SNAP

What to do if you lose your EBT card

Image of Julianna Lai
Image of Julianna Lai
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If your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you should take action right away to protect your benefits. The most important step is to call your state’s EBT customer service number to report a missing EBT card. Every state has a toll-free, automated EBT helpline that’s available 24/7.

Here's what you need to know about getting a replacement card and keeping your SNAP or cash EBT benefits safe from theft.

How to report a missing EBT card

As soon as you realize that your EBT card is missing, contact your state’s EBT customer service number. When you report your EBT card lost or stolen:

  • Your card will be deactivated immediately so no one else can use it
  • Your remaining food stamps or cash balance will be protected
  • Customer service will tell you how to get a replacement EBT card
  • You’ll be able to set a new PIN when your new card arrives

Remember: If someone uses your card and PIN before you report it missing, those benefits might not be replaceable. Never write your PIN on your card and keep it secret.

EBT Tip

Change your PIN every month before your deposit date to prevent benefits theft.

How to lock your EBT card

Some states let you temporarily freeze your card through their EBT app or website while you look for a misplaced card. This prevents anyone from using your card but doesn't require getting a replacement. If you still can't find your card, you'll need to report it lost or stolen.

All Propel users in California and Oklahoma have the option to lock their EBT cards directly in the app. If you don’t live in one of those two states, check your state's benefits website for more information on card-locking tools.

How to get a replacement EBT card

Your local benefits office can help if you have trouble getting a replacement EBT card or if you need accommodation for a disability.

You should be able to ask for a new EBT card when you report your missing card. If you ask for a new EBT card by phone, it can take 7-10 days for it to arrive in the mail. You can also go directly to your local SNAP office to pick up a new card day-of.

Any SNAP office should be able to issue you a replacement EBT card within a couple of days. Your remaining SNAP balance will be automatically transferred to the new EBT card.

If you were the victim of domestic violence, theft, or some other special circumstance, the SNAP agency should replace your EBT card for free. But, if you simply misplaced your card, the SNAP agency may charge a small fee (around $5.00) for replacing the card. The fee will be deducted from your next SNAP deposit.

Can I get stolen SNAP benefits replaced?

It depends on where you live, but the federal law requiring all states to replace stolen benefits expired on December 20, 2024. There are some states that are continuing to provide reimbursements using state funding, including California and Maryland. Check with your state or county SNAP agency to see if this is an option for you.

Can I use my food stamps without my card?

No, you can’t access your SNAP benefits while shopping in-store without a physical EBT card. However, it’s possible to use your EBT card information to shop online on some USDA-approved websites, like Amazon and Target. Keep in mind that as soon as you report a lost or stolen EBT card, you’ll get an entirely new EBT card number and PIN and the old one won’t work anymore.

Tips for protecting your EBT card

Protect your EBT card just like you would a bank card. EBT cards don't have anti-fraud protection like credit cards do, so you need to be extra careful:

  • Keep your EBT PIN secret and hide the PIN pad when entering it
  • Change your PIN before your benefits arrive each month
  • Check your EBT balance regularly and watch for charges you don't recognize (Propel can help with our suspicious transaction monitoring feature that’s exclusive to the Propel app)
  • Keep your EBT card in a secure location
  • Never respond to texts or calls about your EBT card that could be scams

When shopping with EBT, be on the lookout for card skimmers:

  • Check card readers at checkout for signs of tampering (glue marks, damaged or loose parts, off-center or stubborn buttons)
  • Gently wiggle the card reader before you swipe your EBT card to see if anything is loose
  • Ask the cashier to check the machine if something seems wrong

Remember that federal law doesn't automatically protect against unauthorized charges on EBT cards like it does with credit cards. Being alert and taking precautions is your best defense against benefit theft.