Losing your EBT card—or having it stolen—can feel like an emergency when you depend on SNAP benefits for groceries. The good news is that your benefits are protected, and getting a replacement card is straightforward if you act quickly.
In this article, we'll cover:
- What to do immediately when your card is lost or stolen
- How to report your missing EBT card
- How to request a replacement card
- Whether your benefits are protected
- How to prevent EBT card theft
1. What to Do Immediately
As soon as you realize your EBT card is missing, take these steps:
Stop and check
First, make sure the card is actually lost. Check your wallet, pockets, car, and anywhere you recently shopped. EBT cards sometimes slip out during checkout.
Report it right away
If you can't find the card, report it as lost or stolen immediately. The faster you report, the less chance someone else can use your benefits.
Don't wait to see if charges appear
Unlike credit cards, you may not get stolen SNAP benefits back. Reporting quickly is your best protection.
Important: If your card was stolen along with your PIN (written down nearby, for example), report it immediately. Someone with both your card and PIN can drain your benefits within minutes.
2. How to Report Your Missing EBT Card
Every state has a system for reporting lost or stolen EBT cards. Here are your options:
Call the number on the back of your card
If you have an old card or remember the number, this is often the fastest option. The customer service line is available 24/7 in most states.
Call your state's EBT hotline
Search "[your state] EBT customer service" to find the number. Be prepared to verify your identity with your Social Security number and case information.
Use your state's EBT website or app
Many states let you report a lost card and request a replacement online. Log into your state's benefits portal to check.
Contact your local SNAP office
If you can't reach anyone by phone, visit or call your local SNAP office during business hours.
When you report the card, it will be deactivated immediately. This means no one—including you—can use it anymore, so make sure you're certain the card is lost before reporting.
3. How to Request a Replacement Card
After reporting your card lost or stolen, you'll need to request a replacement:
Request during the same call
When you report your card missing, the representative will usually ask if you want a replacement mailed to you. Say yes to start the process immediately.
Online request
Some states let you request a replacement card through their EBT website or app without calling.
In-person pickup
In many states, you can visit your local SNAP office to pick up a replacement card the same day. Bring photo ID and be prepared to verify your identity.
Mailed replacement
If you request by phone or online, your new card typically arrives within 5–7 business days. Some states offer expedited delivery for an additional fee.
Important: Your new card will have a different number but the same PIN (unless you request a PIN change). Your benefits balance transfers automatically—you don't lose any money when you get a replacement card.
4. Are Your Benefits Protected?
Here's what you need to know about benefit protection:
Your balance is safe
When you report your card lost or stolen, your current benefit balance is protected. Whatever was in your account at the time of reporting stays there.
Benefits used before reporting may not be recoverable
If someone used your card before you reported it missing, those benefits may be gone. Some states are implementing fraud reimbursement programs, but coverage varies.
Future benefits are unaffected
Your monthly SNAP deposits will continue on schedule. They'll simply load onto your new card instead of the old one.
You won't be penalized
Losing your card doesn't affect your SNAP eligibility or future benefits. It's treated as a routine replacement, not a program violation.
5. How to Prevent EBT Card Theft
Protect your card and benefits with these precautions:
Memorize your PIN
Never write your PIN on the card or keep it in your wallet. If your wallet is stolen, thieves will have everything they need.
Check your balance regularly
Monitor your account so you notice unauthorized transactions quickly. Most states offer balance alerts via text or email.
Be careful at checkout
Shield the keypad when entering your PIN. Watch for skimming devices on card readers—if something looks off, use a different register.
Don't share your card
Only you should use your EBT card. Letting others use it violates program rules and puts your benefits at risk.
Set up account alerts
If your state offers transaction notifications, enable them. You'll know immediately if someone uses your card.
6. How Purple Helps You Manage Benefits
While Purple isn't an EBT card replacement, we help you manage your overall financial picture—including tracking when your SNAP benefits are deposited and keeping your other income organized.
With Purple, you can:
- See all your income sources in one place, including SNAP deposit dates
- Track your spending to budget effectively between SNAP and other funds
- Receive SSI, SSDI, or other benefits up to 4 days early via direct deposit
- Avoid fees that eat into your limited income
- Stay organized so you know exactly where your money is