Download ArticleLearn how to receive a new Electronic Benefits Transfer card
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This article was written by Jennifer Mueller, JD. Jennifer Mueller is an in-house legal expert at How.com.vn. Jennifer reviews, fact-checks, and evaluates How.com.vn's legal content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. She received her JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2006.
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If you receive food or economic assistance from the government, you likely have an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. This card operates just like a debit card, and your benefits are deposited in your account each month. If your card is damaged, or if it is lost or stolen, you can call or stop by a local office to have it replaced. In some states, you can also request a replacement online.[1]
Replacing a Lost or Stolen EBT Card
Visit your state's EBT website to see if you can request a new EBT card online. Or, visit your local benefits office or call the provided customer service number on your state's EBT website and explain your situation. Provide your address and ID.
Steps
Visit your local EBT website. If your state or local benefits office has a website where you can manage your benefits account, you may be able to request a replacement card online. This service is not available in all areas.[2]- If you already have an account, log on to determine whether you can request a replacement card from the website.
- If you don't have an account, you may want to check to make sure you can order a replacement card online before you register. Look on your state or local benefits website for a "lost/stolen EBT card," "replacement EBT card," or something similar.
Complete the replacement form for Medicaid. If you have Medicaid benefits on your EBT card, there may be a separate form that you have to fill out before you can receive a replacement card.[3]- Even though some states provide Medicaid benefits on EBT cards, this system is separate from any SNAP (Food Stamp) or cash benefits you may receive.
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Update your address if necessary. When you order a replacement EBT card online, it will typically be mailed to you. Check the information on the website to make sure your address is correct, especially if you've recently moved.[4]- There may also be an option for you to pick up your card in person at a local office, rather than waiting for it to be mailed. This may enable you to get your card quicker.
Receive your card in the mail. After your request for a replacement card is received, the state or local benefits office will issue you a new card and mail it to you. Depending on when you made your request, you should receive your new card within a week.[5]- Expect it to take a little longer to get your card if you make your request on a weekend, or over a holiday.
- You will receive your PIN separately from your card. However, once you receive your PIN, you can call or go to the website and change your PIN to something you can more easily remember if you want. Avoid using the same PIN as your old card if your old card was lost or stolen.[6]
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Call the customer service number for your local benefits office. Your state benefits agency has a toll-free automated number that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Use this number to request a replacement card as soon as you notice your card is missing.[7]- If you don't know the number off the top of your head, check the website of your state's benefits agency.
- If your card is only for Medicaid benefits, you may have to call a different number.
Select the appropriate prompt. If you lost your EBT card, select the prompt to report your card lost or stolen. If you still have your card, but it is damaged or unreadable, there may be another option that would enable you to get another card with the same number.[8]- You may initially be prompted to enter your EBT card number. If your card was lost or stolen, wait through this prompt to be immediately given the option to report your card as lost or stolen.
Verify your address. After your replacement request is received, the phone system typically will read the address on file and ask you to confirm that it is correct. This is the address where your replacement EBT card will be sent.[9]- If the address is incorrect, such as if you've recently removed, follow the prompts to change your address in the system.
Receive your new card in the mail. After you order a replacement card using the customer service number, your state or local benefits office will mail the card to you. Expect it to arrive within 7 to 10 business days from the date of your request.[10]- If a week passes and you still haven't received your replacement card, call the local number for your benefits office. Let the worker who answers know the date you requested your replacement card and that you still haven't received it. They may cancel that card and let you come in and get a replacement immediately.
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Check office hours and locations. If you need a replacement card immediately, you can go to a local office in person and have a new card printed immediately. Depending on where you live, there may only be particular offices that print replacement cards.[11]- Call the local number for your benefits office if you want to request a replacement card in person. You may have more efficient service if you make an appointment rather than walking in.
- Most benefits offices are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Some may remain open for an hour or two in the evening.
Visit your local benefits office to apply for a waiver. Some states charge a replacement fee for your card, which is taken out of your monthly benefits. In some cases, you may be entitled to a waiver of this fee.[12]- Contact your local benefits office to find out how you might qualify for a waiver.
- For example, if you are a victim of domestic violence and lost your card because you had to leave your home, you typically would be eligible for a waiver. If you lost your card in a disaster, such as a fire or flood, you would also be eligible for a waiver.
Provide sufficient identification. At a minimum, you will need a valid, government-issued photo ID. Some local offices may require additional information to confirm your identity before issuing your replacement card. You may want to call ahead to make sure you're bringing sufficient information with you.[13]- If you're also applying for a waiver of the replacement fee, you may need to bring additional documentation with you to support the waiver. For example, if you are a victim of domestic violence, you would bring a copy of a police report or a restraining order.[14]
Receive your replacement card. When you request a replacement card in person, it will be printed immediately. Some offices may print a temporary or emergency card in the office, then send your permanent card through the mail.[15]- Whatever benefits remained in your account will be transferred to your new replacement card.
Choose your PIN. When you request a replacement EBT card in person, the benefits worker will set your PIN for you right then so you can immediately start using your card. You can set the same PIN as you previously had, or you can change it to something different.[16]- If your EBT card was lost or stolen, it's a good idea to set a new PIN for your replacement card, just in case.
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Tips
- Safeguard your EBT card just as you would a credit or debit card. If you request too many replacements in a year (typically 4 or more in a 12-month period), you may have to talk to a benefits worker before you can get another card.[17]Thanks
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Warnings
- If your EBT card is lost or stolen, call customer service right away and report it so the card number can be cancelled. Otherwise, someone might use your benefits.Thanks
- While your local benefits agency will replace the card itself, any lost benefits will not be replaced. This is why it's important to report your card lost or stolen as soon as possible.[18]Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.mass.gov/guides/using-your-ebt-card
- ↑ https://www.cdss.ca.gov/ebt-card
- ↑ https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/applications-forms
- ↑ https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/applications-forms
- ↑ https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=39331
- ↑ https://www.mass.gov/guides/using-your-ebt-card
- ↑ https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/applications-forms
- ↑ https://www.mass.gov/guides/using-your-ebt-card
- ↑ https://www.mass.gov/guides/using-your-ebt-card
- ↑ https://www.mass.gov/guides/using-your-ebt-card
- ↑ https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-02340
- ↑ https://www.masslegalhelp.org/income-benefits/tafdc/advocacy-guide/part5/q82-replace-or-change-ebt-card
- ↑ https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-02340
- ↑ https://www.masslegalhelp.org/income-benefits/tafdc/advocacy-guide/part5/q82-replace-or-change-ebt-card
- ↑ https://dhhr.wv.gov/ebt/cardholders/Pages/ReplacementCards.aspx
- ↑ https://www.cdss.ca.gov/ebt-card
- ↑ https://www.masslegalhelp.org/income-benefits/tafdc/advocacy-guide/part5/q82-replace-or-change-ebt-card
- ↑ https://www.mass.gov/guides/using-your-ebt-card
About This Article
Doctor of Law, Indiana University
This article was written by Jennifer Mueller, JD. Jennifer Mueller is an in-house legal expert at How.com.vn. Jennifer reviews, fact-checks, and evaluates How.com.vn's legal content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. She received her JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2006. This article has been viewed 188,312 times.
Co-authors: 7
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 188,312
Categories: Payment Cards
Article SummaryX
To replace your EBT card online, visit your state or local EBT website and look for a link labeled “lost/stolen EBT card” or something similar. If you have Medicaid benefits on your EBT card, be sure to fill out any Medicaid forms, which are separate from food stamps or cash benefits. Before you request your new card, check to make sure the home address on your account is correct. Once you’ve submitted the request, you should receive your new card in about a week. For more tips from our legal co-author, like how to call customer service to request a replacement card, keep reading!
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