SNAP Stabilizes After Shutdown; ODHS Replaces Skimmed Cards
After November’s shutdown-related delay, Oregon resumes standard SNAP issuance and responds to detected card-skimming in the Coos Bay and North Bend area.
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) says December SNAP benefits are being issued on the program’s normal monthly schedule, restoring predictability for households that rely on food assistance after last month’s delays tied to the federal government shutdown.
SNAP remains one of Oregon’s most important economic support programs. For every $1 in SNAP benefits spent, an estimated $1.50 to $1.80 circulates through local communities—adding up to roughly $1.6 billion in annual economic activity statewide.
“Every month hundreds of thousands of children, older adults and hard-working families and individuals depend on getting their SNAP food benefits on time to get enough food,” said ODHS Director Liesl Wendt. “After last month’s uncertainty and disruptions, we are grateful to be able to return to issuing SNAP food benefits when and how people expect us to. We also recommend that people take simple steps today to protect their EBT cards. By changing your PIN, locking your cards and blocking online and out-of-state purchases you can keep your benefits safe.”
SNAP is fully funded by the federal government and supports more than one in six Oregonians—about 18% of households—including children, older adults, people with disabilities, and working families.
Response to Widespread EBT Skimming
While benefits are flowing normally this month, ODHS continues to confront a rise in EBT card-skimming incidents in Oregon and across the country. This week, the agency turned off and replaced more than 1,300 EBT cards in the Coos Bay and North Bend area after detecting fraudulent activity linked to skimming devices attached to payment machines.
On Dec. 2, ODHS deactivated 1,350 cards known to be compromised and immediately issued replacements. Households should receive new cards by mail within five days, though anyone needing a card sooner can pick one up directly from a local ODHS office.
What To Do if Your EBT Card Stops Working
People who discover their card is suddenly inactive are encouraged to:
Check their balance at ebtEDGE.com or the official ebtEDGE mobile app. A balance that is lower than expected may indicate stolen benefits.
Call the ONE Customer Service Center (800-699-9075) or a local ODHS office to determine whether the card was turned off to prevent fraud.
Review recent transactions, especially early in the month, when most theft tends to occur.
Criminals often use skimmers, online scams, and fake websites to capture both card information and PINs, allowing them to drain SNAP or TANF balances through out-of-state or online purchases.
ODHS Guidance for Protecting Your EBT Card
To reduce the risk of theft, ODHS recommends these steps:
Use only the official ebtEDGE website and mobile app.
Freeze your card between uses through the ebtEDGE site or app.
Block online and out-of-state transactions under “Protect My Account.”
Change your PIN regularly by phone (888-997-4447), online, or at an ODHS office.
Keep your PIN private and shield the keypad when entering it.
Inspect card readers for signs of tampering.
Monitor your account often and report suspicious charges immediately.
Ignore texts or messages asking for card information—ODHS will never request details that way.
Trust only official ODHS social media accounts for benefit-related information.
More resources—including multilingual brochures, wallet cards, and how-to videos—are available at benefits.oregon.gov.
Replacement Rules for TANF and SNAP
Families receiving TANF may request replacement benefits if fraud occurs, but claims must be filed within 30 days. Details are available at: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/benefits/Pages/protect.aspx
Federal funding to replace stolen SNAP benefits expired on Dec. 21, 2024, and ODHS is no longer authorized to issue reimbursements for lost SNAP funds.
