The USDA’s program to reimburse stolen SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits officially ended on Dec. 20, 2024, marking a significant shift for millions of low-income Americans who rely on this vital assistance. Since January 2023, the program had offered crucial protection, reimbursing stolen benefits through federal funds. However, with its expiration, households now face greater uncertainty.
This change comes at a time when food costs often rise, especially during the holiday season, leaving vulnerable families at a greater risk. The program’s closure leaves many recipients vulnerable to theft without the safety net they once relied on. For the first time in over two years, SNAP recipients will no longer have a federal guarantee that stolen benefits will be replaced.
As a result, millions of Americans, particularly those already struggling to make ends meet, will feel the impact. Here’s what you need to know about this major change, how it affects those who depend on SNAP, and what options are available moving forward.
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What was the previous policy, and why was it created?
Until recently, the government allowed federal funds to reimburse SNAP recipients for any stolen benefits. This program was introduced in response to a significant rise in fraud, especially through methods like card skimming and cloning. In 2022, reports of theft targeting SNAP recipients were increasing, highlighting the vulnerability of these low-income individuals and families who rely on benefits for food assistance.
In December 2022, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, which allowed state agencies to replace stolen SNAP benefits — and then be reimbursed by federal funds. This temporary measure was designed to provide immediate relief for recipients while longer-term solutions, such as more secure chip-based cards, were being developed.
What happened to SNAP reimbursement, anyway?
The federal reimbursement program for stolen SNAP benefits expired on Dec. 20, 2024, due to the expiration of the authority granted by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. This authority was not renewed when the American Relief Act of 2025 was signed on Dec. 21, 2024.
As a result, as of Dec. 21, 2024, SNAP benefits stolen through fraud can no longer be replaced with federal funds. Although some states may choose to replace stolen benefits using state funds, there is no guarantee these replacements will be reimbursed at the federal level.
Will it come back? The possibility of the program returning depends on future Congressional action, but for now, there are no indications of an immediate plan for reinstating federal reimbursement.
