How to Report a Lost or Stolen EBT Card and Get a Replacement
Olive Thomas
Published Mar 10, 2026
1. Report it Immediately
As soon as you notice your card is missing, call your state’s EBT customer service line.
- Why? Reporting it "deactivates" (turns off) your old card so no one else can use your money.
- When? You can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- What happens to my money? Any benefits left in your account will stay there. When you get your new card, that money will be available to use.
2. How to Get a New Card
After you report the card missing, the state will mail a new one to the address they have on file.
- Wait time: It usually takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive in the mail.
- In-person: In some states, you can visit your local SNAP office to pick up a new card the same day.
- New PIN: You will need to create a new PIN for your replacement card before you can use it.
3. Can I get back money that was already stolen?
In most states, if a thief spends your benefits before you report the card missing, that money cannot be replaced.
A few states (like California and Maryland) may still use their own state funds to help, but most do not. The state only becomes responsible for your balance the moment you report the card as lost or stolen.
4. Locking Your Card vs. Reporting it Stolen
If you use an app like Propel, you might have the option to "lock" or "freeze" your card.
Locking is a great way to stop new charges while you look for a misplaced card.
However, locking is NOT the same as reporting it stolen. To get a new card sent to you, you must still call the official state number.
5. How to Keep Your Benefits Safe
- Pick a strong PIN: Avoid easy numbers like 1234 or your birthday. Never share your PIN with anyone.
- Check your balance often: Look at your transaction history regularly to spot any unauthorized charges.
- Hide your PIN: When typing your PIN at a store, cover the keypad with your hand.
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