How to Report Your EBT Card Lost (Process by State)

Lindsey Desmet headshot Lindsey Desmet
Updated Dec 4, 2023
SNAP sign in a store window

Discovering that your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card has been lost or stolen can be stressful, but each state provides ways to replace your card and regain access to your benefits.

As soon as you realize that your EBT card is missing, you should contact your benefits administrator’s customer service department to report the incident.[1][2]

Each state has an online portal for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients and an EBT customer service phone number that is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week — including weekends and holidays.

We list this information by state below, along with what you should know about requesting a new card and accessing your benefits during the replacement process.

Requesting a New EBT Card

As noted above, you can report your card lost or stolen by phone or online in most states.

If you report the incident online, you may still need to call your state’s EBT customer service phone number to request a replacement card; most online systems only allow you to report the card’s status and won’t automatically send you a new card.

When you call the customer service department, a representative or automated system will verify your identity using your current EBT card number or other personal information, such as your date of birth, EBT PIN, and/or Social Security number.[3][4]

Note: Before you request a new card, be sure to check that the address on file for your account is accurate so the benefits agency can send the card to the correct place.

EBT Card Delivery

Your replacement card will typically arrive by mail (with some exceptions, such as New Jersey and New York City).

Mailing times vary by state, but new cards are often sent out within one to three days of your request and should arrive at the address on file within three to 10 days.

Card Replacement Fees

Most EBT card providers allow at least one free card replacement per year, though some states charge replacement card fees of around $2 to $5, deducted from your EBT card balance.[5][6] My list below includes fee information for each state, where available.

If you repeatedly report your card lost or stolen, your state agency may charge additional fees, require training regarding your responsibilities as an EBT cardholder, and/or investigate your account for potential fraud.[7][8]

Unauthorized Charges

Once you report your card lost or stolen, all charge attempts will be blocked.

However, federal law doesn’t protect against unauthorized charges on EBT cards — meaning you won’t get any money back if someone else fraudulently uses your card.[1] To protect your funds, report the card lost or stolen as soon as possible.

Accessing Your Benefits

You’ll need to wait for the replacement card to arrive before accessing your benefits.

Physical EBT cards are required to make purchases; you can’t use the EBT card number, your ID, or your phone number at the point of sale.[9]

Note that while you won’t be able to access your benefits until your new card arrives, any benefits you’re unable to use while waiting for your new card will roll over.[10]

Emergency Access

You may be able to get a replacement card more quickly by visiting your local benefit administrator’s office.

States typically offer this service for those facing household emergencies or those who can prove an immediate need to access their benefits. However, availability varies by location, so it’s best to call the office before visiting.

Contact Details and Replacement Policies by State

Below, I list each state’s EBT card replacement information, including the EBT account management website, customer service phone number, average time frame to receive a replacement card, and replacement card fee information.

We compiled this information by viewing each state agency’s website, contacting the customer service departments, and viewing each state’s EBT brochures and SNAP policy manuals.

Note: Some of the agencies I contacted were unable to share fee information without an account. If you live in one of these states, you can find out replacement card fee details by contacting EBT customer service or your local Department of Human Services office.

Alabama

  • EBT contact number: (800) 997-8888
  • EBT website: ConnectEBT
  • Delivery time: Five to seven business days[11]
  • Fee: Not disclosed[11]

Alaska

  • EBT contact number: (888) 997-8111
  • EBT website: ebtEDGE
  • Delivery time: Within 10 days[12]
  • Fee: Not disclosed[12]

Arizona

  • EBT contact number: (888) 997-9333
  • EBT website: ebtEDGE
  • Delivery time: Five to seven business days[13]
  • Fee: Free for your first replacement card in a calendar year and $5 thereafter[5]

Arkansas

  • EBT contact number: (800) 997-9999
  • EBT website: ConnectEBT
  • Delivery time: Within seven days[14]
  • Fee: None[14]

California

  • EBT contact number: (877) 328-9677
  • EBT website: ebtEDGE
  • Delivery time: In about three business days[15]
  • Fee: None[15]

Colorado

  • EBT contact number: (888) 328-2656
  • EBT website: ebtEDGE
  • Delivery time: Within 10 days[16]
  • Fee: None[16]

Connecticut

  • EBT contact number: (888) 328-2666
  • EBT website: ConnectEBT
  • Delivery time: Within two to five days[17]
  • Fee: None[17]

Delaware

  • EBT contact number: (800) 526-9099
  • EBT website: ConnectEBT
  • Delivery time: Within 10 days[18]
  • Fee: Not disclosed[19]

District of Columbia

  • EBT contact number: (888) 304-9167
  • EBT website: ebtEDGE
  • Delivery time: Within seven days[20]
  • Fee: Not disclosed by customer service representatives but the policy manual notes that there may be a fee for card replacement[20]

Florida

  • EBT contact number: (888) 356-3281
  • EBT website: ebtEDGE
  • Delivery time: Within five to seven business days[21]
  • Fee: Not disclosed[22]

Georgia

  • EBT contact number: (888) 421-3281
  • EBT website: ConnectEBT
  • Delivery time: Within five to seven days[23]
  • Fee: None[23]

Hawaii

  • EBT contact number: (888) 328-4292
  • EBT website: ebtEDGE
  • Delivery time: Within five to seven business days[24]
  • Fee: Not disclosed[24]

Idaho

  • EBT contact number: (888) 432-4328
  • EBT website: ebtEDGE
  • Delivery time: Within five business days[25]
  • Fee: Not disclosed[25]

Illinois

Indiana

  • EBT contact number: (877) 768-5098
  • EBT website: ConnectEBT
  • Delivery time: Within about five days[6]
  • Fee: Your first replacement card within a calendar year is free; $1 for each subsequent replacement.[6]

Iowa

  • EBT contact number: (800) 359-5802
  • EBT website: ConnectEBT
  • Delivery time: Within five to seven business days[27]
  • Fee: Not disclosed[27]

Kansas

  • EBT contact number: (800) 997-6666
  • EBT website: ebtEDGE
  • Delivery time: Five to seven business days[28]
  • Fee: None[28]

Kentucky

  • EBT contact number: (888) 979-9949
  • EBT website: ebtEDGE
  • Delivery time: Within 10 days[29]
  • Fee: Not disclosed[29]

Louisiana

  • EBT contact number: (888) 997-1117
  • EBT website: LifeInCheck EBT
  • Delivery time: Three to 10 business days[30]
  • Fee: None[30]

Maine

  • EBT contact number: (800) 477-7428
  • EBT website: PineTreeCard.com
  • Delivery time: Within five days[31]
  • Fee: No fee for your first replacement within 12 months; starting with the second replacement, you’ll be subject to a fee, but it won’t be greater than the cost to create the card.[31]

Maryland

  • EBT contact number: (800) 997-2222
  • EBT website: ConnectEBT
  • Delivery time: Within seven business days[32]
  • Fee: Your first replacement card in a 12-month period is free; subsequent replacements will cost $2.[32]

Massachusetts

  • EBT contact number: (800) 997-2555
  • EBT website: DTA Connect
  • Delivery time: Three to five business days[33]
  • Fee: $5[33]

Michigan

  • EBT contact number: (888) 678-8914
  • EBT website: ConnectEBT
  • Delivery time: Three to five business days[34]
  • Fee: None[34]

Minnesota

  • EBT contact number: (888) 997-2227
  • EBT website: ebtEDGE
  • Delivery time: About five business days[35]
  • Fee: $2[35]

Mississippi

  • EBT contact number: (866) 512-5087
  • EBT website: ConnectEBT
  • Delivery time: Five business days[36]
  • Fee: None[36]

Missouri

  • EBT contact number: (800) 997-7777
  • EBT website: ebtEDGE
  • Delivery time: Within 10 days[37]
  • Fee: Not disclosed[38]

Montana

  • EBT contact number: (866) 850-1556
  • EBT website: Bnft
  • Delivery time: The agency will mail your card within two business days;[39] it should then arrive within about five days.[40]
  • Fee: $2[39]

Nebraska

  • EBT contact number: (877) 247-6328
  • EBT website: ebtEDGE
  • Delivery time: Three to five business days[41]
  • Fee: None[41]

Nevada

  • EBT contact number: (866) 281-2443
  • EBT website: ebtEDGE
  • Delivery time: Your new card will be mailed out within two business days of your request, excluding office closures like holidays.[42] It should then arrive within about five days.[40]
  • Fee: None[42]

New Hampshire

  • EBT contact number: (888) 997-9777
  • EBT website: ebtEDGE
  • Delivery time: Your new card will be mailed out within two business days of your request.[43]
  • Fee: None[43]

New Jersey

  • EBT contact number: (800) 997-3333
  • EBT website: ConnectEBT
  • Delivery time: New Jersey requires that you call the EBT contact number to report the card lost, then visit your local County Welfare Agency (CWA) to pick up your replacement card. You’ll receive the card on the spot when you visit the CWA.[44]
  • Fee: No fee for your first two replacement cards; $2 thereafter[44]

New Mexico

  • EBT contact number: (800) 843-8303
  • EBT website: ebtEDGE
  • Delivery time: Within seven business days[45]
  • Fee: Free for the first replacement within a calendar year; $2.50 for additional replacements[45]

New York

  • EBT contact number: (888) 328-6399
  • EBT website: ConnectEBT
  • Delivery time: Seven to 10 business days[46]
  • Fee: None[46]

North Carolina

  • EBT contact number: (888) 622-7328
  • EBT website: ebtEDGE
  • Delivery time: Within seven to 10 business days[47]
  • Fee: $2.50[48]

North Dakota

  • EBT contact number: (800) 630-4655
  • EBT website: ebtEDGE
  • Delivery time: Within seven business days[49]
  • Fee: None[50]

Ohio

  • EBT contact number: (888) 386-3071
  • EBT website: ConnectEBT
  • Delivery time: Within seven days[51]
  • Fee: None[51]

Oklahoma

  • EBT contact number: (888) 328-6551
  • EBT website: ConnectEBT
  • Delivery time: Within seven to 10 days[52]
  • Fee: None[52]

Oregon

  • EBT contact number: (888) 997-4447
  • EBT website: ebtEDGE
  • Delivery time: Within five business days[53]
  • Fee: None[53]

Pennsylvania

  • EBT contact number: (888) 328-7366
  • EBT website: ConnectEBT
  • Delivery time: Within seven to 10 business days[54]
  • Fee: $2.50 unless you’re eligible for an emergency waiver[54]

Rhode Island

  • EBT contact number: (888) 979-9939
  • EBT website: ebtEDGE
  • Delivery time: Three to five business days[55]
  • Fee: None[55]

South Carolina

  • EBT contact number: (800) 554-5268
  • EBT website: ConnectEBT
  • Delivery time: Within about three to five days of mailing[56]
  • Fee: None[56]

South Dakota

  • EBT contact number: (800) 604-5099
  • EBT website: ebtEDGE
  • Delivery time: Five to seven business days[57]
  • Fee: None[57]

Tennessee

  • EBT contact number: (888) 997-9444
  • EBT website: ConnectEBT
  • Delivery time: Within about seven[58]
  • Fee: None[58]

Texas

Utah

  • EBT contact number: (800) 997-4444
  • EBT website: ConnectEBT
  • Delivery time: Immediately if you qualify for over-the-counter issuance; within five days by mail[61]
  • Fee: Up to $10 for expedited shipping; otherwise, none[61]

Vermont

  • EBT contact number: (800) 914-8605
  • EBT website: ebtEDGE
  • Delivery time: Within about seven to 10 business days[62]
  • Fee: None[63][64]

Virginia

  • EBT contact number: (866) 281-2448
  • EBT website: ConnectEBT
  • Delivery time: Within six business days[65]
  • Fee: $2 unless you qualify for a waiver due to your household circumstances[65]

Washington

  • EBT contact number: (888) 328-9271
  • EBT website: ebtEDGE
  • Delivery time: Immediately for over-the-counter requests; within seven to 10 business days by mail[66]
  • Fee: None[66]

West Virginia

  • EBT contact number: (866) 545-6502
  • EBT website: ebtEDGE
  • Delivery time: Seven to 10 business days[67]
  • Fee: None[67]

Wisconsin

  • EBT contact number: (877) 415-5164
  • EBT website: ebtEDGE
  • Delivery time: Your replacement card will be mailed out the next business day after your request and will arrive within about five to seven business days.[68][69]
  • Fee: Up to $2.70[68]

Wyoming

  • EBT contact number: (877) 290-9401
  • EBT website: ebtEDGE
  • Delivery time: Seven to 10 days[70]
  • Fee: None[70]
  1. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-should-i-do-if-my-ebt-card-or-pin-is-lost-or-stolen-or-i-see-unauthorized-charges-en-2055/[↩][↩]
  2. https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/What-do-I-do-if-my-Supplemental-Nutrition-Assistance-Program-Electronic-benefit-transfer-card[↩]
  3. https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/county-operations/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-snap/ebt/[↩]
  4. https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=18545[↩]
  5. https://des.az.gov/services/basic-needs/food-assistance/nutrition-assistance/ebt-card[↩][↩]
  6. https://www.in.gov/fssa/dfr/ebt-hoosier-works-card/hoosier-works-card-faqs/[↩][↩][↩]
  7. https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/dhs-program-integrity/recipient-excessive-replacement-card-tracking.html[↩]
  8. https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/fsm_htm/html/711_01_coupon_security_fsm.htm[↩]
  9. https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/Do-I-need-to-have-my-Electronic-Benefit-Transfer-card-with-me-to-make-a-purchase-or-can-my-Electroni[↩]
  10. https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/Does-a-balance-on-my-Electronic-benefit-transfer-card-carryover-to-the-next-month[↩]
  11. Alabama Food Assistance Division customer service (800) 382-0499[↩][↩]
  12. Alaska Public Assistance Division district office customer service representatives[↩][↩]
  13. Arizona Department of Economic Security customer service representatives[↩]
  14. https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/Supplemental-Nutrition-Assistance-Program-Policy-Manual.pdf[↩][↩]
  15. https://www.cdss.ca.gov/ord/entres/getinfo/pdf/ebtman.pdf[↩][↩]
  16. https://www.sos.state.co.us/CCR/GenerateRulePdf.do?ruleVersionId=9149&fileName=10%20CCR%202506-1[↩][↩]
  17. https://portal.ct.gov/DSS/SNAP/SNAP-Policy-Manual[↩][↩]
  18. https://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title16/Department%20of%20Health%20and%20Social%20Services/Division%20of%20Social%20Services/Delaware%20Social%20Services%20Manual/9000.shtml[↩]
  19. Delaware State Service Center customer service representatives[↩]
  20. https://dhs.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dhs/publication/attachments/ESA-Policy-Manual-Combined-Revised-2.pdf[↩][↩]
  21. https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/public-assistance/electronic-benefits-transfer-card[↩]
  22. Florida Department of Children and Families customer service representatives[↩]
  23. Georgia EBT customer service representatives[↩][↩]
  24. https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/general-ebt-card-information-and-frequently-asked-question-and-answers/[↩][↩]
  25. Idaho Department of Health and Welfare customer service representatives[↩][↩]
  26. Illinois Department of Human Services customer service representatives[↩][↩]
  27. Iowa Department of Human Services customer service representatives[↩][↩]
  28. Kansas Department for Children and Families customer service representatives[↩][↩]
  29. Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services customer service representatives[↩][↩]
  30. http://www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/page/electronic-benefits-transfer-ebt[↩][↩]
  31. https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/programs-services/food-supplement[↩][↩]
  32. https://www.connectebt.com/mdebtclient/ebt_lost.jsp[↩][↩]
  33. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/getting-your-ebt-card[↩][↩]
  34. https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-8319_9255-18560–,00.html[↩][↩]
  35. https://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/lfserver/Public/DHS-3315A-ENG[↩][↩]
  36. https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/NEW-GF-507B-Mississippi-EBT-Project-Recipient-Information-Sheet1-2.pdf[↩][↩]
  37. https://dssmanuals.mo.gov/food-stamps/1100-000-00/1150-000-00/[↩]
  38. Missouri Department of Social Services customer service representatives[↩]
  39. https://dphhs.mt.gov/assets/hcsd/snapmanual/SNAP903-1Jan012017.pdf[↩][↩]
  40. https://www.usps.com/ship/[↩][↩]
  41. https://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/EBT%20Q%20&%20A.pdf[↩][↩]
  42. https://dwss.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/dwssnvgov/content/Home/Features/eligibility/Chapter%20B-200%20Jan%2020.pdf[↩][↩]
  43. https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/fsm_htm/html/711_coupons_in_the_district_office_fsm.htm[↩][↩]
  44. https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/njsnap/docs/FINAL%20NJ-EBT-BRO2017-ENG_v04-Final-User.pdf[↩][↩]
  45. https://www.hsd.state.nm.us/lookingforassistance/electronic-benefits-transfer-ebt/#What_should_I_do_if_I_lose_my_card?[↩][↩]
  46. https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-02340[↩][↩]
  47. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services customer service representatives[↩]
  48. https://files.nc.gov/ncdhhs/FAQ-about-Electronic-Benefit-Issuance-1-31-17.pdf[↩]
  49. https://www.hhs.nd.gov/applyforhelp/snap/ebt[↩]
  50. https://www.hhs.nd.gov/sites/www/files/documents/EA/EBT/DN1160.pdf[↩]
  51. https://jfs.ohio.gov/static/ofam/pdf/EBTClientBrochureMailerandTIPSCardEnglish.pdf[↩][↩]
  52. https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/library/policy/current/oac-340/chapter-65/subchapter-3/electronic-benefits-transfer.html[↩][↩]
  53. https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/assistance/food-benefits/pages/oregon-trail-card.aspx[↩][↩]
  54. http://services.dpw.state.pa.us/oimpolicymanuals/snap/580_Issuing_Benefits/580_6_Pennsylvania_EBT_ACCESS_Card.htm[↩][↩]
  55. https://dhs.ri.gov/regulations[↩][↩]
  56. https://dss.sc.gov/media/2612/snap_manual_v48_revised_2021-08-01.pdf[↩][↩]
  57. https://dss.sd.gov/sdebt/faqs.aspx[↩][↩]
  58. Tennessee Department of Human Services customer service representatives[↩][↩]
  59. https://hhs.texas.gov/services/financial/lone-star-card/lone-star-faqs[↩]
  60. Texas Health and Human Services customer service representatives[↩]
  61. https://jobs.utah.gov/infosource/eligibilitymanual/600_Issuances_and_Payments/641-3_Utah_EBT_Account_Set_Up_and_Maintenance_Issues.htm[↩][↩]
  62. Vermont Department for Children and Families customer service representatives[↩]
  63. https://outside.vermont.gov/dept/DCF/Shared%20Documents/Benefits/EBT-Brochure.pdf[↩]
  64. https://www.ahsnet.ahs.state.vt.us/Public/3sVT/assets/BRM/2400_Benefits.htm[↩]
  65. https://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/bp/fs/manual/P18.pdf[↩][↩]
  66. https://www.dshs.wa.gov/esa/benefit-issuances-and-use-benefits/when-and-how-benefits-are-delivered[↩][↩]
  67. https://dhhr.wv.gov/ebt/cardholders/Pages/ReplacementCards.aspx[↩][↩]
  68. https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p1/p16075.pdf[↩][↩]
  69. Wisconsin Department of Health Services customer service representatives[↩]
  70. https://dfs.wyo.gov/about/policy-manuals/snap-and-power-policy-manual/[↩][↩]

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