Kansans encouraged to seek help for stolen EBT benefits as federal aid runs out
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KCTV) - Kansans who have suffered stolen benefits due to card skimming have been encouraged to seek help as federal aid will not replace the funds.
The Kansas Department of Children and Families says that as of Friday, Feb. 7, SNAP and TANF benefits that were stolen through card skimming cannot be replaced. A federal provision that allowed federal funds to replace these benefits expired on Dec. 20 and was not extended along with the American Relief Act.
DCF has encouraged victims in the Sunflower State to call the United Way at 211 if they need help accessing food. To apply for aid online, click HERE.
Department leaders have also urged EBT cardholders to use the ebtEDGE app from Fidelity Information Services or access the ebtEDGE Cardholder Portal HERE to monitor s and safeguard benefits. Features of the app and portal include:
- The ability to freeze an EBT card when not in use. Cardholders are required to unfreeze the card when they are ready to make a purchase.
- The ability to block out-of-state and online transactions. Cardholders will have to unblock these transactions when they want to make an out-of-state or online purchase.
- The ability to regularly change the four-digit PIN and use number combinations that are not easy for others to figure out.
The advice was given after hundreds of EBT cardholders in Kansas were unable to access their funds as at least two skimming devices were found in the metro area.
For more information on SNAP and TANF benefits in Kansas, click HERE.
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