OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — News 4 has repeatedly reported on thieves continually targeting Oklahomans who use SNAP benefits, or food stamps, to feed their families. The stealing isn't slowing down, but now there's no more federal funding to reimburse victims.
"I work full time but I do rely on my food stamps to make it through the month for my family," said Jennifer Roy.
Roy said she receives $756 in SNAP benefits to help feed her household of five and make it through the month.
"It only lasts me about two weeks," said Roy. "I know that sounds crazy laughs but there's a lot of us."
Those funds hit her account at midnight every first of the month. However, on New Year's Day, Roy woke up to an empty account.
The money only sat in her account for, at most, five hours.
"These were all done out of New York," said Roy.
On Thursday, Roy called DHS. It turns out, she's out of luck because funding has run dry.
Oklahoma Human Services knows that SNAP benefits are critical to keeping food on the table for our state's families. Although the federal government had repeatedly extended the deadline for SNAP recipients to apply for replacement of stolen benefits, this deadline was not extended with the last budget bill, and SNAP replacement officially ended on Dec. 20.
Oklahoma Department of Health and Human Services
"Just to get told that there was nothing I could do right now, like there was no funding and that I was just out of luck," said Roy. "I felt, like panicky. You know? Like, 'What am I going to do?'"
For months, DHS has been warning those receiving food stamps to use the ConnectEBT app to lock their card. The department said, "This simple action ensures you are in control of when your card is used."
Plus, the funds will still be deposited into your account without having to unlock your card.
Roy said she didn't know.
"I never received an email, or text message to do that," said Roy.
After her Thursday phone call with DHS, Roy downloaded an app called "Propel." OKDHS said that's a third party app, while ConnectEBT is the only state-approved EBT app because it has more safety features.
DHS also has the following reminders to keep your food stamps safe.
"Utilize your ConnectEBT Account to:
1. Change your PIN Monthly:
◦ Change your PIN every month, especially the day before your benefits are added. This helps keep your account safe.
◦ Avoid PINs like 1111 or 1234. While our system blocks easy PINs, updating your PIN often is a good habit.
2. Keep your card Locked Everywhere:
◦ Keep your card locked on the ConnectEBT app until you’re ready to make a purchase. Lock it again right after using it. Use auto-relock for extra safety.
3. Be Careful Online:
◦ Only enter your card number and PIN on trusted websites. Be extra careful with sites offering discounts or subscriptions.
4. Watch Out for Scams:
◦ Don’t answer texts or calls from numbers you don’t know. Don’t click on links in strange messages. We will never ask for your Social Security number or PIN by text or phone.
Oklahoma is also on track to implement chip SNAP cards later this year. We are proud to be only the second state in the nation implementing the additional safety features of chip cards to protect our clients."
Oklahoma Department of Health and Human Services
You can find a link for the Connect EBT app for Apple and Google Play.
Roy said the ConnectEBT app was simple to navigate and she figured out how to lock her card quickly.
Roy said she has faith she can get by this month, but in the meantime she's thinking about other victims.
"I do worry about like other families that are affected that don't have anybody," said Roy.
