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Franklin County Job and Family Services
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Report Electronically Stolen Benefits

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

If you believe your SNAP or OWF cash benefits were stolen:

  • Change your PIN number right away and lock your card using by using your online account or calling the appropriate line and following the prompts. You can request a new Ohio Direction EBT card by calling 1-866-386-3071 or a new Eppicard by calling 1-866-320-8822.

  • Make a list of every unauthorized purchase on your account.

  • Download the Claim Form (see "How Do I File A Claim" below) or call the Franklin County Card Skimming Reporting line at 614-233-2860 to speak with an agent and learn about your options. 

 

Will my stolen SNAP benefits be replaced?

 
You can make a claim to replace your stolen SNAP benefits if you have proof of two or more of the following:
 

  • A purchase occurred at a retailer known to have previously processed fraudulent a purchase.

  • An even dollar amount purchase, high dollar amount purchase, or multiple purchases made within a short period of time.

  • An online purchase where the order was delivered to a location other than your address.

  • All money was removed from your account or only a small amount was left.

  • Purchases made that are outside of your normal shopping habits over the previous twelve months.

  • Other evidence that supports a signed statement saying you had no knowledge of the purchase and did not authorize anyone to make the purchase, such as a police report. (Police reports are not required. You may submit them voluntarily as supportive evidence for your claim.)


Claims must be filed within 90 calendar days of the date your SNAP benefits were stolen. The deadline to file a claim for replacement benefits is Dec. 20, 2024. 

The following types of benefits can be replaced if electronically stolen:

- Regular SNAP issuances (including initial prorations)
- Emergency Allotments (EAs)
- Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP)

If a theft occurs over the course of several transactions and several days, calculations for the amount of the replacement benefits will be determined based on the date of the first occurrence of theft.

You may only be approved up to the amount of the benefits stolen or the amount equal to two months of your monthly allotment that was issued prior to the date when benefits were stolen, whichever is less.

You cannot receive a replacement if you have received replacement benefits for electronically stolen benefits twice in a federal fiscal year (Oct.1- Sept.30).
 

How do I file a claim?

Households can make a claim within 90 days of the date you SNAP benefits were stolen by completing the following steps: 

  • Make a list of all unapproved purchases. If you have made a police report, it can be used as evidence to support your claim.

  • Request a new EBT card. Replacement benefits will not be approved or issued until your EBT card has been replaced. You may order a new EBT card by calling 1-866-386-3071. If you do not order a new EBT card, one will be ordered for you by Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services prior to your replacement benefits being issued.

  • Download JFS 07011 Form “Statement Requesting Replacement of Electronically Stolen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits” (DOWNLOAD FORM)

  • Complete and sign JFS 07011. This form must have a wet signature, and cannot be signed electronically or by telephone.

  • Return JFS 07011 Form to Franklin County 

    • In-person: Drop off at any of our Opportunity Center Locations
      • Northland Opportunity Center (1721 Northland Park Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43229)
      • East Opportunity Center (1055 Mt. Vernon Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43203)
      • West Opportunity Center (314 N. Wilson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43204)
    • By mail:    Northland Opportunity Center (1721 Northland Park Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43229)
 

How can I get immediate food assistance? 

Having your SNAP benefits stolen causes great hardship on families, and it can take up to 30 days for benefits to be reimbursed. If you need immediate help with food while you're waiting for your SNAP benefits to be replaced, Mid-Ohio Food Collective can help connect you to free food markets and other food resources.