How to Replace a Connecticut EBT Card and Change Your PIN

Losing your Connecticut EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card or needing to change your PIN is common, and there are clear steps you can take through official state channels to fix it.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains, in plain language, how replacing a Connecticut EBT card and changing your PIN usually works, what to expect, and how to avoid common problems. This site is not a government office or benefits portal, but it can help you understand the process so you can contact the official agencies that handle EBT in Connecticut.

Understanding Your Connecticut EBT Card

In Connecticut, an EBT card is typically used to access benefits such as:

• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) – food benefits
• TFA (Temporary Family Assistance) – cash assistance
• State Supplement / other cash benefits – depending on your case

The card works like a debit card, and you use a 4‑digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) to:

• Pay for food at authorized grocery stores
• Withdraw cash at ATMs (for cash benefits)
• Check your balance

Because your card and PIN protect your benefits, it’s important to know what to do if the card is lost, stolen, damaged, or compromised, or if you simply want a new PIN.

When You Should Replace Your Connecticut EBT Card

You would typically request a replacement EBT card if:

• Your card is lost and you can’t find it
• Your card is stolen
• Your card is damaged (cracked, unreadable stripe, chip issues, etc.)
• Someone else may know your card number or PIN
• The card won’t swipe or tap properly even after trying multiple machines

If you think someone else has used your benefits, it is important to act quickly by:

1. Calling the EBT customer service line right away to report the problem.
2. Changing your PIN as soon as possible.
3. Asking about your transaction history and what steps are available if you suspect fraud.

Refunds are not guaranteed, and in many cases, benefits that were stolen cannot be replaced, but reporting issues early sometimes helps the state review your case.

How to Report a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged EBT Card in Connecticut

In Connecticut, EBT cards are usually managed for the state by an EBT customer service contractor. The contact information is printed on the back of your card and also listed by the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS).

To report a problem and request a replacement:

1. Find the official EBT customer service number.

   • You can usually find it:
     • On the back of any existing card
     • On official notices from DSS
     • On the official Connecticut DSS or EBT information pages
   • If you are not sure you have the right number, you can call 211 and ask to be directed to the Connecticut EBT customer service line.

2. Call the EBT customer service line.
   Be prepared to:

   • Confirm your name
   • Provide your card number (if you still have it or know it)
   • Provide identifying details like date of birth, address, or last four digits of your Social Security number, depending on how the system verifies your identity

3. Report the card status clearly.
   Tell the representative:

   • “My card is lost.”
   • “My card is stolen.”
   • “My card is damaged and will not work.”
   • If you have any reason to believe the card is being used without your permission, say you suspect unauthorized use.

4. Request a replacement card.
   The representative or automated system will generally:

   • Cancel your current card so it cannot be used
   • Order a new card to be mailed to your address on file

How Long It Usually Takes to Get a Replacement Card

For Connecticut EBT cards, replacement timelines can differ slightly, but commonly:

• Standard mail delivery: Often around 5–10 business days after your request
• Some agencies note that delivery can be sooner or later depending on mail times and weekends/holidays

If you recently moved or think DSS might not have your current address:

• Let customer service know and then
• Contact your local DSS office or official benefits portal as soon as possible to update your address, since many systems only mail cards to the address on file.

Can You Get an EBT Card Quickly or In Person?

In some states, certain local offices can print EBT cards on-site for same-day or next-day pickup. Availability of this option in Connecticut can depend on:

• Which DSS office you go to
• Whether they have card-issuing equipment at that location
• Their current procedures

To check whether in‑person replacement is available near you:

• Call your local DSS office and ask if they issue EBT cards in person.
• Ask what identification you need to bring and whether you need an appointment.

What You May Need When Requesting a Replacement Card

When calling EBT customer service or speaking with DSS, you may be asked to confirm some details. Common items include:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Address on file
• Last four digits of your Social Security number (if you have one on file)
• Case number or EBT card number (if available)
• Sometimes security questions set up when you first called to activate the card

If you visit a local DSS office for an EBT card issue, it is usually helpful to bring:

• A photo ID (such as a state ID, driver’s license, or other accepted identification)
• Any recent DSS notice that has your client or case number (if you have it)

If you do not have identification or documents, you can still explain your situation; the office may have other ways to verify your identity using their system.

Changing Your Connecticut EBT Card PIN

You can typically change your EBT PIN in Connecticut:

• By phone through the official EBT customer service line
• Sometimes at certain DSS offices or EBT kiosks, if available

Common Reasons to Change Your PIN

You may want to change your PIN when:

• You forgot your current PIN
• You think someone else may know your PIN
• Your card was lost or stolen, and a new card is being sent
• You simply want a more secure or easier-to-remember PIN

How to Change Your PIN by Phone

1. Call the official Connecticut EBT customer service number.
   Use the number on the back of your card or the official number listed by DSS.

2. Follow the automated menu.
   Look or listen for prompts such as:

   • “PIN change”
   • “Select or change PIN”
   • “Card services”

3. Verify your identity.
   You may be asked for:

   • Your EBT card number
   • The last four digits of your Social Security number (if available)
   • Your date of birth
   • Sometimes other identifying information

4. Set your new PIN.
   You will usually:

   • Choose a 4‑digit number
   • Enter it twice to confirm

Tips for Choosing a Secure PIN

To protect your benefits:

• Avoid simple patterns like 1234, 0000, or 1111
• Avoid using birth years, birthdays, or easily guessed numbers
• Choose something memorable to you but difficult for others to guess
• Never write your PIN on your card or store it in your wallet next to your card

If you worry that someone is guessing your PIN, change it again as soon as possible.

What Happens After You Change Your PIN

Once you successfully change your PIN:

• The new PIN should work right away or within a very short time
• Use the new PIN the next time you shop or check your balance
• If you enter the wrong PIN too many times, the system may temporarily lock your card for security; if that happens, follow the instructions from customer service

If the PIN you set does not work at the store or ATM:

• Try entering it carefully one more time
• If it still fails, call the EBT customer service line to:
  • Confirm the PIN change went through
  • Reset or change the PIN again if needed

Common Problems and How to Handle Them

1. Card Never Arrives in the Mail

If a replacement card does not arrive within the expected time:

• Call the EBT customer service line and:
  • Confirm that a card was mailed
  • Verify your mailing address
• If the address is wrong, you will need to update it with DSS through:
  • Your local DSS office, or
  • The official benefits portal or hotline that handles address changes

Sometimes, a new card has to be reissued once your address is corrected.

2. Wrong Address on File

Connecticut DSS generally mails cards to the address on your benefits case. If you moved and did not report it:

• Contact your local DSS office or state benefits hotline to update your address
• After the address change is confirmed, ask if a new EBT card needs to be issued

3. Card Not Working at the Store or ATM

If your card is declined:

• Check:
  • Whether you entered the correct PIN
  • Whether you have enough SNAP or cash balance for the transaction
• If the machine shows “card error” or “cannot read card” repeatedly:
  • Try another machine or store
  • If it still fails, you may need a replacement card

You can call the EBT customer service line to:

• Check your current balance
• Review recent transactions
• Ask whether the card looks blocked, damaged, or compromised

4. Suspected Fraud or Unauthorized Use

If you see purchases or withdrawals you did not make:

• Call EBT customer service immediately to:
  • Report suspected fraud or theft
  • Cancel your card and request a new one
  • Change your PIN
• Ask whether there is a process for:
  • Disputing transactions
  • Reporting EBT theft to DSS or another official agency

Be aware that not all stolen EBT benefits can be replaced, but reporting incidents helps protect your account and can help authorities track fraud patterns.

Quick Comparison: Replace Card vs. Change PIN

How to Make Sure You Are Using an Official Channel

Because EBT cards involve access to your benefits, it’s important to avoid scams and unofficial sites.

Here are ways to verify you are on an official Connecticut EBT or DSS channel:

• Check the website address:
  Official Connecticut state websites usually include “.gov” in the web address.
• Use numbers from official notices:
  Use phone numbers printed:
  • On the back of your EBT card
  • On DSS letters and benefit approval notices
• Call 211 for guidance:
  The 211 helpline can:
  • Confirm which number is the official EBT customer service line
  • Direct you to the Connecticut DSS office that handles EBT issues
• Avoid sharing full card details online:
  Do not give your full EBT card number, PIN, or Social Security number on:
  • Social media
  • Unofficial websites
  • Unsolicited text messages or emails

If you are ever unsure, you can:

• Visit a local DSS office in person, or
• Call the main Connecticut DSS phone line listed on state materials and ask them to confirm the correct EBT support number.

Other Resources If You’re Waiting for a Replacement Card

While you are waiting for a replacement card or sorting out a PIN issue, you might not be able to use your benefits. During that time, some families look into:

• Local food pantries or food banks
  Many communities in Connecticut have nonprofit organizations that offer free groceries. You can:
  • Dial 211 and ask for food assistance resources in your area.
• Community meal programs
  Some organizations offer free or low-cost prepared meals.
• Faith-based or charity groups
  Many churches and community centers have food distribution programs.

These options do not replace your EBT benefits but can help while you wait for your card issue to be resolved.

Key Takeaways

• To replace a Connecticut EBT card, you usually:
  • Call the official EBT customer service line
  • Report the card as lost, stolen, or damaged
  • Confirm your identity and request a replacement card
• To change your EBT PIN, you typically:
  • Call the same EBT customer service number
  • Follow the PIN change prompts
  • Choose a new 4‑digit PIN that is secure and easy for you to remember
• For address changes, fraud concerns, or case questions, you may need to contact:
  • Your local Connecticut DSS office
  • The official DSS benefits hotline or portal

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot replace your card or change your PIN for you, but by understanding the usual process and who to contact, you can move forward more confidently through the official Connecticut EBT and DSS channels.