Oregon SNAP recipients will no longer receive federal replacements for stolen benefits
PORTLAND, Ore. () — Oregon families have been impacted by federal leaders’ decision to nix a policy that refunds some low-income victims of theft.
According to the , Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients whose food benefits are stolen were no longer eligible for replacements as of Dec. 21, 2024.
Man killed at Portland Fred Meyer was trying to stop robbery, police say
Originally, in late December 2022, the passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act established that SNAP recipients would see replacements for benefits nabbed through “fraudulent methods” like card skimming or cloning.
This measure initially applied to theft occurring between Oct. 1, 2022 and Sept. 30, 2024, but was later extended through Dec. 20 due to the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act. USDA reported that the policy was abandoned when the American Relief Act was signed into law the following day — without any federal protections for stolen benefits.
Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon called attention to the policy change decision on Thursday.
“We understand how deeply skimming loss affects families who are already struggling, and we are disappointed that our federal representatives didn’t take action to give SNAP users the protections they deserve,” Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon’s Co-Executive Director Sarah Weber-Ogden said in a release.
FBI reveals arson suspect used ‘coffee cup’ size of welding material in ballot box fires
The organization claimed that only a “small percentage” of SNAP recipients statewide have experienced card skimming, but the new policy will disproportionately impact low-income households.
Federal leaders noted state agencies can still opt to replace stolen benefits using state dollars. Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon said it will work alongside officials and organizations to “find long-term solutions.”
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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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 KOIN.com.
