Velázquez, Meng, and Gillibrand Laud Approval of New York’s SNAP Fraud Reimbursement Plan

Washington, DC — Today, U.S. Reps. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Grace Meng (D-NY), and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) applauded the United States Department of Agriculture’s decision to approve New York State’s plan to reimburse Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients who had their benefits stolen. With the approval of the plan, New York can now process household claims of stolen benefits and reimburse households using Federal funds. 
 
Last year, Congresswoman Velázquez, along with Congresswoman Meng and Senator Gillibrand, fought to include relief for victims of SNAP theft from skimming scammers as part of last year’s federal government spending bill. The 2023 omnibus appropriations bill provided two years of benefit reimbursements for SNAP recipients who had money stolen from their benefit cards on or after October 1, 2022.
 
“SNAP is a vital program that helps fight hunger and ensures working families have food on the table,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “I was proud to help lead the charge to include relief for SNAP fraud victims as part of last year’s spending package. Today’s approval of New York State’s reimbursement plan is a critical step towards making thousands of victims whole.”
 
“Many in Queens – and across New York – rely on SNAP to keep food on the table and nobody should go hungry because criminals steal their benefits,” said Congresswoman Meng. “After urging the Department of Agriculture to provide these critical reimbursements alongside Congresswoman Velázquez and Senator Gillibrand, I am pleased to see New York’s plan to replace benefits stolen through skimming scams approved, and I thank the Department of Agriculture their partnership to ensure that those impacted receive this needed relief.”
 
“SNAP benefit theft is a detestable crime—criminals prey on our most vulnerable New Yorkers, including older adults, disabled people, veterans and low-income families,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “We wrote and passed the SNAP Theft Protection Act to ensure the federal government could quickly reimburse SNAP benefits for victims and I’m very pleased that New York State’s reimbursement plan has been approved. While we must continue to crack down on scammers, New York families that rely on SNAP can sleep better knowing the federal government has their back.”