Proposed measures aim to protect New Yorkers from theft of SNAP benefits.

In New York City, a declined credit card at the grocery store may be a temporary setback for many residents. However, for individuals relying on public assistance, a declined Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card could mean the difference between a meal and hunger. Families on the brink of financial stability often find themselves leaving grocery stores empty-handed, forced to abandon their carts filled with essential items such as milk, bread, and eggs.

As this troubling situation escalates, thousands of New Yorkers—predominantly older adults—are becoming victims of EBT skimming scams. Skimming, a rapidly growing form of electronic theft, particularly affects households that can least afford the loss of financial support intended for their nutritional needs. In recent years, New York City has received approximately 170,000 claims related to skimming, with nearly million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits reimbursed. Unfortunately, recent federal reimbursements for these losses have come to an end, and New York has yet to adopt effective preventive measures, such as upgrading EBT cards with chip technology.

The repercussions are dire, especially for vulnerable populations. Families with children often face the heartbreak of empty refrigerators, while many older adults struggle to navigate the complexities of current technology. Simplistic tasks, like resetting a PIN or locking a card, can be bewildering for individuals lacking access to smartphones or competent English language skills, leading to skipped meals and increased anxiety.

Community-based organizations, like Part of the Solution (POTS), JASA, and the Chinese American Planning Council (CPC), find themselves at the forefront of this escalating crisis. They assist residents in accessing benefits, resolving issues, and managing emergencies. However, each reported case of skimming consumes precious staff resources—time that could be better spent addressing hunger or housing insecurity. As a result, trust in the safety net erodes, leading to communities that are increasingly strained.

Currently, 1.8 million residents of New York City depend on SNAP benefits, including approximately 560,000 children and 530,000 older adults. The emotional toll on families is staggering, as they continue to grapple with the fallout of lost benefits. Economically, the ramifications stretch far beyond individual households. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), every dollar spent on SNAP contributes .54 to the economy. Consequently, each dollar lost to fraud not only damages a household, but also impacts local economic health.

To address this urgent crisis, the implementation of chip card technology is imperative. This proven banking standard has been successful in combating fraud in other states, such as California and Oklahoma, where EBT systems have already been upgraded. In New York, a proposed legislative measure to introduce chip-enabled EBT cards has recently passed the state Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support and is currently under consideration in the Assembly.

The need for action is clear. Without the political will to invest in permanent anti-skimming solutions, low-income families and older adults will continue to suffer significant financial losses. At the federal level, oversight deficiencies and the ongoing absence of reimbursement authority leave victims vulnerable. Recent revelations of a million EBT fraud scheme highlight the desperate need for coordinated national oversight.

Advocates are calling on the New York State Assembly to swiftly enact EBT chip card legislation and on Congress to restore reimbursements for skimming victims while enhancing protective measures. This crisis is avoidable, yet each day without comprehensive reforms deepens its impact. Community organizations remain committed to supporting families and older adults affected by this issue, advocating tirelessly for necessary reforms to safeguard essential benefits.

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