How to Replace a Georgia EBT Card and Change Your PIN

If you get SNAP (food stamps) or other benefits on a Georgia EBT card, losing your card or needing a new PIN can be stressful. This guide walks through how to replace a Georgia EBT card and how to change or reset your PIN, using official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only. It is not a government office, not an EBT card provider, and you cannot apply for or manage benefits here. Use this guide to understand the typical steps, then contact the official Georgia EBT customer service or your local benefits office to complete them.

Understanding Your Georgia EBT Card

In Georgia, an EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card works like a debit card for certain benefit programs, typically:

• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) – for food purchases
• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) – for cash assistance, if eligible

Your EBT card is linked to your benefits account, not to your bank account. You use it:

• At grocery stores and some farmers markets to buy approved foods (SNAP)
• At ATMs or stores with cash back (if you get TANF cash benefits)

Because the card is how you access your benefits, it’s important to:

• Report a lost, stolen, or damaged card right away
• Protect and change your PIN if you think someone else knows it

When You Should Replace Your Georgia EBT Card

You may need a replacement Georgia EBT card if:

• Your card is lost
• Your card is stolen
• Your card is damaged (cracked, unreadable strip, chip not working, etc.)
• You never received a card that was mailed to you
• The card is not working at stores or ATMs, and customer service tells you it must be replaced

In most cases, you will need to call the official Georgia EBT customer service number printed on the back of the card or listed on the state’s benefits portal to request a replacement.

How to Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Georgia EBT Card

1. Call the Official Georgia EBT Customer Service Line

The most common way to replace a card is by phone.

You can usually find the correct number by:

• Checking any recent mail from the Georgia Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS)
• Looking on the back of your current card (if you still have it)
• Visiting the official Georgia benefits website (look for SNAP/EBT information)
• Calling your local DFCS office and asking for the EBT card customer service number

When you call:

• Follow the automated menu for “lost, stolen, or damaged card.”
• Be prepared to provide:
  • Your EBT card number (if you have it)
  • Your Social Security Number (SSN) or case number, if requested
  • Your date of birth
  • Your mailing address on file

The system may ask you to verify your identity before it cancels the old card and orders a new one.

2. Report the Card as Lost, Stolen, or Damaged

Make sure you clearly state:

• “My card is lost”
• “My card was stolen”
• “My card is damaged and not working”

Once reported, the old card is usually blocked so no one else can use it. This step is important to protect your remaining benefits.

3. Confirm Your Mailing Address

The new card is typically mailed to the address on file with DFCS. Verify that:

• Your name is spelled correctly
• Your address is up to date (apartment number, city, ZIP code)

If you moved recently, you may need to update your address with your local DFCS office or through the official benefits portal before the new card is sent. Ask customer service what you need to do if your address is no longer correct.

4. Ask About Delivery Time and Any Fees

In many cases:

• Standard replacement cards are mailed at no cost, but policies may vary.
• Delivery often takes several business days, depending on mail times.

You can ask:

• “How long will it take to receive my new card?”
• “Is there any fee for this replacement?”
• “Can I get a tracking number or expected arrival date?”

If you are in an emergency situation and unable to buy food, tell the representative so they can explain any available options under current state rules.

How to Activate Your New Georgia EBT Card

When your replacement card arrives in the mail, it will typically come with activation instructions.

Typical steps include:

1. Call the EBT card activation number listed on the card sticker or in the mailer.
2. Enter:
   • Your card number
   • The last 4 digits of your Social Security Number or another ID number, if requested
   • Your date of birth, if requested
3. Choose a new PIN (4-digit Personal Identification Number) if required.

Your card is usually ready to use after activation, though some stores may take a short time to recognize the activation.

How to Change or Reset Your Georgia EBT PIN

You may want or need to change your EBT PIN if:

• You forgot your PIN
• You think someone else knows your PIN
• The system locked your card after too many wrong PIN attempts
• You just want a more secure number

There are typically two main ways to change or reset your PIN.

Option 1: Change Your PIN by Phone

1. Call the official Georgia EBT customer service number (the same number used to check your balance).
2. Choose the menu option for PIN change or PIN reset.
3. Enter:
   • Your EBT card number
   • Requested identifying information (such as DOB, ZIP code, or SSN last 4 digits)
4. Follow the prompts to create a new 4-digit PIN.

🔐 PIN tips:

• Avoid using birthdays, repeated numbers (1111), or easy patterns (1234).
• Do not write the PIN on the card or keep it in your wallet with the card.
• Choose something you can remember but others cannot guess easily.

Option 2: Change Your PIN Online (If Available)

Georgia may also allow PIN changes through the official online EBT portal or benefits account website. If so, you would typically:

1. Create or log in to your online EBT account.
2. Find the section for “Manage PIN” or “Change PIN.”
3. Enter:
   • Your card number
   • Required personal information to verify your identity
4. Create and confirm your new PIN.

If you are unsure whether online PIN changes are available, check:

• The back of your EBT card for a web address
• The Georgia DFCS website or the official EBT portal information
• With your local DFCS office by phone

Quick Comparison: Replace Georgia EBT Card vs. Change PIN

Will You Lose Your Benefits When You Replace the Card?

Typically, replacing your Georgia EBT card does not remove your benefits.

In most cases:

• Your remaining SNAP or TANF benefits stay in your account.
• The old card is deactivated and no one can use it once it’s reported.
• The new card gives you access to the same account balance.

If you believe someone used your card without permission before you could report it, tell the customer service representative:

• When you noticed the card missing
• Any suspicious transactions you see on your account

Policies on replacing stolen benefits can change, and there may be specific rules on what can or cannot be restored. The official Georgia EBT customer service line or your local DFCS office can explain what currently applies.

What to Do if You Never Received Your Georgia EBT Card

If your first card or a replacement never arrives:

1. Check the mailing address on file with DFCS.
2. Look at mail delivery issues, such as:
   • Incorrect apartment number
   • Recent move
   • Mail being held or returned
3. Call the Georgia EBT customer service line or your local DFCS office and explain:
   • You never received the card
   • How long it has been since it was supposed to be mailed

They may:

• Cancel the missing card
• Update your address, if needed
• Issue another replacement according to current policy

Common Problems and How to Handle Them

1. Card Not Working at Checkout or ATM

If your EBT card is declined:

• Make sure you are using the correct PIN.
• Ask if the store’s EBT system is down.
• Check whether you are:
  • Buying approved food items (for SNAP)
  • Trying to withdraw more than your cash benefit balance (for TANF)
• Call the EBT balance line (usually on the back of the card) to:
  • Check your current balance
  • See recent transactions

If other cards are working at the same location and your EBT card will not, customer service may tell you the card is damaged and needs a replacement.

2. Too Many Wrong PIN Attempts

If you enter the wrong PIN too many times, the system may temporarily lock your card.

• Wait the recommended time (often until the next day).
• Call the EBT customer service line to:
  • Confirm whether the card is locked
  • Reset or change your PIN

3. Suspicious Transactions or Possible Fraud

If you notice charges you didn’t make:

1. Call the EBT customer service number immediately.
2. Report:
   • Unauthorized transactions
   • Any suspected card skimming or theft
3. Ask what steps are available to:
   • Protect your account
   • Replace your card
   • Dispute transactions, if that process is offered

Some states have specific steps for benefit theft or skimming claims. The Georgia EBT customer service line or DFCS can explain current options and deadlines for reporting.

How to Reach the Correct Official Office

Since policies and tools can occasionally change, it’s important to be sure you’re going through official channels.

To identify the correct office or number:

• Look for materials from the Georgia Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS).
• Use phone numbers listed:
  • On official state websites ending in “.gov”
  • On letters or notices about your SNAP or TANF case
  • On the back of your existing EBT card
• Call your local DFCS office and ask:
  • “What is the official Georgia EBT customer service number?”
  • “Where can I manage my Georgia EBT card and PIN online, if available?”

If you are unsure whether a number or website is real, you can:

• Call 211 (a general community information line in many areas) and ask for the official SNAP/EBT contact information in Georgia.
• Check contact details against information posted by the Georgia Department of Human Services or DFCS.

Protecting Yourself from EBT Scams

Unfortunately, EBT cardholders can be targets for scams. A few basic precautions:

• Do not share your EBT card number, PIN, or full Social Security Number with anyone who:
  • Calls or texts you unexpectedly
  • Sends messages from unknown numbers or social media
• Be cautious with:
  • Texts or emails claiming your card is locked and asking you to click a link
  • Websites that ask for PINs or personal information but do not clearly belong to the state
• When in doubt:
  • Hang up and call the number printed on your card or on an official DFCS notice.
  • Avoid entering your EBT information on any site that does not clearly identify itself as a Georgia government or authorized EBT portal.

Remember, HowToGetAssistance.org will never ask for your card number or PIN and cannot access or manage your benefits.

If You Still Have Questions or Need Extra Help

If you are still unsure how to:

• Replace your Georgia EBT card
• Change or reset your PIN
• Handle a delivery issue, fraud concern, or damaged card

You can:

• Call the official Georgia EBT customer service line listed on your card or state mailers.
• Contact your local DFCS office and ask them to:
  • Confirm the correct phone number and website
  • Explain the current process for replacement cards and PIN changes
• Call 211 to be connected to community organizations that may help you understand EBT processes or provide food assistance information while you wait for your card.

Using these official channels, you can replace your Georgia EBT card and change your PIN so you can safely access the benefits you are eligible to receive.