BUFFALO, N.Y. — Gina Heath, receives SNAP and cash assistance, says the problems began during the federal government shutdown. She typically receives both benefits on the 4th of each month. But in November, her deposit didn't arrive until the 11th. Then, one month later, things got far worse.

On Dec. 4, Heath discovered her cash was taken, and when she checked her records, it showed a transaction happened "in Evanston, Illinois, at 1:52 a.m."

Her SNAP food benefits were untouched, but her $123 cash assistance had been drained.

Heath immediately went to the Erie County Department of Social Services, where she found more people in the same situation.

"There were at least 15 people there," she said. "Another woman told me both her SNAP and cash were taken the day of her deposit."

Heath s

See Full Page