On Tuesday afternoon, state lawmakers will question the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Human Services about stolen federal assistance benefits and recertification issues.

WMAR-2 News Mallory Sofastaii has reported extensively on thieves swiping SNAP and cash assistance benefits before families can access their funds.

According to DHS, in August, more than $178,000 in SNAP and cash assistance were reported stolen, triple the amount for the month prior. Since January 1, 2022, there's been $522,000 in reported losses. For all of 2021, $92,500 was reported stolen.

“I woke up on [September] 3rd, I’m pregnant, went to call my card and found out that my benefits were swiped,” said Courtney Obee, whose Temporary Cash Assistance benefits were withdrawn in Miami, two hours after they were deposited into her account. “They took $1,300, $1,320 to be exact.”... Read More: WMAR2NEWS