Maryland’s SNAP recipients who have fallen victim to welfare theft are set to receive a significant boost in benefits, announced government officials.
The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) has disclosed plans to expand the program that reimburses stolen food and cash assistance, as detailed in an internal memo circulated among staff. This expansion will allow a larger number of SNAP recipients in the state to reclaim losses resulting from fraud.
This policy shift follows criticism from local advocates and lawmakers regarding the department’s previous interpretation of state law. Initially, the DHS limited reimbursements to a retroactive period spanning from January 1, 2021, to October 1, 2022.
However, the recent memo obtained by local news outlets The Baltimore Banner and WMAR2 News outlines a broader scope, stating that benefits stolen after October 1, 2022, will also be restored.
Under the former rules, victims faced restrictions on reporting theft, the number of claims allowed, and the total reimbursement amount. The updated state program aims to eliminate these barriers, ensuring full restitution for affected individuals.
SNAP Policy Adjustment
A spokesperson for the department affirmed their commitment to assisting families whose benefits were stolen, emphasizing compliance with federal and state regulations. The Maryland DHS has been contacted for further comment.
In a separate statement, the DHS clarified that claimants previously denied or partially reimbursed need not file new claims for retroactive compensation.
The department is currently reviewing denied claims submitted between March 1, 2023, and January 31, 2024, with eligible households slated to receive additional benefits.
Vanessa Fleeton, a Baltimore resident, shared her experience of only receiving a fraction of her stolen benefits under previous guidelines. However, with the policy revision, Fleeton and others stand to benefit from improved restitution procedures.
Fleeton expressed satisfaction with the department’s acknowledgment of the need for improvement, highlighting the positive impact on affected individuals. This policy adjustment reflects a commitment to rectifying past discrepancies and ensuring equitable support for Maryland’s SNAP recipients.
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