The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) recently revealed that the personal information of over 61,000 individuals who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits had been exposed inappropriately.
This breach, which was first discovered on November 21, involved unauthorized access to sensitive personal data. Here’s everything you need to know about this situation and how you can safeguard yourself if you were affected.
What Happened?
The HHSC announced that between June 2021 and December 2024, a group of employees had improperly accessed and potentially misused personal data of SNAP recipients. The affected information includes:
- Full names
- Residential addresses
- Contact numbers
- Birthdates
- Email addresses
- Social Security numbers
- Medicaid and Medicare identification numbers
- Financial details
- Employment history
- Banking information
- Health-related data
- Certification and licensing details
Upon discovering the breach, the HHSC took swift action by firing the involved employees and reporting the incident to the Office of Inspector General for further investigation. The Texas authorities are now looking into whether criminal charges should be filed.
How the Breach Affects SNAP Recipients
The breach affects individuals enrolled in the SNAP program, which serves approximately 3.6 million people across Texas. If you are a SNAP beneficiary, it is essential to remain vigilant about your personal data.
To mitigate the risks, the HHSC has already sent out letters to the affected individuals by the end of last week. If you have received a letter, it’s crucial to follow the instructions and act promptly.
However, even if you haven’t received a letter, it’s recommended that all SNAP recipients take extra precautions.
Regularly review your Lone Star Card transactions for any suspicious activity. You can easily do this through the YourTexasBenefits.com website or the mobile app.
Steps to Take If You Suspect Fraud
If you notice any unusual transactions or believe your information has been misused, you must act quickly. Follow these steps:
- Report Suspicious Activity: Dial 211, select your preferred language, and choose option 3 to report any suspected fraud.
- Contact Your Local Benefits Office: Visit your nearest benefits office and ask for assistance in replacing your Lone Star Card if needed.
- Notify the Police: File a report with your local law enforcement to ensure they are aware of the situation.
- Monitor Other Accounts: Review your other financial accounts, including health and insurance records, for any suspicious activity.
Remember, if you find any signs of fraud, you have 30 days from the discovery date to report the issue to the HHSC.
What’s Being Done to Protect You
To support those impacted by the data breach, the HHSC is offering two years of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services. This package includes:
- Credit monitoring by Experian
- Identity theft insurance worth up to $1 million
- Social Security number monitoring
- Alerts about the sale of your personal information online
These services will be available for both adults and children enrolled in the SNAP program who were affected by the breach.
If you are eligible for these services, you will need to call 866-362-1773, available Monday to Friday, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. (except for federal holidays), and provide your engagement number (B138648) to activate the protection.
System Issues and Funding Request for Improvement
This data breach is not the only issue facing the HHSC. The agency has been dealing with ongoing technical problems, including delays in processing Medicaid and SNAP benefits.
Due to these challenges, many individuals have faced delays in receiving their benefits, and some have even lost Medicaid coverage because of system failures.
In response, the HHSC has requested an additional $300 million from the Texas Legislature. This funding would help improve the agency’s computer systems and expand the workforce to speed up benefit processing.
Additionally, a large number of people have faced long wait times while trying to access services through the YourTexasBenefits app or the 211 phone line.
Some SNAP applicants have also experienced delays in their redetermination process, which is critical for those renewing their benefits after the pandemic.
Conclusion
The Texas SNAP data breach is a significant incident affecting tens of thousands of people. If you are a SNAP recipient in Texas, it’s important to take immediate steps to protect your personal information.
Stay vigilant, monitor your accounts, and make use of the credit monitoring and identity protection services offered by the HHSC.
The state authorities are actively investigating the breach, and those responsible for the unauthorized access have already been terminated.
However, it remains essential for every affected individual to take precautions and report any suspicious activities to protect themselves from identity theft and fraud.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Filza specializes in simplifying financial topics for everyday readers. Whether breaking down Canada’s tax guides or U.S. benefits like SNAP and VA Disability, Filza’s relatable writing style ensures readers feel confident and informed. Follow her insights on LinkedIn or reach out via email at shewrites.health@gmail.com.
