Latest news with #CountyAssistanceOffice
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
New survey reports out-of-state EBT theft on the rise in Pennsylvania, among other issues
(WJET/WFXP) – According to a new survey, Pennsylvania saw an increase in out-of-state benefit theft, among other issues regarding EBT cards. Propel, an app aimed at helping people keep track of their EBT balance, surveyed their users to find what types of theft were most common and how those thefts were affecting recipients. SNAP recipients: Lose groceries due to severe weather? Here's how you might qualify for replacement benefits The survey claims that 68% of Pennsylvania victims reported having their benefits stolen on the same day they were deposited. It also stated that 53% of victims have had their benefits stolen by out-of-state hackers, which is up more than 30% from 2024. Warren police warning of impersonation phone scam Due to these thefts, 51% of Propel app users in Pennsylvania stated concerns about their benefits being stolen, with 26% saying they avoid certain stores to avoid theft. If you or someone you know has had their benefits stolen, you can report the theft to your local County Assistance Office. To read the entire survey, which spans across several states, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/
CBS News
02-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Resources available if food purchased with SNAP benefits goes bad due to power outages
For people who rely on SNAP benefits, resources are available if the food purchased with those benefits goes bad due to power outages. Help is also available for people who rely on oxygen and have had their supply interrupted or faced other related challenges. "We've also had a lot of people who are low-income residents who are on SNAP and other types of assistance, and they've lost everything that they had," state Rep. Abigail Salisbury said. To get replacement SNAP benefits in Pennsylvania, people can fill out a printed form and submit it to their local County Assistance Office. The form must be filled out within 10 days of the storm. Pennsylvania law allows people to get up to a month of replacement SNAP benefits. Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Lee Smith encouraged people who rely on SNAP benefits and are now trying to restock food to contact 2-1-1 for assistance. "We also can help them get an emergency food box from a food bank," Salisbury said. Food banks, she said, are struggling as power outages have forced them to discard large quantities of food. With power now being reestablished, she's asking people to donate food to food banks and food pantries. City has resources for people who rely on oxygen During a press conference on Thursday, Pittsburgh Mayor Gainey acknowledged concerns about people who rely on oxygen. He encouraged people who need to charge oxygen tanks to go to city rec and senior centers, which are staying open late to allow people to charge their phones primarily. "It was a complete nightmare," said Kim Zolnierzak, who lives in North Braddock and said her supply of oxygen was interrupted, on top of not having the power she needs to run her oxygen equipment. "I thought I was going to die." Salisbury, the state representative in the district where Kim lives, brought her what she needed. "I've tried to drop off everything from generators and oxygen to literal food from my house," she said. Kim said she was very thankful and encouraged others struggling to reach out to their local representatives. In Pittsburgh, EMS is delivering oxygen to those who need it, the mayor announced on Thursday.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Yahoo
Person charged with stealing more than $8K in SNAP benefits from 17 Pennsylvanians
A person has been charged with stealing SNAP benefits from 17 Pennsylvanians, the Office of State Inspector General says. The office says 35 felony and misdemeanor counts of access device fraud, theft by deception and identity theft were filed against an unidentified suspect. The inspector general says the alleged thefts happened in February 2023 and all the victims live in eastern Pennsylvania. None of them lost possession of their EBT cards. 'Stealing SNAP benefits is preying upon those in need,' said State Inspector General Michelle A. Henry. 'We are committed to working hard every day to protect our most vulnerable residents from those who steal their SNAP funds.' The suspect is accused of using the stolen benefits to make over $8,000 in purchases in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Some of those purchases include bulk quantities of Red Bull, candy and baby formula. Anyone who thinks their benefits have been stolen should immediately contact their County Assistance Office for help in getting a new EBT card. The crime should also be reported to the OSIG and local police. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
