Feeding Pennsylvania Applauds the Pennsylvania House for Unanimously Passing Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Families from SNAP Benefit Theft

Feeding Pennsylvania applauds the Pennsylvania House for unanimously passing bipartisan legislation to protect families from SNAP benefit theft.

HB 2540, introduced by Chairmen Dan Williams (D., Chester) and Doyle Heffley (R., Carbon), will require the Department of Human Services (DHS) to switch to secure, chip-enabled EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card technology. These chip-enabled cards prevent skimming, a form of electronic theft in which criminals install concealed, illegal devices over legitimate card readers at store checkouts to steal card information and funds. This new security measure will protect SNAP retailers and participants, ensuring benefits remain available for those who rely on them.

“SNAP helps nearly 2 million Pennsylvanians put food on the table each month. When those benefits are stolen through skimming, hardworking families and seniors are forced to reduce or skip meals to make ends meet,” said Julie Bancroft, CEO of Feeding Pennsylvania. “Updating EBT card technology to match industry-standard best practices will help prevent instances of skimming and other theft, protecting taxpayers and ensuring hungry Pennsylvanians have the support they need to get back on their feet.”    

According to the Pennsylvania Office of State Inspector General, more than 5,100 cases of SNAP skimming have been reported since January, totaling nearly $2.5 million in stolen benefits in PA. The USDA Office of Inspector General estimates that almost $555 million in SNAP skimming losses have occurred across the country since October 2022.

HB 2540 now moves to the Senate for further consideration. Feeding Pennsylvania urges the Senate to swiftly pass this common-sense legislation that combats crime and protects Pennsylvanians.