How to Replace a South Carolina EBT Card and Change Your PIN

If you use an EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card in South Carolina for SNAP or other benefits, losing your card or needing to change your PIN can feel stressful. This guide explains, in plain language, how the process usually works in South Carolina and what to expect.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site. It is not a government agency, benefit office, or application portal. To replace a card or change your PIN, you will need to go through official South Carolina EBT channels, not this website.

Understanding Your South Carolina EBT Card

In South Carolina, EBT cards are typically used to access:

• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) food benefits
• Other cash or assistance programs, if your household qualifies and the state uses EBT for them

Your EBT card works like a debit card at participating stores or ATMs (for cash benefits). It is linked to your benefits account and secured by a 4-digit PIN (Personal Identification Number).

Because the card and PIN control access to your benefits, the state takes lost cards, stolen cards, and PIN changes very seriously and has clear rules for replacing or securing them.

When You Should Replace Your South Carolina EBT Card

You should request a replacement EBT card as soon as possible if:

• Your card is lost
• Your card is stolen
• Your card is damaged and does not work (worn-out strip, chip won’t read, card cracked, etc.)
• You never received your original card after being approved
• The card is not working properly at stores or ATMs and basic troubleshooting does not fix it

If you think someone else might know your PIN but you still have your card, you may not need a full replacement—changing your PIN quickly can often protect your benefits.

Step-by-Step: How to Replace a South Carolina EBT Card

In South Carolina, EBT services are typically handled through a state-contracted EBT customer service line and the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS).

1. Call the Official South Carolina EBT Customer Service Number

The fastest way to report a problem and request a replacement is to:

1. Locate the official South Carolina EBT customer service phone number.

   • You can usually find it on:
     • The back of your EBT card (if you still have it)
     • Letters or notices from South Carolina DSS
     • The official South Carolina EBT or DSS website
   • If you’re unsure, you can also:
     • Call South Carolina DSS main information line and ask for the EBT customer service number
     • Dial 211 and ask for help finding the official South Carolina EBT line

2. Call as soon as you realize there’s a problem.

   • Reporting quickly is important because any benefits spent before you report a card lost or stolen are usually not replaced.

3. Follow the automated prompts.
   You will typically be asked to:

   • Choose your language
   • Press a number for card issues (lost, stolen, damaged)
   • Enter your card number if you have it, or sometimes your Social Security Number and/or date of birth if you do not have the card

2. Say Your Card Is Lost, Stolen, or Damaged

When you get through the system (or a live agent, if needed):

• Clearly state that your South Carolina EBT card is lost, stolen, or damaged and you need a replacement card.
• The system may automatically lock or cancel your current card to prevent more transactions.

You may need to verify:

• Name on the case
• Date of birth
• Last 4 digits of Social Security Number (or another ID used for your case)
• Sometimes your case number or address

Having this information ready can speed things up.

3. Confirm Your Mailing Address

A replacement EBT card is usually mailed to you.

Make sure the agent or automated system has your current, correct address, including:

• Street address or P.O. box
• Apartment or lot number, if any
• City, state, and ZIP code

If your address is out of date:

• You may be told to update your address with South Carolina DSS (your local DSS office or official DSS benefits portal) before they can mail a card.
• This step may slow down the process, so it is helpful to keep your address current anytime you move.

4. Ask About Replacement Fees and Timing

When you speak with EBT customer service, you can ask:

• Is there a fee to replace the card?
  • Some states charge a small fee after the first replacement; policies can change, so it’s best to confirm directly.
• How long will it take to receive the new card?
  • Many people receive replacement cards in 5–10 business days, but timelines can vary.

In some situations, your local DSS office may have options for faster replacement or urgent needs. You can call your county DSS office to ask if any in-person or expedited options exist in your area.

Changing Your South Carolina EBT PIN

You can change your EBT PIN if:

• You forgot your PIN
• You think someone else knows your PIN
• You want a new PIN when you receive a replacement card
• You just want something easier for you to remember (while keeping it secure)

Options to Change Your PIN

Typically, South Carolina cardholders can change their EBT PIN in one of these ways:

1. By phone through the EBT customer service line
2. Through the official EBT cardholder website or app (if your state provides one and you have an online account)
3. At certain in-person locations, such as your local DSS office, if that service is offered

Since processes can change over time, it’s best to:

• Check your EBT paperwork or the back of your card for PIN instructions
• Visit the official South Carolina DSS or EBT website for current details
• Or call the EBT customer service number and choose the option to change your PIN

1. Change Your PIN by Phone

To change your PIN over the phone, you usually:

1. Call the official South Carolina EBT customer service number.

2. Choose the menu option for PIN change or PIN selection.

3. Enter identifying details, which may include:

   • Your EBT card number
   • Your birth date
   • Last 4 digits of Social Security Number or another ID associated with your case

4. Enter your new 4-digit PIN.

   • You will be asked to enter it twice to confirm.

Your new PIN is often active immediately, but some systems note that it may take a short time to update fully.

2. Change Your PIN Online (If Available)

Some states offer an official EBT cardholder portal or app where you can:

• Check your balance
• View transactions
• Change your PIN

If South Carolina provides this option:

1. Make sure you are on an official government-related site (use known addresses from your EBT materials or DSS).
2. Log in or create an account using your EBT card details and personal information.
3. Look for a “Change PIN” or similar option and follow the prompts.

If you are not sure whether an online portal is official, you can:

• Call South Carolina DSS or the EBT customer service line and ask them to confirm the correct website.

3. Change Your PIN in Person (If Offered)

Some local South Carolina DSS offices may allow you to set or change your PIN at a kiosk or front desk.

Because offerings differ by county:

• Call your local DSS office and ask if they have in-person PIN change services for EBT.
• Ask what ID or documents you should bring.

Common Questions About Card Replacement and PIN Changes

Will my benefits be safe after I report a lost or stolen card?

Once you report your card as lost or stolen to the official EBT customer service line, the card is usually:

• Canceled so no more transactions can be made with it.
• Linked to your account until a new card with a different number is issued.

However, benefits already spent before you report the loss are typically not replaced. That’s why quick reporting is important.

Will my PIN stay the same when I get a new card?

This can vary. In many systems:

• You may be prompted to select a new PIN for your replacement card.
• Or your old PIN may still work but you are encouraged to change it for security.

When you request your replacement card, you can ask the representative what to expect and how to set a new PIN.

How long does it take to get a replacement South Carolina EBT card?

Timelines change, and they can depend on:

• Mail delivery in your area
• State processing times
• Whether your address is current

Many people receive a replacement card within about a week, but it may take longer. For the most accurate estimate, ask EBT customer service or your local DSS office.

Quick Reference: Replace Card vs. Change PIN

Below is a simple comparison to help you decide what to do and who to contact.

What You May Need When Calling or Visiting

When you contact EBT customer service or South Carolina DSS, it helps to have:

• Full name as it appears on your case
• Date of birth
• EBT card number (if you still have the card or wrote it down somewhere safe)
• Case number (if available from DSS letters or notices)
• Last 4 digits of Social Security Number or other ID used for your case
• Current mailing address

Having this ready can make the call faster and reduce the chance of delays.

If You Still Can’t Use Your Card After Replacement or PIN Change

If you receive a new card or change your PIN and still have problems:

1. Call the EBT customer service line again.

   • Explain what steps you already took and what error messages you see at the store or ATM.

2. Contact your local South Carolina DSS office.

   • They may review your case status, confirm that benefits are active, and check if there are any holds, freezes, or other issues.

3. Ask if you need to visit in person.

   • In some cases, bringing your photo ID and card to your local office can help them resolve the problem more directly.

Avoiding Scams and Protecting Your EBT Benefits

Unfortunately, EBT cardholders can be targeted by scams. Some practical tips:

• Do not share your PIN with anyone, including friends or relatives not on your case.
• Do not give your EBT card number or PIN to people who call, text, or email you unexpectedly.
• When going online:
  • Make sure you are on an official South Carolina DSS or EBT site.
  • Avoid entering your card info on unfamiliar websites or apps.
• At ATMs and card readers:
  • Cover the keypad when you enter your PIN.
  • If a machine looks tampered with or unusual, do not use it.

If you suspect your benefits have been stolen:

1. Call the EBT customer service line right away to report suspicious activity and block the card.
2. Contact your local DSS office to ask about next steps.
   • Rules on replacing stolen benefits can vary and may change, so they are the best source for current policies.

Who to Contact for South Carolina EBT Help

For any issue related to your South Carolina EBT card, replacement, or PIN:

• EBT Customer Service Line

  • Use the number on the back of your card or listed in your DSS paperwork.
  • This is usually the first stop for lost/stolen cards, PIN changes, balance questions, and transaction issues.

• South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS)

  • Contact your county DSS office for:
    • Address changes
    • Questions about whether your benefits are active
    • Case eligibility, renewals, or other support program questions
  • You can find your local office information on the official South Carolina DSS website or by calling a state DSS information line.

• 211 Helpline

  • Dial 2-1-1 from most phones.
  • Ask for help finding the official South Carolina EBT customer service number or your local DSS office if you’re unsure where to start.

Remember: HowToGetAssistance.org cannot replace your card or change your PIN. This guide is meant to help you understand the typical process so you can contact the appropriate official South Carolina EBT and DSS channels and move forward with more confidence.