Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card Assistance for Clients

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SNAP (food stamps), Cash Assistance (public assistance), and Medicaid clients can get assistance with their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, also known as a Common Benefit Identification Card (CBIC), including: 

  • Replacing a card that is lost, stolen, defective, or never received
  • Getting card balance
  • Updating or correcting card information
  • Changing or resetting PIN information

For information about the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) benefit, visit the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Cards page instead.

Apply for Benefits or Get Case Assistance

To apply for benefits or for additional assistance with your case (including updating information on your EBT card), visit the following pages instead:

You can access your cash and SNAP benefits at participating EBT locations anywhere within New York State. Cash benefits may also be accessed at participating ATM and authorized retail store locations.

Your EBT card and Personal Identification Number (PIN) are used at authorized retail stores when accessing your cash or SNAP benefits. Many retail stores also provide cash back with your purchase. Check with the store for their cash back policy.

To use your EBT card, swipe the card and then enter your PIN in the machine at the checkout line. Only you should enter your PIN. It is recommended that you always check and keep your receipts for purchases made with your EBT card.

Learn more about EBT cards.

Applicants who have been approved for Cash Assistance or SNAP (Food Stamps) benefits will receive an EBT card in the mail.

If your EBT card is lost, stolen, defective, or never received, you can submit a replacement request online, by phone, or in person.

If you make your request online or by phone, it will take from 7 to 10 business days for you to get your replacement EBT card.

Please note that, as of January 15, 2020, EBT cards with photos are no longer issued.

Online

Visit the ConnectEBT website.

    By Phone

    • Agency: New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
    • Division: Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Customer Service
    • Phone Number: (888) 328-6399
    • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
    • Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours.

    In Person

    You must bring a valid photo ID in order to receive a permanent or temporary replacement EBT card.

    Permanent Replacement EBT Card

    You can get a same day permanent replacement EBT card at the Over-The-Counter (OTC) site, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (except City holidays).

    227 Schermerhorn Street - Ground Floor
    Brooklyn, NY 11201

    Temporary Replacement EBT Card

    You can get a temporary replacement EBT card at an HRA location. The temporary card will have all of your available benefits until your permanent EBT card arrives. If you are a Cash Assistance client, visit your Benefit Access Center. If you are a SNAP client, you can visit any SNAP Center.

    Office locations are available online. Visit the HRA Center Locations website for more information.

    The quickest way to update or correct the information that appears on your benefit card is to submit a case change request using the ACCESS HRA website. You do not need to submit a new application.

    You will need to submit documents to prove the change you report. You can submit documents using the Document Upload feature on the ACCESS HRA Mobile App.

    Cash Assistance Clients

    You can submit change requests:

    Online

    Use the ACCESS HRA website or the ACCESS HRA Mobile App to submit your request. Choose the Request a CA Case Change or Emergency Grants link.

    In Person

    Visit your Benefits Access Center (formerly known as Job Center).

    Find a Benefits Access Center.

    SNAP Clients

    You can submit change requests:

    Online

    Use the ACCESS HRA website or the ACCESS HRA Mobile App to submit your request. Choose the Request a SNAP Case Change link.

    By Fax

    (917) 639-2544

    By Mail

    SNAP
    Centralized Recertification Mail Unit
    P.O. Box 29008
    Brooklyn, NY 11202-9816

    In Person

    You can visit any SNAP center. Find a SNAP Center near you.

    You can get assistance with checking your EBT card balance and benefits schedule online or by phone.

    You can also:

    • Check your SNAP account balance at food stores
    • Check your cash account balance at ATMs where EBT cards are accepted

    Online

    Visit the ConnectEBT website.

    By Phone

    • Agency: New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
    • Division: Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Customer Service
    • Phone Number: (888) 328-6399
    • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
    • Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours.

    You can get assistance with:

    • Replacing a Medicaid card that is lost, stolen, or defective
    • Correcting and replacing Medicaid cards issued with incorrect information

    Online

    By Phone

    • Agency: Human Resources Administration
    • Division: Medicaid Helpline
    • Phone Number: (888) 692-6116
    • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
    • Automated Assistance is available in English and Spanish 24 hours, 7 days a week. Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours, except on City Holidays. Most languages are available through a staff person.

    What Happens Next

    If you make your request online or by phone it will take from 7 to 10 business days for you to get your replacement card. Replacement cards can only be mailed to the address on record.

    You can get assistance with:

    • Changing the PIN number for your EBT card
    • Resetting the PIN number for your locked EBT card

    You will be asked to provide certain information for security purposes.

    By Phone

    • Agency: New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
    • Division: Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Customer Service
    • Phone Number: (888) 328-6399
    • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
    • Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours.

    In Person

    You can change or reset your PIN number at most Benefits Access Centers and SNAP Centers. Locations are available online.

    Visit the HRA Center Locations website.

    Initial PIN for New EBT Card

    Your EBT card and your initial PIN for the card are mailed separately. You will receive the two mailings within a few days of each other. They are sent separately for security reasons.

    If you suspect or know:

    • That your card or card number has been stolen;
    • That someone not authorized by you has gained access to your PIN; or
    • That someone has gained information about your identity that may result in your benefits being stolen

    Then you must first contact EBT Customer Service to report your EBT card stolen.

    EBT Customer Service will deactivate your card so that no one else can use it.

    Only by first contacting EBT Customer Service to deactivate your EBT card can you protect yourself against potential benefit theft.

    • Agency: New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
    • Division: Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Customer Service
    • Phone Number: (888) 328-6399
    • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
    • Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours.

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