by For many low-income families, monthly EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) deposits are essential to survival. But a growing wave of thefts has left thousands without the benefits they depend on.
Jahqwayla Harris, a mother of three living in Port Vue, knows the pain all too well. Her family receives over $600 monthly in benefits—crucial funds to feed her children. But in March, just 20 minutes after her deposit hit, the money vanished.
“I had maybe ten different transactions in like ten different states and cities. This is crazy,” Harris said.
This type of fraud isn’t new. Since October 2022, Pennsylvania has logged over 23,000 EBT theft cases. Previously, the federal government would reimburse stolen funds, but that policy changed in December 2024.
“Now I have to spoon cash that I really don’t have,” Harris explained. “It’s hurtful—we are struggling right now.”
State Lawmaker Fights Back
State Representative Doyle Heffley says he’s heard countless similar stories. In response, he plans to introduce new legislation aimed at tightening EBT card security.
“These cards are just swipe,” Heffley said. “We talked with the Department [of Human Services] about using chip-enabled cards. Most of my credit cards have chips. But not all stores have chip readers.”
Heffley’s bill would upgrade not only the cards but also retailer equipment to support secure transactions—something that would require major investment from the state.
“We are stealing from the most vulnerable,” Heffley said. “Any kind of theft is wrong, but especially when it’s public dollars meant to help people in need.”
Protect Yourself From EBT Theft
While lawmakers work on long-term solutions, there are steps EBT users can take right now to protect themselves:
- Change your PIN and password frequently.
- Keep your card hidden until you’re ready to use it.
- Check for card skimming devices before swiping.
As EBT fraud continues to rise, the push for better protections grows louder across Pennsylvania.
