How to Replace a Nebraska EBT Card and Change Your PIN

If you use an EBT card in Nebraska for SNAP (food assistance) or other benefits, losing your card or needing to change your PIN can feel stressful. This guide walks through how to replace a Nebraska EBT card and how to change your PIN, step by step, using official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency, benefits office, or application portal. This article is meant to help you understand the typical process so you can contact the correct official Nebraska offices.

Understanding Your Nebraska EBT Card

In Nebraska, an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card is a plastic card that works like a debit card. It allows you to access:

  • SNAP (Food Stamps) benefits
  • Certain cash assistance programs, if you qualify

Your PIN (Personal Identification Number) is a 4‑digit code that protects your benefits. You generally need:

  • The physical EBT card, and
  • The correct PIN

to use your benefits at stores or ATMs (for cash benefits).

If your card is lost, stolen, damaged, or your PIN is compromised, you should act quickly to protect your benefits.

When You Should Replace Your Nebraska EBT Card

You will usually need a replacement EBT card if:

  • Your card is lost
  • Your card is stolen
  • Your card is damaged and no longer reads correctly
  • The magnetic strip or chip is worn out and stores can’t process it
  • You were told by the state agency to get a new card (for example, if there was suspected fraud)

If your card is missing or stolen, it is especially important to report it right away so that your benefits can be protected from unauthorized use.

How to Report a Lost or Stolen Nebraska EBT Card

Nebraska typically uses an EBT customer service phone line for card issues. The exact phone number is printed on the back of your card and is also usually listed on the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) materials.

Step-by-step: Reporting a Lost or Stolen Card

  1. Find the official EBT customer service number

    • Look on:
      • Any previous letters or notices from Nebraska DHHS
      • The Nebraska DHHS website (search for “Nebraska EBT” or “ACCESSNebraska EBT”)
      • Posters or brochures at your local DHHS or county assistance office
  2. Call the EBT customer service line immediately

    • Follow the automated prompts for “lost or stolen card”.
    • You may be asked to enter:
      • Your EBT card number (if you know it), or
      • Your Social Security Number, date of birth, or other identifying information.
  3. Confirm your identity

    • Be prepared to provide:
      • Your name
      • Your address on file
      • Possibly the last 4 digits of your SSN or other verification details
  4. Request a replacement card

    • Tell the representative your card is lost, stolen, or damaged.
    • Ask:
      • When the replacement will be mailed
      • Where it will be mailed (verify your current mailing address)
      • Whether there are any fees or limits on how often you can get a replacement (policies can change)
  5. Ask about your benefits

    • You can ask whether:
      • Your current balance is safe
      • There have been recent transactions you don’t recognize

How Long It Usually Takes to Get a Replacement Nebraska EBT Card

Processing time can vary, but many people are told their replacement card will be mailed within a few business days. Delivery time depends on:

  • Mail service to your location
  • How quickly the request is processed by the EBT contractor

If you haven’t received your new card within the timeframe given by the EBT customer service line, you can:

  • Call the EBT customer service line again to check status
  • Contact your local Nebraska DHHS office or ACCESSNebraska for guidance

In some cases, your local office may be able to confirm your address or help you understand what’s causing any delay.

Changing Your Nebraska EBT Card PIN

You may want or need to change your PIN if:

  • You think someone else may know your PIN
  • You entered it incorrectly several times and your card is blocked
  • You simply want a new number that’s easier for you to remember

In Nebraska, the most common way to change your PIN is through the EBT customer service phone line or sometimes through an automated system.

How to Change Your EBT PIN by Phone

  1. Call the official Nebraska EBT customer service number

    • Use the number listed on your card or on official Nebraska DHHS materials.
  2. Select the option for PIN services

    • Listen to the menu options and choose:
      • “Change PIN”, or
      • Follow the prompts for “PIN” or “PIN selection”
  3. Verify your identity

    • You may need to provide:
      • Your EBT card number
      • Your date of birth
      • The last 4 digits of your SSN, or other identifying info
  4. Choose a new PIN

    • Enter a 4-digit number you can remember but is hard for others to guess.
    • Avoid:
      • 0000, 1111, 1234
      • Your birth year or obvious patterns
    • You may be asked to re-enter it to confirm.
  5. Wait for confirmation

    • The system or representative should confirm that your PIN has been successfully changed.
    • In many cases, the new PIN is active right away, but you can ask to be sure.

Changing Your PIN After Getting a Replacement Card

If you received a new EBT card in the mail, you will typically need to:

  1. Activate the card (often by calling a toll-free number listed with the card), and then
  2. Set or change your PIN using the same phone system or process.

Sometimes, the activation and PIN setup are handled in the same call. The instructions included with your replacement card usually explain:

  • Which number to call
  • What information to have ready
  • Whether you can reuse your old PIN or must pick a new one

What Documents or Information You May Need

For most EBT card replacement or PIN changes, you do not need to submit many documents, but you should have basic identifying information ready when you call.

Commonly requested information includes:

  • Full name on the case
  • Date of birth
  • Mailing address on file
  • EBT card number (if known)
  • Case number (if you have it from previous notices)
  • Possibly the last 4 digits of your SSN

If anything on your case has changed (like your address), you may need to contact:

  • The Nebraska DHHS or
  • ACCESSNebraska

to update your information. Some address changes can be handled online, by phone, or in person at a local office, depending on state procedures.

Common Issues and How to Handle Them

1. Card Never Arrives

If your replacement card hasn’t arrived:

  • Check the mailing address you have on file with Nebraska DHHS.
  • Call the EBT customer service line and:
    • Confirm when the card was mailed
    • Confirm it was sent to the correct address

If the address is wrong, ask your local office or ACCESSNebraska how to update it. After updating, you may need to request another replacement card.

2. PIN Not Working

If you enter your PIN and the machine says it’s wrong:

  • Make sure you’re using the most recent PIN you set.
  • If you try multiple times incorrectly, your card may lock temporarily.
  • Call the EBT customer service line:
    • Verify that your PIN change went through
    • Reset or change your PIN again if needed

3. Suspected Fraud or Unauthorized Transactions

If you see transactions you do not recognize:

  1. Call the EBT customer service line immediately
    • Report suspected fraud or unauthorized charges.
  2. Ask about:
    • Blocking the card
    • Issuing a new card
    • Whether there is a process to dispute or report the unauthorized transactions

You may also be advised to contact:

  • Your local Nebraska DHHS office, or
  • A fraud investigation unit if one is listed on DHHS notices or the official website

Policies about replacing stolen benefits can be very specific and may change, so it’s important to get up‑to‑date information from official Nebraska sources.

Who to Contact for Nebraska EBT Card Help

While HowToGetAssistance.org can’t access or manage your benefits, here’s a simple overview of who typically handles what.

Issue or QuestionWho Usually Handles ItHow to Reach Them (in general)
Lost, stolen, or damaged EBT cardNebraska EBT customer service lineCall the official number on your card or from Nebraska DHHS/ACCESSNebraska materials
Changing or resetting your PINNebraska EBT customer service line (phone system)Call the official EBT number and follow prompts for PIN
Updating your mailing address or contact infoNebraska DHHS / ACCESSNebraska / local officePhone, online benefits portal, or in person at a local DHHS office
Questions about benefit amounts or eligibilityNebraska DHHS / ACCESSNebraskaUse the main benefits phone line, online portal, or local office
Reporting suspected fraud on your EBT accountEBT customer service + DHHS fraud unit (if any)Call EBT customer service; they may direct you to an official DHHS or fraud reporting office

To find the correct phone numbers and office locations, look at:

  • Recent notices or letters from Nebraska DHHS
  • The official Nebraska DHHS or ACCESSNebraska website
  • Posted information at your local county assistance office

If you’re not sure where to start, you can also call 211 (in many areas) and ask for help finding the official Nebraska SNAP/EBT contact information.

Tips to Keep Your Nebraska EBT Card and PIN Safe

A few practical habits can help protect your benefits:

  • Memorize your PIN and don’t write it on the card
  • Don’t share your PIN with friends, family, or store employees
  • Shield the keypad when entering your PIN at a checkout or ATM
  • Keep your card in a safe place when you’re not shopping
  • Review your recent transactions regularly using:
    • The EBT customer service phone system, or
    • Any authorized balance-checking method provided by Nebraska

If anything seems off, contact the official EBT customer service line as soon as possible.

If You Still Need Help

If you’re unsure which number to call or what step to take next:

  • Contact your local Nebraska DHHS office or ACCESSNebraska and explain:
    • That you need to replace your EBT card or
    • That you need to change your PIN
  • Ask them to:
    • Confirm the correct EBT customer service number
    • Explain any state-specific rules for replacement cards or PIN changes

They are the official source for Nebraska benefits information and can guide you based on your exact situation.