemblyman Colton. “This gives impacted individuals the time they need to protect themselves, which is crucial, since SNAP recipients rely on the funds in their accounts to feed themselves and their families. We are urging all EBT recipients to take the crucial step of locking their accounts, and will be happy to provide additional information or assist people in doing what is necessary.”

“I’m pleased that HRA has done what I had suggested, and delayed implementation of their new policy,” said Councilmember Zhuang, who had written to the agency suggesting an extension. “Nonetheless, it is urgent that people take action to protect their accounts as soon as possible.”