In March 2022, jurisdictions across the country including the District of Columbia (“District or “DC”) began receiving reports of stolen benefits from customers’ Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. Since then, the District has been replacing stolen benefits from EBT cards. New federal regulations require certain changes to the DC Department of Human Services (DHS)’ reimbursement practices. These are summarized below and will go into effect on September 25, 2023.
- To file a claim for compromised benefits, please complete and submit a Replacement of Stolen Benefits form
- Please view the attached FAQs below to learn more about requesting stolen benefit reimbursements
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Previous Process (Prior to September 25, 2023) |
New Process (Effective September 25, 2023) |
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No limit on the maximum benefit reimbursed per claim |
Maximum reimbursement per claim set at the amount of the customer’s most recent two months of benefit allotment |
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Customers must change their PIN |
Customers must obtain a replacement card from Fidelity National Information Services (FIS) |
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No limit on the number of submitted claims per fiscal year (FY) |
A maximum of two (2) claims per household per FY can be reimbursed |
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No time limit to reporting loss |
Customer must report loss within 30 calendar days of becoming aware of the loss |
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Police report required |
No police report required |
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Reimbursements are processed as they are confirmed |
Reimbursements will be processed within 12 business days from receipt of the completed claim |
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No signed attestation is required from customers |
Customers must submit a signed attestation or provide verbal agreement to DHS |
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No single claims form used for reporting stolen benefits |
Customers must complete and submit a Request for Replacement of Stolen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and/or Cash Benefits form (DHS-1697 claim form) |
If you have any questions about these changes or how to submit a claim, you can call (202) 671-4460, then press “1” for a live representative during normal business hours Monday-Friday between 8:15 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. If you are Hearing Impaired, you may call TTY 711.
