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    DHS Response To Senator Hester

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    Mallory Sofastaii
    DHS response to Senator Katie Fry Hester regarding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit fraud incidents.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    DHS Response To Senator Hester

    Uploaded by

    Mallory Sofastaii
    100 views2 pages
    DHS response to Senator Katie Fry Hester regarding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit fraud incidents.

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    DHS Response to Senator Hester

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    DHS response to Senator Katie Fry Hester regarding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit fraud incidents.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    100 views2 pages

    DHS Response To Senator Hester

    Uploaded by

    Mallory Sofastaii
    DHS response to Senator Katie Fry Hester regarding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit fraud incidents.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
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    July 12, 2022

    The Honorable Senator Katie Fry Hester


    304 James Senate Office Building
    11 Bladen Street
    Annapolis, MD 21401

    Dear Senator Hester,

    Thank you for your correspondence dated June 8, 2022 regarding Supplemental Nutrition
    Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit fraud incidents. You correctly stated that this issue is not
    unique to Maryland, in fact, it is a national one. It is believed that fraudsters are using illegal
    electronic devices to steal information which they then use to create duplicate Electronic Benefit
    Transfer (EBT) cards without the permission or knowledge of the rightful beneficiary. We are
    working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to investigate reported incidents as we explore
    new ways to enhance the security of EBT cards. We have taken several steps to address this
    issue.

    On April 10, 2022, the Department of Human Services (DHS) issued an email fraud alert, which
    included a statement on alternative resources available to impacted customers. On May 18, 2022,
    we issued a press release alerting customers of this issue and provided a listing of immediate
    steps that EBT card holders can take to protect their benefits. The Department is engaged in
    ongoing discussions with other states, federal government, and private technology companies to
    explore whether there are security features that can be added to improve EBT card security.

    Regarding reimbursement of stolen benefits, federal regulations do not allow states to replace
    stolen SNAP benefits with federal funds. Currently, there are no state funds appropriated to
    reimburse victims of this or other types of fraud. As this is a federal program, we would
    encourage stakeholders to address the potential need for additional funding with the Maryland
    Congressional Delegation.

    However, individuals experiencing financial hardship as a result of benefit fraud may access
    other emergency programs including, but not limited to, Emergency Assistance for Families
    With Children and various emergency food programs administered by local food pantries across
    Maryland. Individuals may also access our Department’s various utility assistance programs such
    as the Maryland Energy Assistance Program, Electric Universal Service Program, and Arrearage
    Retirement Assistance. Individuals may also apply for assistance available through the
    Emergency Rental Assistance Program administered by the Maryland Department of Housing
    and Community Development.
    We appreciate your continued support as we resolve these issues and work to better protect our
    customers. I am happy to address any remaining questions you may have. Please feel free to
    contact me at laurenc.graziano@maryland.gov if any follow up discussion is needed.

    Sincerely,

    Lauren C. Graziano
    Director of Government Affairs

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