SNAP Theft & Replacement FAQs: What to Do if Your Benefits Are Stolen

Discovering that your SNAP benefits have been stolen is stressful, especially when you’re counting on that money to feed your family. Unfortunately, EBT card theft through skimming and cloning has become increasingly common, and the rules around getting stolen benefits back have changed. This guide walks you through what to do right away, how to replace your card, where things currently stand with reimbursement, and how to protect your benefits going forward.

The most important first step: If you think your benefits were stolen, freeze your card immediately in the ebtEDGE app or at ebtedge.com, then call Colorado EBT Customer Service at 1-888-328-2656 to report it and request a replacement card.

How Does SNAP Benefit Theft Happen?

Your EBT card works like a debit card, and just like a debit card, it can be targeted by criminals. Most SNAP theft happens through a few common methods:

  • Skimming: Criminals attach a hidden device to a card reader or ATM. When you swipe your card and enter your PIN, the device captures your card number and PIN.
  • Cloning: Using the data captured from skimming, thieves create a counterfeit copy of your card that they can use to access your benefits, often in another state.
  • Phishing: Scammers pose as government officials and send fake texts, emails, or calls designed to trick you into sharing your card number or PIN. State and county officials will never ask for your PIN.

Many people don’t realize their benefits are gone until they’re at the checkout counter and their card is declined, or until they check their balance and find it lower than expected. That’s why checking your balance regularly is one of the best ways to catch theft early.

What to Do if Your SNAP Benefits Are Stolen

If you suspect your benefits have been stolen, act quickly. Here are the steps to take:

  • Freeze your card

Immediately freeze your EBT card using the ebtEDGE mobile app or by logging in at ebtedge.com. This blocks any further purchases while you sort things out.

  • Report the theft and request a replacement card

Call Colorado EBT Customer Service at 1-888-328-2656 (TTY 1-800-659-2656). Report the theft and ask for a new card. A replacement card is free.

  • Change your PIN

If your card was skimmed, criminals likely have your PIN. Set a new, hard-to-guess PIN through the app, the portal, or by phone.

  • Contact your county human services office

Report the theft to your county as well. They can note the fraud on your case and tell you about any options that may currently be available.

  • Review your recent transactions

Check your transaction history in the ebtEDGE app or portal so you can document exactly what was taken and when. You’ll need this if any dispute or replacement option applies.

Act fast: Time limits often apply to reporting theft and filing any claim. Report as soon as you notice something wrong—don’t wait. Even if reimbursement isn’t currently available, reporting protects you and helps document the fraud.

Can You Get Stolen SNAP Benefits Reimbursed?

This is the question on most people’s minds, and the honest answer is that it depends on when the theft happened, and the rules have changed.

The Current Situation

Federal reimbursement for stolen SNAP benefits ended on December 20, 2024. A federal law passed in late 2022 temporarily allowed states to replace SNAP benefits stolen through skimming, cloning, and similar electronic theft. That authority covered thefts through December 20, 2024, and Congress did not extend it. As a result, benefits stolen after that date are generally not eligible for federal replacement at this time.

This means that, as of now, there is no guaranteed federal reimbursement for newly stolen SNAP benefits. We know this is frustrating and worrying for families who depend on these benefits, and it makes prevention and quick reporting more important than ever.

SNAP Replacement vs. Reimbursement

SNAP replacement and SNAP reimbursement are two different things. 

Card replacement, getting a new physical EBT card, is always available. If your card is lost, stolen, or compromised, you can always call 1-888-328-2656 for a free replacement card.

Benefit reimbursement, getting the stolen dollar amount put back on your account, is what ended in December 2024. Replacing the card does not restore stolen funds.

Is There Legislation to Bring SNAP Reimbursement Back?

There is pending federal legislation to restore reimbursement. The Fairness for Victims of SNAP Skimming Act of 2025 (S. 1540) would require SNAP to replace the full amount of stolen benefits. As of mid-2026, this bill has not become law. If it or similar legislation passes, the reimbursement landscape could change again.

Stay Informed

Because these rules can change, check the CDHS Colorado EBT page or contact your county human services office for the most current information on whether reimbursement is available in the event of theft.

What Kinds of Losses Were Never Reimbursable?

Even when federal reimbursement was available, it only ever covered certain types of electronic theft. It’s helpful to know what was never eligible, because these same limits would likely apply to any future program:

  • A physical EBT card that was simply lost or misplaced (with no electronic theft)
  • Situations where the cardholder shared their card number or PIN with someone else
  • Cases where the PIN was written on the card itself

This is exactly why protecting your PIN is so important. Not just for security, but because carelessness with a PIN could disqualify you from any protection that does exist.

How to Protect Your SNAP Benefits From Theft

Since reimbursement isn’t guaranteed, prevention is your best protection. These simple habits can significantly reduce your risk:

  • Change your PIN often. Consider changing it every month, ideally right before your benefits are deposited. If your card was skimmed, a new PIN can stop thieves before they use your information.
  • Choose a hard-to-guess PIN. Avoid 1234, 1111, or your birth year. These are easy for criminals to guess.
  • Freeze your card when you’re not using it. The ebtEDGE app and ebtedge.com let you freeze and unfreeze your card anytime, and block out-of-state or online transactions you don’t need.
  • Check your balance and transactions regularly. The sooner you spot suspicious activity, the faster you can act.
  • Cover the keypad when entering your PIN. Criminals sometimes install tiny cameras to record you typing your PIN.
  • Inspect card readers. If a card reader looks loose, bulky, or tampered with, don’t use it. Report it to the store.
  • Never share your PIN. No legitimate retailer, state, or county official will ever ask for your PIN. Anyone who does is trying to scam you.

If You’ve Lost Benefits, You Don’t Have to Go Without Food

Losing benefits to theft can leave a real gap in your household’s food budget, sometimes for weeks. If that happens, Community Food Share is here to help. Our food programs are available to Boulder and Broomfield County residents, no SNAP approval required.

Find food quickly: Use Community Food Share’s Colorado Food Finder Map to locate food pantries, mobile pantries, and other resources near you. The map can be searched in English or Spanish.

Get help with your benefits: If you have questions about your SNAP case, reporting theft, or reapplying, our bilingual team can help. Contact SNAP@communityfoodshare.org or call (303) 652-3663.

For stolen benefits, a lost or compromised card, or PIN changes, call EBT Customer Service at 1-888-328-2656. For questions about your SNAP case, contact your county human services office. For food support and SNAP application help, contact Community Food Share.

FAQs: SNAP Theft & Replacement

How do I replace a stolen or lost EBT card in Colorado?

Call Colorado EBT Customer Service at 1-888-328-2656 to report your card and request a free replacement. First, freeze your card in the ebtEDGE app or at ebtedge.com to prevent further use, and change your PIN once you have your new card.

Can I get reimbursed for stolen SNAP benefits?

Federal reimbursement for stolen SNAP benefits ended December 20, 2024, and has not been renewed. Benefits stolen after that date are generally not eligible for federal replacement at this time. Card replacement is still available, but it only restores your card, not the stolen funds. Check with CDHS or your county for the most current status, as pending legislation could change this.

What’s the difference between replacing my SNAP card and getting my benefits back?

Replacing your card means getting a new physical EBT card, which is always free and available. Reimbursement means restoring the stolen dollar amount to your account, which is what ended in December 2024. Getting a new card does not put stolen benefits back.

How do I know if my benefits were stolen?

Common signs include your card being declined when you have funds, a balance lower than expected, or transactions you don’t recognize in your history. Check your balance and transactions regularly through the ebtEDGE app, ebtedge.com, your receipt, or by calling 1-888-328-2656.

What should I do first if I think my benefits were stolen?

Freeze your card immediately in the ebtEDGE app or at ebtedge.com, then call 1-888-328-2656 to report the theft and request a replacement card. Change your PIN, report the theft to your county human services office, and review your transaction history to document what was taken.

How can I prevent EBT skimming and theft?

Change your PIN often, ideally before benefits are deposited, choose a hard-to-guess PIN, freeze your card when not in use, block out-of-state and online transactions you don’t need, check your balance regularly, cover the keypad when entering your PIN, and never share your PIN with anyone.

Will the government bring back stolen benefit reimbursement?

There is pending federal legislation, the Fairness for Victims of SNAP Skimming Act of 2025 (S. 1540), that would restore full replacement of stolen benefits. As of mid-2026, it has not become law. Watch the CDHS Colorado EBT page or ask your county for updates.