NYS Senator Iwen Chu and Congressman Dan Goldman Announce the Extension of the Deadline for SNAP Fraud Reimbursement

On October 1, NYS Senator Iwen Chu (SD-17) and Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) announced the successful extension of SNAP Benefit fraud funding in the Federal budget. This extension is a critical step in ensuring that all victims can apply for reimbursement and continue receiving the benefits they depend on until December 20. 

Previously, the expiration of the Federal Budget on September 30, 2024, threatened reimbursement for low-income families affected by SNAP skimming, which is unacceptable, as thousands of vulnerable families and seniors’ SNAP benefits continue to be stolen.

Senator Chu has been advocating her federal colleagues and working alongside federal partners for SNAP fraud reimbursement to ensure that our community’s most vulnerable are not left behind due to fraudulent activities. This extension offers much-needed relief and assurance that justice will be served.

According to a report released this past May by the New York State Comptroller’s office, the poverty rate for children in Brooklyn is the second-highest in the state, and recent reports on the increased rate of SNAP fraud have permeated communities across the U.S., with particularly devastating instances happening right here in New York, with over 80,000 SNAP fraud cases filed in New York City last year. 

Senator Chu also passed legislation on the State Senate level this year to study and combat SNAP/EBT fraud and analyze the role that technology and enhanced security measures should play in preventing it.

“People apply for SNAP because they need it. This theft is being levied against innocent recipients who rely on these benefits to make ends meet. My office has assisted more than a hundred fraud victims, highlighting the urgent need to restore skimmed SNAP benefits. As we seek solutions, federal funding is crucial to support victims.” said Senator Iwen Chu. “I want to thank my federal partners’ efforts in successfully extending the skimmed SNAP benefit replacement until December 20, allow victims to continue to be reimbursed from federal funds. I will continue work with my colleagues at state and federal level to make sure our families get the resources they need, while continue educating SNAP recipients of how to best protect themselves against these crimes.”

“As we continue to work to protect SNAP recipients – both in Albany and in Washington – I am proud to have helped secure an extension that will allow states to use existing federal funding to reimburse vulnerable victims of SNAP theft," Congressman Dan Goldman said. "Thanks to our partners at the State level like Senator Chu, New York has ensured these reimbursements will allow families to keep food at their tables. SNAP theft can be devastating for working families, and these reimbursements are a critical lifeline that allows working families to make ends meet. I will continue fighting alongside my colleagues to ensure that states retain this authority when Congress passes its final budget at the end of the year."

“We have received numerous reports of stamps stolen from residents since 2022. As the cases grew, we submitted the data to relevant departments, urging action. While the amounts may seem small, they are crucial to the families affected, often preventing them from buying fresh food or providing proper nutrition for their children,” said Nicole Huang, Executive Director of Parent Child Relationship Association (PCR). “Thanks to the government’s response, we have successfully helped 228 residents submit claims since January 2024. We appreciate the efforts made to compensate victims and ensure that those most in need are heard.”

"SNAP benefits are critical to many people who need food assistance in the communities Homecrest serves. When they are unwittingly victims of fraud, their entire world is turned upside down leaving them wondering how they are going to pay for this week's groceries. Expanding SNAP benefit fraud protection gives them some comfort that folks are looking out for them, and their next meal may not be in jeopardy," said Wai Yee Chan, President & CEO of Homecrest Community Services. 

"EBT skimming and SNAP fraud have been issues impacting Chinese American and immigrant communities. We thank Congressman Dan Goldman and State Senator Iwen Chu for advocating for legislative and budget solutions to address these issues and look forward to working together to protect our community members," said Wayne Ho, President and CEO of the Chinese-American Planning Council. 

"Our organization works very hard to help connect thousands of New Yorkers to SNAP benefits as well as groceries from our pantry. We are dismayed by the fact that many people take advantage of the system; thereby creating a tough situation for our most vulnerable populations, in particular the elderly and new immigrants who have a hard time communicating in English. We wholeheartedly support legislation that will hopefully bring an end to SNAP fraud." Said Bibi Esahack, Executive Director of Bay Ridge Community Development Center.