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What should I do if my EBT card or PIN is lost or stolen or I see unauthorized charges?

Contact customer service right away if your EBT card or PIN is lost or stolen or if you see unauthorized charges. The federal law that protects against unauthorized charges and errors on most government benefit cards does not protect these needs-tested cards. You should call right away to protect your remaining benefits.

If you have an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card for needs-tested benefits provided or administrated by a state or local government, you do not have guaranteed protections under Federal law against loss or theft of your card or funds.   Such benefits include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, previously called “food stamps,” Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Women, Infant and Children (WIC) benefits. You should call Customer Service and report the loss or wrong charge right away to help to stop future thefts from your account.  You should be able to find the customer service number on the back of your card, or on the program’s website.

USDA provides a list of each state’s EBT customer service numbers and websites for SNAP benefits: http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/snap/state-lines.pdf