14-05-2025
New lock safety feature could help SNAP benefit recipients avoid theft
A technology upgrade could protect Pennsylvania residents from SNAP benefits theft.
JET 24 has been reporting on this issue after hearing complaints from residents in Meadville and Erie who had their benefits stolen.
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Since congressional authorization ended in December, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has been unable to reissue those benefits.
But according to Secretary Valerie Arkoosh, EBT cards can now be protected with a lock safety feature.
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'You lock your house when you leave for the day. You lock your car when you're not using it. Now you can lock your EBT card when it's not in use to protect your SNAP and cash benefits from skimming and theft,' said Valerie Arkoosh, MD, secretary of the PA Department of Human Services.
The new card lock safety feature is available on the Connect EBT website and mobile app.
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