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If you receive government food assistance to make your grocery bill more affordable, you'll receive those benefits each month on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Some other benefits, including WIC benefits for women and infants, may also be provided to you on an EBT card.[1] Typically, you'll get your EBT card when you first apply for food assistance. That card is valid indefinitely, so don't throw it away or lose it, even if you're no longer receiving food assistance. In the event you do lose your card you can request a replacement. However, you'll likely pay a fee for a replacement card.[2]
Steps
Applying for Food Assistance
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1Complete the application for food assistance. Food assistance, also known as "food stamps" or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), is a federal program administered by state welfare agencies. You typically can apply online, over the phone, or in person at a county welfare office.[3]
- To find the right website for your state agency, do an internet search for "SNAP" or "food stamps" followed by the name of your state. Check the addresses that come up. The official website typically will end in ".gov."
- The website will have an online application as well as information on other ways you can apply. If you want to apply in person, look for a locator map to find the office in your county.
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2Talk to a caseworker about your application. After you've completed and submitted your application for food assistance, a caseworker will call you to set up an interview. Your interview may be in person at the county office or over the phone.[4]
- The caseworker will ask you questions about the information you provided in your application. They may also need documents to verify information you provided. They'll let you know about any documents they need when they call you to set up the interview.
- If you have a phone interview and need to supply documents, you can either fax them or take them to the county office in person.
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3Wait to receive your EBT card in the mail. As soon as your application for food assistance is received, your county agency will place an order for your EBT card. Typically, this card will be mailed to you at the address you provide on your application. You should receive it within 7 to 10 days.[5]
- If you requested that your application be expedited, you may be able to get your card sooner. However, this typically means you'll have to go to the county office in person to pick up your card.
Tip: It's possible you'll receive your EBT card before your application is approved or any benefits are placed on it. Keep it in a safe place. You'll need it to use your benefits.
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4Call the customer service number to set your personal identification number (PIN). When you receive your card in the mail, it will come with instructions on how to activate it and set your PIN. Typically, you'll call a toll-free number and follow automatic prompts.[6]
- You may also be able to activate your EBT card and set your PIN on a website. If your state offers this option, the URL of the website will be included with the information that comes with your card.
Tip: Keep this number in a safe place. You'll need it if you have any problems with your EBT card. You may also want to save it in your mobile phone.
Replacing a Lost or Stolen Card
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1Report your lost or stolen card immediately. If your EBT card is lost or stolen, you could potentially lose benefits. Anyone who has your card and your PIN can access your benefits. However, when you report the card lost or stolen, it will be immediately deactivated so that no one can use it.[7]
- If any or all of your benefits were spent during the time after your card was lost but before you reported it, those benefits cannot be replaced.
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2Wait to receive a replacement card in the mail. When you report your card lost or stolen, your state agency will immediately send a replacement card to you. It should arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 days.[8]
- If you need your card sooner, call your state agency directly and talk to a caseworker. You may also be able to pick up a replacement card from your county office in person.
Tip: Secure your card to keep from losing it. If you request 5 or more replacement cards over the course of a 12-month period, you may have to complete an interview with a caseworker before a replacement card will be issued.
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3Check the amount of benefits on your replacement card. Any benefits remaining on your old card will be transferred to your new card. However, there may be a replacement fee deducted from those benefits.[9]
- The replacement fee is typically around $5. You shouldn't be charged a replacement fee if your card was lost or destroyed due to no fault of your own, such as because of a fire, flood, or other natural disaster.
- You also shouldn't be charged a fee if you lost your card fleeing domestic violence. However, you may have to ask for a waiver and provide documentation of your situation, such as a police report or restraining order.
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4Destroy your old card if you find it. If you couldn't find your old card and ordered a replacement, you may find the old card later on. Since it's no longer valid, cut it up into small pieces and throw it away. You don't need to notify your state agency if you find the old card.[10]
- If you manage to find your old card before you receive your replacement, you should still destroy it. An old card cannot be reactivated, even if the replacement card hasn't been used yet.
Safeguarding Your EBT Card
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1Protect your card as though it were cash. If you lose your EBT card, it can be replaced. However, any benefits on the card that get used by someone else cannot. In this way, your EBT card is just like cash. Keep it in your wallet or purse at all times.[11]
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2Keep your PIN for your EBT card secret. Anyone who knows your PIN can use your EBT card. Don't write your PIN on your card or on a piece of paper you keep near your card. Don't give your PIN to anyone unless you trust them.[12]
- If you feel the need to write your PIN down somewhere in case you forget it, keep that piece of paper at home.
Tip: Other household members are allowed to use your EBT card as long as they know the PIN. However, before you allow anyone else to use your EBT card, make sure they understand what they are allowed to purchase with the EBT card and how to protect it.
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3Change your PIN if you believe it has been compromised. If someone managed to see you enter your PIN, or if you gave it to someone you later determined was untrustworthy, call the EBT customer service number and change your PIN. Even if you keep your card with you at all times, it's better to be safe.[13]
- To be on the safe side, it's good practice to change your PIN every 3 or 4 months, regardless of whether you think it's been compromised.
References
- ↑ https://www.usa.gov/food-help
- ↑ https://www.mass.gov/guides/using-your-ebt-card#-get-a-card-
- ↑ https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/ESA/cso/documents/22-297.pdf
- ↑ https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/ESA/cso/documents/22-297.pdf
- ↑ https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/ESA/cso/documents/22-297.pdf
- ↑ https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/ESA/cso/documents/22-297.pdf
- ↑ https://www.mass.gov/guides/using-your-ebt-card#-get-a-card-
- ↑ https://www.mass.gov/guides/using-your-ebt-card#-get-a-card-
- ↑ https://www.masslegalhelp.org/income-benefits/tafdc/advocacy-guide/part5/q87-replace-or-change-ebt-card
- ↑ https://dhhr.wv.gov/ebt/cardholders/Pages/ReplacementCards.aspx
- ↑ https://ptla.org/using-your-ebt-card-get-food-supplements-and-tanf#
- ↑ https://www.mass.gov/guides/using-your-ebt-card#-get-a-card-
- ↑ https://www.mass.gov/guides/using-your-ebt-card#-get-a-card-
- ↑ https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/ESA/cso/documents/22-297.pdf
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