SNAP Recipients Urged to Update EBT PIN; Update on Summer EBT

July 12, 2024
The Department of Social Services (DSS) wanted to give an update on a national problem that’s been impacting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries here in Connecticut. As I’m sure you are aware theft of SNAP benefits by criminals steadily increased between 2023 and 2024 in Connecticut, but this month, SNAP beneficiaries took action to change their PINS on their EBT cards and protect their benefits.
 
DSS started a campaign to educate SNAP recipients on how to better protect themselves against theft. The department went from 1,231 referrals in the first week of June to just 460 in the first week of July. That’s a nearly 63% decrease. But criminals are still hard at work. DSS is asking that SNAP recipients take the following steps to protect their benefits.

Instructions on how to change your EBT card PIN are on the DSS website. But the advice DSS is giving is as follows:

  • Avoid simple PINs. Number combinations such as 1111, 1234, or 9876 may be easy for others to guess.
  • Keep your PIN and card number secret. Do not share your PIN or card number with anyone outside your household. Cover the keypad when you enter your PIN on a card reader.
  • Beware of phishing. DSS and EBT customer service will never call or text to ask for your PIN or card number.
  • Change your PIN often. Change your PIN at least once a month, especially right before your benefits are to be added to your card, by calling EBT Customer Service at 1-888-328-2666.
  • Check your EBT account regularly for unauthorized charges. If you see any, change your PIN right away to stop the thief from making new purchases.
  • To request a replacement of stolen SNAP benefits, please fill out the form at: https://dss-replacementbenefits.ct.gov/
We are also monitoring the delay in Summer EBT (S-EBT) benefits, which were anticipated to be deposited in late June. 

DSS has shared they have been working with the vendor who administers the program to see if payments may be expedited. The latest update is that they started technical testing on July 2 with their vendor, with testing scheduled to be complete by July 17. DSS and the vendor hope to have an updated schedule for the release of benefits, which will hopefully be sooner than the estimated time of early August.

S-EBT is a permanent, nationwide program beginning this summer. It is a result of a federal law called the Consolidated Appropriations Act passed in December 2022. It gives families with children extra benefits, like SNAP, to help pay for food in the summer. S-EBT helps to lower food insecurity and increases access to healthy food. Each child who qualifies will get a one-time S-EBT benefit of $120. 

For more information on the S-EBT program in Connecticut, click HERE. 

To find local options to help bridge the gap until the funds come through, you can visit 211.
Another option is the CT Summer Meals Program. The program is federally funded by and a part of the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) SUN Programs, intended to feed and nourish kids during the summer. CT Summer Meals is state-administered by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE). The program provides free, nutritious meals to kids during summer break. Summer Meals meet federal nutrition guidelines and are composed of milk, fruits, vegetables, grains, and meat or another protein. Summer Meals are offered at hundreds of sites around the state through late August, serving combinations of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Meals are free to any child 18 and under, no questions asked.

West Haven has summer meal sites, including Where Angels Play Playground, Painter Park, Carrigan 5/6 Intermediate School, and Forest School. Some offer on-site meals and others allow you to take the meals to-go. To see the full list of West Haven locations, click HERE.