Online Community Services Office (CSO)

UPDATE effective 9/11/2025:

Sept. 19, 2025, will be the final date to submit claims to replace food and cash benefits stolen via skimming, cloning and other similar fraudulent methods.

Important deadlines to remember:

• You can submit a claim for benefits stolen on or before Dec. 20, 2024.
• Your claim will be processed if it is:
  • Reported within 30 days of discovering the theft.
  • Received by the department by Sept. 19, 2025.
• If your claim is received after Sept. 19, 2025, it will be denied.

The U.S. Congress passed a law allowing states to replace food benefits stolen via card skimming, card cloning and other similar methods between Oct. 1, 2022, and Dec. 20, 2024. Congress did not extend these dates.

The Washington State Legislature approved the replacement of cash benefits that were stolen though EBT card skimming and tied those replacements to food-benefit replacements. Since food replacements ended, cash replacements must also end. Cash benefits could be replaced only if stolen between July 1, 2024, and Dec. 20, 2024.

Customers are encouraged to continue to report benefits theft so DSHS can track these losses, and to continue to be diligent in protecting their personal information and preventing fraud by using the helpful tips included in this brochure.

For more information on how to prevent EBT fraud, visit the Economic Services Administration news page.

Save time and skip waiting on hold.

Did you know you have several options to avoid long wait times in offices and on phones with our self-service options, online Client Benefit Account and other resources? Watch a short video about how to:

• Use VAN, our Virtual Agent Navigator, to get answers to your questions or complete your no-change, food-only Mid-Certification Review.
• Apply for services online using Washington Connection.
• Create a Client Benefit Account.
• Complete your medical-only eligibility review (no need for a phone or in-person interview!).

COVID-19 Policy and Program Changes

• The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Pandemic Time Limit Extension has ended. Learn more.
• Your food benefits changed. Here's what you need to know.