Pennsylvania SNAP recipients urged to regularly change PIN

Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services is reminding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients to change their EBT card PINs monthly to prevent theft, particularly ahead of monthly benefit distributions.

The warning comes amid a rise in nationwide SNAP benefit theft, often through card skimming, where thieves steal EBT card information at point-of-sale machines.

The department and the Office of State Inspector General said thieves often wait until monthly benefit distributions to steal funds.

Recipients can change their PINs by calling 1-888-EBT-PENN (1-888-328-7366), online through the Connect EBT website, or via the ConnectEBT or myCOMPASS PA mobile apps.

Officials also urged recipients to inspect card readers for skimming devices, which can appear larger than legitimate readers and may be attached with glue or tape.

If benefits are stolen, recipients should report it to local law enforcement and the Office of State Inspector General at 1-800-932-0582. Stolen benefits after Dec. 20, 2024, cannot be reissued due to the end of congressional authorization.