Latest news with #NancyBuckner
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Alabama officials recommend locking food stamp cards to prevent out-of-state fraud
HUNTSIVLLE, Ala. (WHNT) — The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) is recommending that all EBT cardholders utilize the new Lock/Unlock feature on the ConnectEBT app and website, especially the 'Lock Card Everywhere' option which will help block out of state fraud. From May 2023 to Dec. 20, 2024, Alabama DHR replaced $15.9 million of SNAP benefits due to EBT fraud. From October to December 2024, over 26,000 reimbursements were approved for $10.5 million. The Department believes that 100 percent of the funds were stolen from outside of the state. Data shows that around $1.8 million in Alabama EBT expenditures happened in the state of New York and around $2.2 million was spent in Pennsylvania. DHR said it believes most, if not all, of this is fraud. 'The very best thing our SNAP clients can do is lock their card when they aren't using it,' said Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner. 'With the funds being stolen by utilizing out of state EBT terminals, we believe using our newest feature on ConnectEBT and locking the EBT card will truly combat this type of fraud.' Clients can choose from two options when locking their card: 'Lock Card Everywhere' or 'Lock Card'. 'Lock Card Everywhere' completely locks cards to ALL purchases anywhere. The 'Lock Card' option will lock cards from purchases outside of Alabama but does allow online purchases. DHR strongly recommends the 'Lock Card Everywhere' option at all times when the card is not in use. In the event a card is used at a location for a food purchase, the business can access the amount due, even if the card is then immediately locked by the user. Authorization for the purchase is in real-time and based on the card status at the time of the transaction. If the card is locked when the card is swiped or keyed in, then the retailer's transaction will fail due to the locked card status. But if the cardholder locks the card, even if it is immediately AFTER the transaction is complete, the transaction would have already been authorized and completed and the transaction would be successful as long as available funds were in the account at the time of the purchase. EBT cardholders may also sign up for alerts through the ConnectEBT app and website. These alerts include account activity alerts through the app, text, and/or email. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
2 days ago
- Business
- The Hill
Alabama officials recommend locking food stamp cards to prevent out-of-state fraud
HUNTSIVLLE, Ala. (WHNT) — The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) is recommending that all EBT cardholders utilize the new Lock/Unlock feature on the ConnectEBT app and website, especially the 'Lock Card Everywhere' option which will help block out of state fraud. From May 2023 to Dec. 20, 2024, Alabama DHR replaced $15.9 million of SNAP benefits due to EBT fraud. From October to December 2024, over 26,000 reimbursements were approved for $10.5 million. The Department believes that 100 percent of the funds were stolen from outside of the state. Data shows that around $1.8 million in Alabama EBT expenditures happened in the state of New York and around $2.2 million was spent in Pennsylvania. DHR said it believes most, if not all, of this is fraud. 'The very best thing our SNAP clients can do is lock their card when they aren't using it,' said Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner. 'With the funds being stolen by utilizing out of state EBT terminals, we believe using our newest feature on ConnectEBT and locking the EBT card will truly combat this type of fraud.' Clients can choose from two options when locking their card: 'Lock Card Everywhere' or 'Lock Card'. 'Lock Card Everywhere' completely locks cards to ALL purchases anywhere. The 'Lock Card' option will lock cards from purchases outside of Alabama but does allow online purchases. DHR strongly recommends the 'Lock Card Everywhere' option at all times when the card is not in use. In the event a card is used at a location for a food purchase, the business can access the amount due, even if the card is then immediately locked by the user. Authorization for the purchase is in real-time and based on the card status at the time of the transaction. If the card is locked when the card is swiped or keyed in, then the retailer's transaction will fail due to the locked card status. But if the cardholder locks the card, even if it is immediately AFTER the transaction is complete, the transaction would have already been authorized and completed and the transaction would be successful as long as available funds were in the account at the time of the purchase. EBT cardholders may also sign up for alerts through the ConnectEBT app and website. These alerts include account activity alerts through the app, text, and/or email.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Alabama DHR recommends locking EBT cards to prevent out-of-state fraud
HUNTSIVLLE, Ala. (WHNT) — The Alabama Department of Human Resources is recommending that all EBT cardholders utilize the new Lock/Unlock feature on the ConnectEBT app and website, especially the 'Lock Card Everywhere' option which will help block out of state fraud. From May 2023 to December 20, 2024, Alabama DHR replaced $15.9 million of SNAP benefits due to EBT fraud. From October to December 20, 2024, over 26,000 reimbursements were approved for $10.5 million. The Department believes that 100% of the funds were stolen from outside of the state. Data shows that around $1.8 million in Alabama EBT expenditures happened in the state of New York and around $2.2 million was spent in Pennsylvania. The Department of Human Resources believe most, if not all, of this is fraud. 'The very best thing our SNAP clients can do is lock their card when they aren't using it,' said Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner. 'With the funds being stolen by utilizing out of state EBT terminals, we believe using our newest feature on ConnectEBT and locking the EBT card will truly combat this type of fraud.' Clients can choose from two options when locking their card: 'Lock Card Everywhere' or 'Lock Card'. 'Lock Card Everywhere' completely locks cards to ALL purchases anywhere. The 'Lock Card' option will lock cards from purchases outside of Alabama, but does allow online purchases. DHR strongly recommends the 'Lock Card Everywhere' option at all times when the card is not in use. EBT cardholders may also sign up for alerts through the ConnectEBT app and website. These alerts include account activity alerts through the app, text, and/or email. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New Summer EBT Benefits coming to families with eligible school children
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WHNT) — The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) in partnership with the Alabama State Department of Education is providing a way for school children to remain fed this summer. Officials plan to distribute Alabama SUN Bucks also known as 'Summer EBT' benefits to eligible children this summer, as part of a new federal program. Alabama SUN Bucks will provide a one-time issuance of $120 per school-aged child for grocery benefits for the summer to low-income families. According to officials, Alabama SUN Bucks will be automatically issued to school-aged children who have been approved by application or direct certification and attending a school that offers the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs. Huntsville City Schools to offer free meals to children during summer learning activities Children that are directly certified through the ALSDE in programs such as SNAP, TANF or Medicaid will be automatically eligible for Alabama SUN Bucks. If children aren't enrolled automatically, they may still apply for Alabama SUN Bucks by clicking here. Students receiving free meals through the Community Eligibility Provision will not automatically qualify; however, students may still be eligible for the benefits based on the household's income. 'The summer break can be challenging for families when children are at home and spending increases because children and youth are not in school and receiving benefits,' said Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner. 'This additional money will help families across the state make it through summer break while also encouraging healthy and nutritious eating. Alabama SUN Bucks are accepted at grocery stores, farmers' markets, convenience stores, and online retailers. Alabama SUN Bucks can buy most SNAP-eligible foods, except hot and prepared foods. Alabama SUN Bucks benefits will start being sent in June 2025. Families that need to apply can do so anytime. Applications will be reviewed in May 2025. A letter about your child's eligibility will be sent to you if you applied or are automatically eligible. An Alabama SUN Bucks card will be issued for students who qualify for the program. Alabama SUN Bucks customer service representatives are available to answer Summer EBT questions Monday-Friday. Please contact the representatives by phone at 1-800-443-3536. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alabama DHR announces new website and App for SNAP clients
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — The Alabama Department of Human Resources has officially launched a new website and app for clients. The new ConnectEBT mobile app will allow for cardholders to access theiraccount to check their SNAP balance in real-time. On the app, you may also request replacement EBT cards, change PIN numbers, view allEBT transactions, and find answers to frequently asked questions. State officials said that DHR is working with the EBT vendor to add features that will give clients additional controls to help prevent theft of EBT benefits. 'This new app is part of our plan to increase security enhancements. This is the first step out of many that will greatly decrease the fraud happening to our clients,' said Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner. 'The Food Assistance Division has worked tirelessly to implement these features for our clients to continue putting food on the table and feed their families without interruption.' The ConnectEBT app is available on the App Store for iOS users and Google Play store for Android users. More information can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
