How to Replace a Mississippi EBT Card and Change Your PIN

If you use an EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card in Mississippi for SNAP or other benefits, losing your card or needing to change your PIN can be stressful—but the process to fix it is usually straightforward.

This guide explains how to replace a Mississippi EBT card, how to change or reset your PIN, and who to contact through official channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site, not a government office and not an application or customer service portal, but this overview can help you know what to expect and what to do next.

Understanding Your Mississippi EBT Card

An EBT card works like a debit card that holds your approved benefits, such as:

• SNAP (food stamps)
• In some cases, other state cash or nutrition benefits

You use it at authorized grocery stores and retailers by swiping or inserting the card and entering your 4‑digit PIN (Personal Identification Number).

Because the card controls access to your benefits, protecting the card and PIN is critical. If your card is lost, stolen, damaged, or your PIN is compromised, you should act quickly through official EBT or state agency channels.

When You Should Replace Your Mississippi EBT Card

You would typically request a replacement EBT card if:

• Your card is lost
• Your card is stolen
• Your card is damaged (broken strip, cracked, unreadable by stores)
• You never received your card in the mail
• Your card was involved in known or suspected fraud

If your card is about to expire, states usually send a new card automatically before the expiration date. If that doesn’t happen, you may need to contact the official EBT customer service line to request a replacement.

Step-by-Step: How to Replace a Mississippi EBT Card

The exact process can change over time, but it generally includes these steps:

1. Call the Official Mississippi EBT Customer Service Number

The fastest way to cancel and replace a card is usually to call the toll‑free EBT customer service number printed on the back of your card or listed on the official Mississippi EBT or state benefits website.

If you no longer have the card, you can:

• Search online for “Mississippi EBT customer service number” and verify you are on an official .gov or clearly state-run site, or
• Call your local Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) office and ask for the correct EBT customer service number.

When you call, be ready to:

• Report the card as lost, stolen, or damaged
• Verify your identity (they may ask for:
  • Your name
  • Your date of birth
  • The last 4 digits of your Social Security number (if you have one on file)
  • Your case number or other identifying information
• Confirm or update your mailing address

⚠️ Important: As soon as you report the card lost or stolen, your old card is usually deactivated, which helps prevent further unauthorized use.

2. Ask for a Replacement Card

During the call, clearly state that you need a replacement Mississippi EBT card.

Typical details:

• Cost: Many states provide at least one free replacement within a certain period, but some charge a small replacement fee after that. The customer service agent can explain any fees that apply.
• Timeline: Replacement cards are usually mailed and may take several business days to arrive.
• Mailing address: Make sure your address is correct and up to date, or your card may be delayed or returned.

3. Confirm When and How the Card Will Arrive

Ask:

• When you should expect the card to arrive
• Which address it will go to
• Whether the card will come in an unmarked or plain envelope (often the case, so it’s easy to miss)

If the card doesn’t arrive within the expected time, you can:

• Call the EBT customer service line again, or
• Contact your local MDHS office to check on your case and address

How Long Does It Take to Get a Replacement EBT Card in Mississippi?

Timelines can vary, but common expectations are:

• Processing time: Often 1 business day after you request it, before it’s sent to the mail
• Mailing time: Typically 5–10 business days, depending on mail service and location

Some states or counties may offer expedited options if you have an urgent need, but this is not guaranteed. To find out, you can ask:

• The EBT customer service agent, or
• Staff at your local MDHS office

What to Expect After You Request a Replacement Card

Once you’ve requested a replacement:

• Your old card stays inactive (if you reported it lost/stolen)
• Your benefits balance should transfer automatically to the new card
• You may need to set a new PIN before using the new card

If you notice charges or transactions you did not make, report them to:

• The EBT customer service line, and
• If you suspect theft or fraud, your local police and/or MDHS office

Some states can investigate fraud claims, but benefits may not always be replaced if used by someone else. The official EBT or state office can explain their current policy.

How to Change or Reset Your Mississippi EBT Card PIN

Your PIN (Personal Identification Number) is the 4‑digit code you enter when you use your EBT card. You may want to change your PIN if:

• You forgot it
• You think someone else knows it
• Your card was involved in suspected fraud
• You simply want a new number for security

Common Ways to Change Your PIN

States usually offer several options to change or reset your PIN:

1. By phone through the EBT customer service line
2. Online, if your state uses an official EBT cardholder portal
3. In person at a local benefits office in some counties

Because procedures differ, it’s best to start by calling the official Mississippi EBT customer service number on the back of your card or listed on the official state site.

1. Change Your PIN by Phone

This is one of the most common methods.

Typical steps:

1. Call the EBT customer service number
2. Choose the menu option for “PIN change” or “PIN selection”
3. Enter your:
   • EBT card number
   • Identifying information (such as date of birth or other requested data)
4. Follow the prompts to select a new 4‑digit PIN

✅ Tips when choosing a PIN:

• Avoid simple numbers like 1234, 0000, or your birth year
• Don’t use your birthday, address, or part of your Social Security number
• Choose something memorable to you but difficult for others to guess

In some systems, if you enter the wrong PIN too many times, your card can be temporarily locked. Customer service can explain how long the lock lasts and how to reset your PIN if needed.

2. Change Your PIN Online (If Available)

Many states use an online EBT cardholder portal, where you can:

• Check your balance
• View recent transactions
• Change or reset your PIN

To use this option (if Mississippi offers it at the time you’re reading this):

1. Search for “Mississippi EBT cardholder portal” and confirm you are on an official site (often a .gov address or clearly linked from a state agency).
2. Create an account or log in using your:
   • EBT card number
   • User ID or other requested information
3. Navigate to the PIN change or PIN reset section
4. Follow the instructions to set a new 4‑digit PIN

If you’re unsure whether an online portal is official, you can call:

• The EBT customer service line, or
• Your local MDHS office, and ask them to confirm the correct website.

3. Change Your PIN In Person

Some states and counties allow you to change your PIN in person at local benefit offices, especially if:

• You don’t have access to a phone or the internet
• You’re having trouble with identity verification
• You need help in a language other than English

To see if this is an option in your area:

• Call your local Mississippi Department of Human Services office
• Ask if they can help you set or change your EBT PIN in person
• Confirm what documents you should bring (such as a photo ID or case information)

Lost vs. Forgotten PIN: What’s the Difference?

It helps to understand the difference between losing your card and forgetting your PIN.

In many cases, you do not need a new card just to change your PIN. But if your card and PIN may have been exposed together, it can be safer to:

1. Deactivate the card, and
2. Request a replacement, and
3. Set a new PIN for the new card

Documents and Information You May Need

When dealing with card replacement or PIN changes, you may be asked for:

• Your full name
• Your date of birth
• Your case number (if you have it)
• The last 4 digits of your Social Security number, if one is on file
• Your current mailing address
• Possibly, a photo ID if you visit a local office in person

You typically don’t need to provide new income documents just to replace a card or change a PIN, but if there are other issues with your case, the local office may request more information.

Common Problems and How to Handle Them

1. You Didn’t Receive Your Replacement Card

If the expected time passes and the card does not arrive:

• Double-check your mailing address
• Look carefully through your mail for a plain or unmarked envelope
• Call the EBT customer service number to:
  • Confirm the mail date
  • Confirm the address
  • Request another card if necessary

In some cases, you may also contact your local MDHS office if the issue continues.

2. Your Card or PIN Keeps Getting Declined

If your transactions are being declined:

• Check if you entered the correct PIN
• Verify you have enough balance (by phone or online, if available)
• Confirm that the store accepts EBT
• Ask if their machine is working and processing EBT correctly

If it still fails:

• Call the EBT customer service line to check:
  • Whether your card is active
  • Whether there are any holds or restrictions
  • Whether your PIN is locked

3. Suspected Fraud or Unauthorized Transactions

If you see charges that you did not make:

1. Call the EBT customer service number immediately to:
   • Report unauthorized use
   • Deactivate your card if needed
2. Ask how to file a formal dispute or fraud claim
3. Consider:
   • Filing a police report
   • Contacting your local MDHS office to report the issue

Policies about replacing stolen benefits can vary and may change over time. The official EBT service and state agency can tell you what options currently exist.

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official Channels

Because EBT involves benefits and personal information, it’s important to avoid scams.

Here are some ways to confirm you’re using legitimate, official resources:

• Check the website address
  • Look for “.gov” or a site clearly listed by a known state agency such as the Mississippi Department of Human Services.
• Use numbers printed on official materials
  • The EBT customer service number on the back of your card is the safest starting point.
• Call your local MDHS office directly
  • You can ask them to read the correct customer service number or website address to you.
• Avoid sharing full personal information with anyone who:
  • Calls you unexpectedly
  • Requests your full Social Security number, full card number, and PIN together
• Remember: Legitimate staff and systems will not ask you to tell them your PIN. You enter it yourself on a phone keypad or secure website.

If you are ever in doubt, you can:

• Hang up and call back using a number you find on an official state website or on mail you received from MDHS.
• Ask a trusted local organization, such as a community action agency or legal aid office, to help you confirm which numbers and sites are official.

If You Still Have Questions or Need In-Person Help

If you need more help with your Mississippi EBT card, possible next steps include:

• Contact the Mississippi EBT customer service line
  For card replacement, PIN reset, and transaction questions.

• Visit or call your local Mississippi Department of Human Services office
  For issues involving:

  • Address changes
  • Eligibility questions
  • Case updates
  • Problems that the EBT hotline cannot resolve

• Dial 211 (where available)
  To ask about local organizations that can help you navigate benefits, paperwork, and technology related to EBT and other assistance.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot look up your case, send a new card, or change your PIN, but by using the steps above with official state and EBT contacts, you can usually get a replacement Mississippi EBT card and update your PIN with minimal delay.