On this page:
our EBT number is the unique set of digits on your Electronic Benefit Transfer card that connects you to your SNAP or cash benefits. Understanding this number is critical for managing your account and keeping your funds secure.
It is vital to know how your EBT number differs from your case number and Personal Identification Number (PIN). Knowing the immediate steps to take if your card is lost or stolen is also essential for protecting your benefits from potential fraud and theft.
This breakdown clarifies these key identifiers, provides an action plan for a lost card, and details the security steps you can take to safeguard your account.
Every EBT account, used for programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in all 50 states, has three main identifiers. Knowing the difference between the EBT card number, case number, and PIN is the first step to using your benefits correctly and keeping your account secure.
The EBT Card Number
The EBT number is the long 16- to 19-digit number printed across the front of your EBT card. It functions just like a standard debit card number, linking the physical card to your specific benefit account when you make a purchase or withdrawal.
When You'll Need Your Card Number You will need this number for several key actions:
The Case Number
A case number is a unique identifier assigned by your state's social services agency to your household's entire benefits file. This is an administrative number the agency uses to track your eligibility, documents, and communication.
How Your Case Number is Used
The most direct impact of your case number is often tied to your benefit issuance schedule. In many states, the last digit of your case number determines the specific day of the month your SNAP benefits are deposited. You can typically find your case number on any official letters from the agency, usually in the top right corner.
The Personal Identification Number (PIN)
Your PIN is the secret, four-digit password that you choose and create yourself. Its only purpose is to authorize transactions and prove that you are the one using the card. You must enter your PIN to complete a purchase at a store or withdraw cash from an ATM.
The Importance of Your PIN
The PIN is the most critical security feature protecting your benefits. State agency employees, caseworkers, and store clerks will never ask you for your PIN. If someone obtains your card and knows your PIN, they can spend your benefits, and these stolen funds typically cannot be replaced.
Your EBT Identifiers at a Glance
This table provides a clear summary of the three key numbers associated with your account.
| Identifier | What It Is & Its Purpose | Format | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|---|
| EBT Card Number | The unique number linking your physical card to your benefit account for purchases and withdrawals. | 16-19 digits | Printed on the front of your EBT card. |
| Case Number | The administrative number your state agency uses to identify your household's benefit case. Often determines your monthly deposit date. | Varies by state (e.g., 7-9 digits, sometimes alphanumeric). | On official letters from your state agency. Sometimes printed on your EBT card (separate from the card number). |
| PIN | Your secret 4-digit password used to authorize all transactions and access your account. | 4 digits | You create it yourself; it is not written down anywhere for you. |
Losing your EBT card can be stressful. The most common question in this situation is how to find the EBT number without having the physical card.
Why You Can't Look Up Your EBT Number
For your protection, you cannot view your full EBT card number online, in a mobile app, or have it read to you by a customer service agent. This is a deliberate security measure. If your full card number were easy to access, it would make your account a target for criminals to steal your benefits. Official agencies will never text, call, or email you to ask for your EBT card number or PIN.
Immediate Action Plan for a Lost or Stolen Card
Because you cannot retrieve your old number, the only correct response is to report the card lost and get a new one. Acting quickly is key to protecting your remaining balance.
Finding Your State's EBT Contact Information
The customer service phone number is on the back of your EBT card. If you've lost the card, you can find the official contact information for your state on the USDA SNAP State Directory of Resources, which is maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).
Benefit theft is a growing problem, but you have powerful tools to protect your account. Threats now include sophisticated electronic skimming and phishing scams, but the security tools available to you have also evolved.
Foundational Security Habits
These basic habits are your first line of defense against fraud.
PIN Best Practices Your PIN is the key to your account. Protect it by following these steps:
Physical Card Safety
Treat your EBT card like a debit card or cash. You are responsible for all transactions made with your card and PIN, so do not share it with anyone you do not trust completely.
Recognizing and Avoiding Common Scams
Criminals use two primary methods to steal EBT benefits electronically.
Card Skimming
This happens when thieves attach a fake device over a real card-swiping machine to copy your card information and record your PIN. Before you swipe, inspect the terminal. If the card reader looks bulky, is loose, or appears different from others in the store, do not use it. Gently tug on it; skimmers often come off easily. Report any suspicious devices to the store manager and police.
Phishing and Smishing
These are fraudulent texts (smishing) or emails (phishing) designed to trick you into revealing your information. They often create a sense of urgency, with messages like, "Your EBT account is locked. Click here and enter your card number and PIN." This is always a scam. State agencies will never send unsolicited messages asking for your private information.
Modern Security Tools for Proactive Protection
Many states now offer powerful security features through their official EBT websites and mobile apps, such as ebtEDGE and ConnectEBT. Using these tools is the most effective way to prevent electronic theft.
Staying on top of your balance and transaction history helps you budget and spot problems early. Digital tools offer the most convenience and control.
Checking Your Balance with Online Portals and Apps
The official mobile apps and websites from your state's EBT vendor are the fastest way to manage your account. The most common platforms are ebtEDGE (used in states like New York, Illinois, and California) and ConnectEBT (used in states like Virginia, Georgia, and New Jersey).
These free platforms allow you to:
To get started, register on the website or app using your EBT card number, Social Security Number, and date of birth. The main portal for many states can be found at ebtedge.com.
Other Ways to Check Your Balance
If you prefer not to use digital tools, you can use these reliable methods:
Using Your EBT Card for Online Purchases
SNAP benefits can be used to purchase eligible groceries online from authorized retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and various supermarkets. The USDA provides an official, up-to-date list of online retailers that accept EBT in every state.
The SNAP program is federally funded by the USDA but administered by individual states. Your benefits can be used in any authorized store in any state that displays the Quest® or EBT logo. Benefits are intended for household food items and cannot be used for non-food items, alcohol, tobacco, or hot foods.
Yes, when you receive a replacement EBT card, it will almost always have a new EBT number printed on the front. Your case number and PIN (Personal Identification Number) will typically remain the same, and your existing benefit balance will be automatically transferred to the new card once it is activated.
Yes, your EBT card is interoperable and can be used in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. SNAP is a federal program, allowing you to purchase eligible food items anywhere EBT is accepted. However, using your card outside your home state for an extended period may trigger a residency review.
If your EBT account has no activity (purchases or withdrawals) for a prolonged period, typically nine months, your state agency may expunge or remove the benefits from your account. This process is permanent. States are required to send you a notification before they remove your benefits.
Generally, a household receives a single EBT account and card. However, some states allow you to request a second card for another household member (like a spouse) or an authorized representative. This second card will have its own unique EBT number but will draw from the same benefit account.
No, your 16-digit EBT number is tied to your card and account, not the amount of benefits you receive. If your monthly SNAP or cash assistance allotment increases or decreases due to changes in income or household size, your EBT card number will remain the same.
For online shopping at approved retailers, you will need your 16-digit EBT card number to initiate the transaction. To complete the purchase, you must also enter your private PIN on the website's keypad. Never enter your PIN on a standard keyboard; only use the secure, on-screen keypad.
While often used interchangeably, they are slightly different. The EBT card number is the 16-digit number on your physical card used for transactions. Your EBT account is the system that holds and tracks your benefits. You use the card number and PIN to access the funds in your account.
While state agencies typically do not offer text alerts, you can use a free third-party application like Propel. These apps can link to your EBT account and provide real-time balance updates, transaction notifications, and alerts for potentially suspicious activity, adding a layer of security to your account.
No, you cannot access cash benefits at an ATM without your physical EBT card. The current system requires you to insert or swipe your card and enter your PIN to complete a withdrawal. Cardless ATM access is not a feature available for EBT accounts at this time.
No. When you report your EBT card as lost or stolen, that specific card and its associated EBT number are immediately deactivated to protect your benefits. The replacement card you receive in the mail will be issued with a completely new and secure EBT number.
Hardship grants for individuals provide essential financial support to those facing unexpected and severe financial challenges. These non-repayable funds offer a vital lifeline, assisting people in overcoming difficulties caused by sudden job loss, medical emergencies, natural disasters, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Grants for homeless individuals are non-repayable funds provided by governmental bodies, non-profits, and philanthropic entities to address the critical issue of homelessness. These grants aim to offer immediate relief, housing, medical care, skill development, and other essential resources to those without stable shelter.
The Section 504 Home Repair Program serves as a lifeline for low-income homeowners in rural areas, empowering them to create safe, sanitary, and accessible living spaces. By addressing critical repairs and improvements, the program not only enhances the quality of life for individuals and families but also contributes to the overall well-being of rural communities.