(WHTM) — There are benefits intended for the most vulnerable in society, but the delivery system is increasingly vulnerable to scammers, and a recent government rule change means when the neediest are scammed, they’re out of luck, which is proving to be hard to swallow for many.

Shanasia Harris was supposed to receive more than $500 in food stamps for her and her daughter and $100 in cash assistance. What did she get?

“I was supposed to get my cash and my food stamps on a certain day,” said Harris. “It was only $38 in food stamps and only $3 in cash.”

Officials confirmed that Harris was scammed, and they were able to track her money to out-of-state scammers.

“It is being used in other states,” said Harris. “Illinois and Arkansas.”

Pennsylvania has become a frequent target of these thieves. Pennsylvania Human Services Secretary Val Arkoosh recently testified that in the past two years, nearly $9 million in stolen benefits were reimbursed to victims, which the state can no longer do after funding was eliminated in Washington.

“Up until December 20, when people’s benefits were stolen, we could replace them at no cost to the state,” said Secretary Arkoosh. “We no longer have that flexibility, so now when people’s benefits are getting stolen there is nothing we can do.”

Many point to Congress’s attempt to eliminate “waste, fraud, and abuse.”

“But we’re not actually helping the people who have been the victims of waste, fraud, and abuse, which is somebody who is stealing their legitimately received benefits and using it without their knowledge or consent in other states,” said Rep. Emily Kinkhead (D-Allegheny).

“Basically, I think it’s unfair,” said Cheryl Green, Harris’s mother.

Green says folks are being victimized once by the scammers and a second time by the system.

“So what are they supposed to do in the meantime?” asked Green. “Like they told my daughter, ‘Wait until next month,’ and hand her a list of pantries.”

Harris said she changed her card’s PIN number, but there will be nothing on it until April 9.

“That’s a big problem,” said Harris. “My daughter’s birthday is on the 29th of this month.”

“It is disgusting that these thieves are doing this,” added Green.”

With a controversial continuing resolution being passed in Washington, D.C., and renewed efforts to cut spending, it’s not likely any help from D.C. Is coming any time soon.