Tips to Safeguard Against EBT Scams
Tip #1 Prevent EBT Spoofing
Safeguard Your EBT Benefits Against Scams
Spoofing occurs when scammers falsify caller ID information to disguise their
identity, often posing as EBT Customer Service or DSS One Number.
To protect yourself, never share personal information in response to unsolicited phone calls, even if the caller ID appears legitimate.
Be cautious of any unexpected calls requesting EBT card details or PIN.
Tip #2: Prevent Skimming & Card Cloning
Safeguard Your EBT Benefits Against Scams
Skimming or card cloning happens when thieves electronically steal your EBT benefits, even if you still have your card. This can occur anywhere you swipe your EBT card. To stay safe
- Change your PIN frequently and avoid easy-to-guess PINs like repeated or consecutive numbers. Never share your PIN, even with someone claiming to be from HRA or threatening case closure.
Tip #3: Freeze Your EBT Card When Not in Use
Freezing your EBT card when it is not in use is a powerful way to protect against scam-related theft.
To freeze or unfreeze your card log in to the ebtEDGE Cardholder Portal by clicking below.
Select “Freeze Card” or “Unfreeze Card” under Account Services.
This feature prevents unauthorized transactions when you are not using your card.
Tip #4: Block Online and Out-of-State Purchases
Protect your EBT account by blocking transactions that occur online or outside New York State. To manage this
- Visit the ebtEDGE Cardholder Portal by clicking below.
- Select “Protect My Account” under Account Services to turn these restrictions ON or OFF to limit unauthorized purchases.
Tip #5: Regularly Review Your EBT Account
Safeguard Your EBT Benefits Against Scams
Stay vigilant by checking your EBT account regularly for suspicious activity. To protect your benefits:
- Review your account transactions and balances frequently via the ebtEdge mobile app or clicking above to access the ebtEDGE Cardholder Portal.
- Immediately report a lost or stolen card if you notice questionable transactions by calling the EBT Customer Service Helpline at 888-328-6399 or using the ebtEDGE app or the website below.
Tip #6: Report Suspicious Devices
Safeguard Your EBT Benefits Against Scams
Skimming devices can be placed on card readers to steal your EBT information.
- If you suspect a skimmer is attached to a card reader, alert the retailer immediately and avoid using the machine.
- Report any suspicious devices to the EBT Customer Service Helpline at 888-328-6399.
Tip #7: Inspect Card Swipe Machines Carefully
Before swiping your EBT card, check ATMs and card readers for signs of tampering to avoid skimming devices. Look for
- Uneven or soft keypads.
- Dented, loose, or misaligned parts.
- Components that are a different color or style from the rest of the machine.
If anything seems off, avoid using the device and notify the retailer.
Don't Ignore a Lien Sale Notice - Options Available Until June 3, 2025
If your property is at risk of being included in the upcoming lien sale on June 3, 2025, due to unpaid water and wastewater charges, you have options to prevent the sale and protect your property.
Act now to explore payment plans and assistance programs before it's too late.
For more details, click the button below.
Lower Energy Costs Through NYS Weatherization Assistance Progam
The Weatherization Assistance Program helps lower energy costs for income-eligible household.
Households with incomes at or below 60% of state median income are eligible for assistance.
Program services are available to both homeowners and renters, with priority given to seniors, families with children, and people with disabilities.
If a household contains a member who receives Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits or certain other forms of public assistance, the household is automatically eligible for NYS WAP services.
Click on the link below for more details.
Prepare for Flying With Real I.D.
Taking a trip? Make sure you are ready with Real ID.
Beginning May 7, 2025, the federal government will require your driver license, permit or ID card to be REAL ID compliant if you wish to use it as identification to board a domestic flight (within the U.S.)
Need to know more about Real ID?
Click on the link below for more information.
Digital Social Security Option Debuts Summer 2025
Starting this summer, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will introduce a digital alternative to the traditional Social Security card, allowing My Social Security account holders to access and view their Social Security number (SSN) on their cell phone.
The digital option is designed to enhance security by minimizing the risk of lost or stolen cards and streamline user experience.
The SSA emphasizes that a physical card is often unnecessary if the SSN is known.
Create a My Social Security Account using the link below to create a digital card.
Cooling Assistance Benefit
The 2024-2025 Cooling Assistance Benefit opened on April 15, 2025.
If you are eligible, you may receive one Cooling Assistance benefit per applicant household for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or a fan to help your home stay cool.
You may be eligible for a Cooling Assistance HEAP benefit if:
- Your household's gross monthly income is at or below the current income guidelines for your household size as posted in the following table, or
- You receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or
- You receive Temporary Assistance (TA), or
- You receive Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone), or
- You received a Regular benefit greater than $21 in the current program year or received a Regular benefit equal to $21 during the current program year and reside in government subsidized housing with heat included in your rent, and
- Your household contains at least one individual with a documented medical condition that is exacerbated by extreme heat, or
- Your household contains a vulnerable member based on their age (60 years or older, or under age 6) which meet all other component eligibility criteria, and
- A member of your household is a United States Citizen or Qualified Non-Citizen, and
- You currently do not have a working air conditioner or the air conditioner you have is five years old or older, and
- You did not receive a HEAP funded air conditioner within the past five years.
EmPower+: Up to $10k for Energy Efficiency Improvements
The EmPower+ Application allows low- to moderate-income residents to apply for energy efficiency incentives. This program is available for both owners and renters of 1-to-4 family homes.
Through EmPower+, eligible households can receive:
1. No-cost home energy assessments
2. Direct install improvements, which are energy efficiency improvements installed at no cost during the home energy assessment.
3. No-cost improvements to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient.
Apply online using the link below.
Find a Participating EmPower+ Contractor.
Check Eligibility for Fair Fares NYC's 50% Discount on NYC Transportation
Fair Fares NYC is a City program that helps New Yorkers with low incomes reduce their transportation costs. By using the Fair Fares NYC discount, New York City residents get a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares (including the Staten Island Railway, Roosevelt Island Tram, and Hudson Rail Link).
Fair Fares also gives 50% off Access-A-Ride trips. This discount is given automatically when the Fair Fares and Access-A-Ride accounts are linked.
Save Time With Easy and Secure Online or By-Mail Passport Application and Renewal Service
No more long waits at the post office. Renew your passport online or by mail.
Click below to learn how to renew your passport online or by mail, get it changed or corrected, or what to do if it expires soon.
Warning: Some countries and airlines deny entry if your passport expires in less than 6 months.
Renew early, as passport processing times vary.
HEAP - Heating Equipment Repair/Replacement Benefit
Eligible homeowners can avail themselves of the Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement benefit to help repair or replace a household's furnace, boiler, and other direct heating equipment.
Benefit amounts are based on the cost incurred to repair or replace the furnace, boiler, and/or other essential heating equipment.
- $4,000 for a repair
- $8,000 for a replacement
NOTE: Online applications are not available for this benefit.
Eligible HEAP recipients must go to
1912 Mermaid Avenue to pick up an application.
2024-2025 HEAP Clean and Tune Benefit
Eligible households can receive energy efficiency services, including
- Cleaning of primary heating equipment
- Chimney cleaning
- Minor repairs
- Installation of carbon monoxide detectors
- Installation of programmable thermostats
Benefit amounts are based on the actual cost incurred to provide clean and tune services, up to a maximum of $500.
- Household eligibility requirements include
- Filing an application with the local Department of Social Services
- Providing all necessary documentation
- Residing in an eligible living situation
Get Accurate SNAP, HEAP, Medicaid Info Without Waiting for an Agent
The DSS OneNumber (formerly Infoline) offers a quick way for clients to get accurate information about their case without waiting to speak with a DSS OneNumber agent.
Clients can use the DSS OneNumber self-service feature to hear automated case information and request certain forms for some of the Agency's largest benefit programs, including
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Cash Assistance
- Medicaid
- HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program),
Types of Self-Service Information and Requests Available for Clients
The list below provides the automated case information and form requests that are available to clients who use the self-service feature.
SNAP & Cash Assistance
- Application or case status
- Appointment information
- Benefit amount
- Case member details
- Budget letter requests
- Payment information
- Recertification information
- Request forms
Medicaid
- Application or case status
- Coverage type & status
- Deferral status
- Deferral extension requests
- Individual status
- Renewal status
- Request forms
- Surplus information
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
- Application status
- Benefit period
- Benefit status
- Benefit type
Payment amount, status, and type
Use the ACCESS HRA button below to apply for some HRA benefits, submit documents for the application, manage the case, and more.
Click on the ACCESS HRA Users Guide below for more information.
Get Free Books by Mail
Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) offers a free delivery service for homebound seniors and people with a disability. Books are delivered by mail in a reusable envelope and are
returned with prepaid postage.
To register, click on the link below for the printable form, have it signed by a doctor, nurse, or social worker and return it by mail or fax.
BPL Books by Mail service can
be reached at (718) 236-1760.
Find Unclaimed Funds
New New York State legislation has enabled the Office of the State Comptroller to expedite certain unclaimed funds payments of $250 or less.
Every day, the NYS Comptroller's office returns over $1.5 million.
Check today if any of that money is meant for you.
Click on the button below to search for any unclaimed funds associated with your name.
Try your legal name, nickname and first initial.
Appliance Upgrade Program
Save Money on Efficient Heat Pump Clothes Dryers and Electrical Upgrades
Explore a large variety of resources
from venues, restaurants, parking garages, local businesses and much more.
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