If you are a beneficiary of programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) or WIC (Women, Infants and Children), you will receive an electronic benefit card , known as an EBT card .
The EBT card works similar to a debit card, with a magnetic stripe and an EMV chip. In order to use it, you will need to create a PIN number (Personal Identification Number) or change the PIN associated with the card. After you receive your benefit award letter, it’s important to activate your EBT card , which involves creating your food stamp PIN number and your online account.
Although the activation process may vary slightly by state, we’ll provide you with general steps to learn how to activate your EBT card :
- Enter the official activation link.
- If you already have an account registered on the website, select the food assistance program . Then, enter your user ID and password . Click «Login».
- If you haven’t signed up yet , create a Connect EBT account . Select your support program from the dropdown menu in the «Create a new user ID and password» section and click «Submit.»
- Complete the form with your data.
- Provide your Social Security number (SSN), ZIP code, date of birth, and your EBT card number . If you did not apply with an SSN, enter «0000.»
- Submit the form.
- Register your username, create a password and click «Submit». Depending on the government assistance program, you may also need to enter your email address and phone number on file during the application.
It is important to activate your EBT card as soon as you receive it. Review the documentation that was provided to you along with the card, as it may include specific instructions on the deadline to activate the card .
If you’re having trouble finding the right activation link or website, we recommend contacting the EBT customer service in your state or region. You can find the contact number in the paperwork you received with your EBT card.
Numbers to activate the EBT card
The EBT card number is a unique number associated with each electronic benefit card. This number is used to identify and track the card in the system. The EBT card number is usually found on the front of the card. It may also appear on the back along with the assistance program’s website and contact information. Also, the EBT card number is mentioned in official correspondence, such as the welcome letter or benefit award letter.
Here is a list of numbers to activate the EBT card by state in the United States:
- Alabama: 1-800-997-8888
- Alaska: 1-888-997-8111
- Arizona: 1-888-997-9333
- Arkansas: 1-800-997-9999
- California: 1-877-328-9677
- Colorado: 1-888-328-2656
- Connecticut: 1-888-328-2666
- Delaware: 1-800-526-9099
- Florida: 1-888-356-3281
- Georgia: 1-888-421-3281
- Hawaii: 1-888-328-4292
- Idaho: 1-888-432-4328
- Illinois: 1-800-678-5465
- Indiana: 1-877-768-5098
- Iowa: 1-800-359-5802
- Kansas: 1-800-997-6666
- Kentucky: 1-888-979-9949
- Louisiana: 1-888-997-1117
- Maine: 1-800-477-7428
- Maryland: 1-800-997-2222
- Massachusetts: 1-800-997-2555
- Michigan: 1-888-678-8914
- Minnesota: 1-888-997-2227
- Mississippi: 1-866-512-5087
- Missouri: 1-800-997-7777
- Montana: 1-866-850-1556
- Nebraska: 1-877-247-6328
- Nevada: 1-877-234-7056
- New Hampshire: 1-888-997-9777
- New Jersey: 1-800-997-3333
- New Mexico: 1-800-843-8303
- New York: 1-888-328-6399
- North Carolina: 1-888-622-7328
- North Dakota: 1-800-630-4655
- Ohio: 1-866-386-3071
- Oklahoma: 1-888-328-6551
- Oregon: 1-888-997-4447
- Pennsylvania: 1-888-328-7366
- Rhode Island: 1-888-979-9939
- South Carolina: 1-800-554-5268
- South Dakota: 1-800-604-5099
- Tennessee: 1-888-997-9444
- Texas: 1-800-777-7328
- Utah: 1-800-997-4444
- Vermont: 1-800-914-8605
- Virginia: 1-866-281-2448
- Washington: 1-888-328-9271
- West Virginia: 1-866-545-6502
- Wisconsin: 1-877-415-5164
- Wyoming: 1-877-290-9401
It is important to remember that you should not share your EBT card number with other people. The card number is confidential and must be kept secure to protect your benefits and prevent unauthorized use.
If you lose your EBT card and can’t remember the number , it’s important to contact your state’s EBT customer service right away . They will be able to help you report the card lost and provide instructions on how to obtain a replacement card.
Remember that these numbers are general and may be subject to change. It is recommended that you verify the specific number to activate your EBT card on the website of your state’s assistance program or in the documentation provided with the card.