Lost or Stolen Arkansas EBT Card? How to Get a Replacement and Change Your PIN

If you use an Arkansas EBT card for SNAP (food stamps) or other benefits, losing your card or forgetting your PIN can be stressful. The good news is that Arkansas has a clear process to replace your EBT card and change or reset your PIN.

This guide explains what usually happens, what you’ll need, and how to move forward through official Arkansas EBT channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site—we are not a government agency, not an application portal, and cannot access your EBT account. We can only explain typical steps so you know what to expect.

What Is the Arkansas EBT Card?

The Arkansas EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card works like a debit card. Benefits such as SNAP food benefits are loaded onto the card each month by the state. You can then use the card at approved grocery stores, supermarkets, and some farmers markets.

Key points:

• Your card is linked to your case, not to a specific store.
• You use a 4‑digit PIN to access your benefits.
• If the card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you typically must report it and get a replacement before using your benefits again.

When You Should Replace Your Arkansas EBT Card

You should contact the official Arkansas EBT customer service as soon as possible if:

• Your card is lost or stolen
• Your card is badly damaged and won’t swipe or insert
• Someone may have seen or guessed your PIN
• There are transactions you don’t recognize
• Your card has stopped working for no clear reason

Reporting issues quickly is important because benefits used before you report the card lost or stolen are usually not replaced.

Step-by-Step: How to Replace an Arkansas EBT Card

The process may vary slightly based on your situation, but it generally follows these steps.

1. Call the Official Arkansas EBT Customer Service Number

To replace your card, you typically must call the Arkansas EBT customer service line listed:

• On the back of your EBT card (if you still have it)
• On official Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) materials
• On the state’s official benefits website or EBT information page

You can also call 211 and ask for help finding the official Arkansas EBT hotline if you’re unsure.

When you call:

• Follow the automated menu for lost, stolen, or damaged cards.
• You may be asked to enter your card number (if you know it) or other identifying details.
• You will usually have the option to speak to a live representative if needed.

2. Verify Your Identity

To protect your account, the system or representative will typically ask you to verify information such as:

• Your full name
• Your date of birth
• Your mailing address
• Last 4 digits of your Social Security number (if you have one on file)
• Possibly your case number or EBT card number (if you know it)

You generally do not need to provide any physical documents just to get a replacement card mailed, but you do need to answer questions correctly.

3. Report the Problem and Request a New Card

Be clear about what happened:

• “My card is lost.”
• “My card was stolen.”
• “My card is damaged and won’t work.”

The representative or automated system will:

• Deactivate your current card so no one else can use it.
• Order a replacement card to be sent to your mailing address on file.

If your mailing address has changed, you may need to:

• Update your address with DHS or your local county office before the new card is sent.
• In some cases, you might be asked to contact your caseworker or local DHS office to change your address officially.

4. Ask About Delivery Time and Any Fees

Most states:

• Mail replacement cards within a few business days, but delivery times can vary.
• May charge a small replacement fee after the first card, but some do not.

You can ask the representative:

• “How long will it take to receive my replacement Arkansas EBT card?”
• “Is there any fee for this replacement?”

5. Activate Your New Card When It Arrives

Once your new card arrives:

• Follow the activation instructions that come with it.
• Typically, you call the same EBT customer service number and:
  • Enter your card number
  • Confirm your identity
  • Create or confirm your PIN

Your EBT balance should move automatically from the old card to the new card, since the benefits are tied to your account, not the physical card, as long as the issue was reported promptly.

How to Change or Reset Your Arkansas EBT PIN

Your PIN (Personal Identification Number) is the 4‑digit code you enter when using your EBT card. You can change it if you:

• Forgot your current PIN
• Think someone else may know it
• Just want a more secure number

Option 1: Change Your PIN by Phone

Most Arkansas EBT users can change their PIN through the EBT customer service number:

1. Call the official Arkansas EBT hotline.
2. Choose the menu option for PIN change or PIN reset.
3. Enter your EBT card number.
4. Verify your identity with requested information.
5. Enter your new 4‑digit PIN and confirm it.

Tips for choosing a PIN:

• Avoid easy combinations like 1234, 0000, or your birth year.
• Do not use any number that is printed on your card.
• Do not share your PIN with anyone (including friends, store employees, or people claiming to help you).

Option 2: Get Help With Your PIN at a Local Office

If the phone system is not working for you, you may be able to:

• Visit your local county DHS office in Arkansas.
• Ask for help with your EBT PIN or a referral to the correct EBT support office or hotline.

You will usually need to bring:

• A photo ID (such as a driver’s license, state ID, or other accepted identification)
• Your EBT card (if you still have it)
• Any case or client number, if available

Local offices typically cannot see your PIN, but they can often help you connect to the correct PIN reset process.

Quick Comparison: Card Replacement vs. PIN Change

What to Expect After Ordering a Replacement Card

Once you’ve reported your card lost, stolen, or damaged and requested a new one:

• Your old card is usually shut off immediately.
• Your new card is mailed to the address on file.
• Your account balance usually remains unchanged and is available once you activate the new card.
• You might receive separate instructions about activation and PIN setup.

If your card hasn’t arrived within the timeframe given by customer service, you can:

• Call the Arkansas EBT hotline again and ask about the status of the replacement card.
• Confirm your mailing address is correct with DHS or your local county office.

Protecting Your Arkansas EBT Card and PIN

To reduce the chances of future problems:

• Memorize your PIN and do not write it on your card.
• If you must write it down, store it separately from your card.
• Watch out for card skimming devices at ATMs and store terminals.
• Never share your card number or PIN on social media, text, or email.
• Be cautious of anyone contacting you asking for your PIN—they are usually not legitimate.

If something feels suspicious, hang up and call the official EBT customer service number listed on state or county materials.

How to Tell You’re Using an Official Arkansas EBT Channel

Because EBT involves money-like benefits, scams do happen. To reduce risk:

• Use phone numbers printed on:
  • The back of your EBT card
  • Official Arkansas DHS letters or notices
  • The state’s official website
• Avoid websites that:
  • Ask for your full EBT card number and PIN to “check your balance” but do not clearly belong to the state of Arkansas or its official partner.
  • Promise “bonus benefits” or charge fees just to access your account.
• If someone calls, texts, or emails you asking for:
  • Your full EBT card number
  • Your PIN
  • A payment to protect or increase benefits
    Hang up or ignore the message and contact the official EBT hotline yourself.

If you are unsure, you can contact:

• Your local DHS office in Arkansas
• 211 to ask for contact information for the official Arkansas SNAP or EBT office

If You Still Have Problems With Your Arkansas EBT Card

If you’ve followed the usual steps and still can’t use your card or PIN:

• Call Arkansas EBT customer service again and explain the issue in detail.
• Ask whether there are any holds, errors, or blocks on your account.
• If needed, contact your local DHS office to make sure:
  • Your case is active
  • Your mailing address is correct
  • There are no documentation issues affecting your benefits

If you believe there is a mistake with your benefit amount or case status, you can:

• Ask your local DHS office how to request a review or file an appeal under Arkansas procedures.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot replace your Arkansas EBT card, change your PIN, or view your account. To take action, you will need to contact official Arkansas EBT and DHS offices or hotlines using the methods described above.