Lindsey Desmet
Short Answer — Same-day EBT card replacements are only available at some benefit agency offices in New Jersey, New York, Utah, and Washington. All other states issue EBT card replacements by mail.
Can You Get a Same-Day EBT Card Replacement?
Typically, you cannot get an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) replacement card the same day you request it.
Only New Jersey, New York, Utah, and Washington offer over-the-counter replacements to cardholders who meet the requirements.
We confirmed this information by checking government documentation of the EBT replacement policies in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. I also contacted benefits agency offices to confirm the policy details.
Most states ask that you request a replacement for a lost or damaged card by phone or in the online EBT cardholder portal. Your state- or county-operated benefits agency will then mail a new card to the address it has on file for you (as previously reported).
Agencies With In-Person Card Replacement
As noted above, only New Jersey, New York, Utah, and Washington allow in-person card replacement.
Note that the availability of over-the-counter replacements varies by location, even in states that typically allow such replacements, and you must meet the agency’s requirements to receive a replacement.
New Jersey
If you live in New Jersey, you can report EBT card loss or damage by phone and pick up your new card at your county’s Board of Social Services office.[1]
Depending on when you call, you may be able to pick up your card the same day. The customer service hotline is available 24/7, but card pick-up is only available during office hours.[1]
Office hours vary by location and are sometimes available by appointment only; New Jersey’s Department of Human Services lists office hours and contact information for each county.
Note that while your first two replacement cards are free, there’s a $2 fee for additional replacements.[1]
New York
New York City residents who receive cash or food assistance benefits can get same-day card replacements. There is no replacement fee.[2]
This service is only available in New York City; the state usually issues replacements by mail.[3]
You should report the loss or theft of your EBT card as soon as possible before visiting the office. You can do so by phone at (888) 328-6399 or online.[2]
You can get a permanent replacement card at the Over-the-Counter site, located at 227 Schermerhorn Street – Ground Floor. Temporary cards are also available at any Human Resources Administration office.[2][4]
Note that office hours vary by location. You’ll also need to show a photo ID to receive the card.[2][4]
Utah
Utah has some restrictions on who can receive a same-day card replacement.
Over-the-counter replacement is available under the following circumstances:[5]
- You qualify for emergency assistance and have not yet received your card
- You live on tribal land
- You have had two returned mailed EBT cards
If you don’t meet any of these criteria, a supervisor or manager may be able to approve a same-day replacement for you, depending on your household circumstances.[5]
There are no fees for over-the-counter replacements. If you must receive your replacement by mail, expedited shipping is available for about $10.[6]
Washington
Washington EBT cardholders can request to receive their replacement at a Community Services office.[7]
Before visiting the office, you should call the EBT customer service line at (888) 328-9271 to report the card lost or stolen.[8]
Note that you may need to pick up your card the next business day if you report the loss late in the day or on a weekend; most offices are open Monday through Friday until 5 p.m.[9]
Washington doesn’t charge card replacement fees.[7]
Accessing Your Benefits
You cannot access your benefits until you receive your new EBT card.
The government does not allow benefit recipients to use their card number, photo ID, or phone number to pay for purchases with EBT or access cash assistance benefits. You must have the physical EBT card.[10]
Even if your state generally allows by-mail replacement only, it may be worth contacting your local benefits office to see if there are any expedited options. Replacements by mail can take up to 10 days to arrive.[11][12][13]
Note that EBT benefits do roll over.[14] If you’re unable to use all of your benefits by the end of the month because you’re waiting for a new card, those benefits will still be available to you when your new card arrives.
William Lipovsky
