How to Replace a Tennessee EBT Card and Change Your PIN

If you use a Tennessee EBT card for SNAP (food stamps) or TANF (Families First) benefits, losing your card or forgetting your PIN can be stressful. The good news is that there are clear steps you can take through official Tennessee agencies to:

• Replace a lost, stolen, or damaged EBT card
• Change or reset your EBT PIN
• Protect your benefits from fraud or misuse

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site, not a government office or application portal. This guide explains typical Tennessee processes so you know what to expect and where to turn next through official channels.

Understanding Your Tennessee EBT Card

In Tennessee, an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card works like a debit card. It is usually used for:

• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) food benefits
• TANF / Families First cash assistance benefits

Your EBT card is connected to your case with the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). Your PIN (Personal Identification Number) is the password that lets you use the card at stores or ATMs (for cash benefits).

If your card or PIN is compromised, your benefits are at risk. That is why acting quickly is important.

When You Should Replace Your Tennessee EBT Card

You can normally request a replacement EBT card if:

• Your card is lost
• Your card is stolen
• Your card is damaged (cracked, unreadable, magnetic strip not working, chip not working)
• You suspect someone else has your card number or PIN
• You never received your first card or replacement card in the mail

In Tennessee, replacement cards are typically mailed to the address TDHS has on file, so keeping your mailing address updated with your local office is important.

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

The exact steps can change over time, but most Tennessee cardholders will follow a process like this:

1. Call the Official Tennessee EBT Customer Service Number

Most people replace a card by calling the official EBT customer service hotline listed:

• On the back of your current or old EBT card
• On official letters from Tennessee DHS
• On the Tennessee DHS website (look for EBT or SNAP information)

When you call, be ready to:

• Choose the option to report a lost, stolen, or damaged card
• Provide your EBT card number (if you have it)
• Provide personal details to confirm your identity, such as:
  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Last 4 digits of Social Security number, if applicable
  • Mailing address on file

If you do not know your card number, you can usually still verify your identity using other details. Follow the prompts or speak with a representative.

💡 Tip: Call as soon as you realize the card is missing. In many cases, you are responsible for benefits used before you report the card lost or stolen.

2. Ask to Deactivate the Old Card

When you report your card lost or stolen, the system or representative should:

• Deactivate your current EBT card so it can no longer be used
• Begin processing a replacement card

Confirm that:

• The old card is fully blocked
• A new card is being issued

This helps protect any remaining benefits.

3. Confirm or Update Your Mailing Address

Your replacement EBT card is usually mailed to the address on file with Tennessee DHS. The phone system may read back your address or a representative may confirm it.

If your address changed:

• Ask how to update your address through TDHS
• You may be directed to:
  • Contact your local TDHS office
  • Update information through the official Tennessee benefits portal
  • Provide documentation of your new address, depending on policy

Some systems will not change the address by phone alone for security reasons. Follow the instructions you are given by the official office or hotline.

4. Wait for Your Replacement Card to Arrive

Mail times can vary, but many people in Tennessee receive their replacement EBT card within about 5–10 business days, depending on postal delays and processing time.

If that time passes and you still have no card:

• Call the EBT customer service number again
• Confirm:
  • When the card was mailed
  • What address it was mailed to
  • Whether another replacement is needed

How to Change or Reset Your Tennessee EBT PIN

You may need to change your EBT PIN if:

• You forgot it
• You think someone else knows it
• You received a new card and need to set a PIN for the first time
• The system locked you out after too many wrong attempts

Common Ways to Change Your PIN in Tennessee

Most Tennessee cardholders can change or reset their PIN using one of these methods:

1. By phone through the EBT customer service line
2. Through an automated system linked to your EBT account (if available)
3. With help from your local TDHS office, who may guide you through the steps

1. Change Your PIN by Phone

This is often the fastest method. The process may look like this:

1. Call the official Tennessee EBT customer service number.
2. Choose the option for PIN change or PIN setup.
3. Enter:
   • Your EBT card number
   • Possibly your date of birth or other identifying information
4. Follow the prompts to:
   • Choose a new 4-digit PIN
   • Re-enter the PIN to confirm

Your new PIN is usually active immediately or within a short time.

2. PIN Reset After Multiple Wrong Attempts

If you enter the wrong PIN too many times in a row, the system may:

• Temporarily lock your card
• Require a PIN reset through customer service

In that case:

• Call the official EBT hotline
• Follow prompts or talk to a representative to unlock the card and set a new PIN

What to Expect: Replacement Cards vs. PIN Changes

Here is a simple summary of typical options and timelines for Tennessee EBT card issues:

*Timelines can vary based on mail service, holidays, and Tennessee agency processing times.

Protecting Your Tennessee EBT Card and PIN

To reduce the risk of fraud or lost benefits, consider these common safety practices:

• Memorize your PIN and do not write it on the card
• Do not share your PIN with friends, relatives, or store employees
• Shield the PIN pad when you enter your PIN at a store or ATM
• Review your EBT balance and transactions regularly using:
  • The EBT phone system
  • Official tools provided by Tennessee or the EBT contractor
• Report any suspicious transactions immediately to the EBT customer service line and contact TDHS if necessary

If benefits are spent before you report your card lost or stolen, they may not be replaced. Policies can vary, so the official EBT hotline or local TDHS office is the best place to ask about your specific case.

Documents and Information You May Need

Replacing your Tennessee EBT card or changing your PIN usually does not require a full re-application for benefits, but you may need to confirm your identity.

Be prepared to provide some of the following when contacting official offices:

• Full name on the case
• Date of birth
• EBT card number (if available)
• Case number (sometimes listed on TDHS letters)
• Mailing address
• Last 4 digits of your Social Security number, if requested as an identifier

For address changes or other case updates, TDHS may ask for:

• Proof of address, such as a lease, utility bill, or official mail with your name and new address

Exact requirements can vary, so follow the instructions from Tennessee DHS or the official EBT customer service representative.

If You Have Trouble Replacing Your Card or Changing Your PIN

If you run into problems, here are common next steps:

1. Contact Your Local Tennessee Department of Human Services Office

Your local TDHS office is usually the main point of contact for:

• Questions about your case status
• Issues with your address or personal information
• Problems that the EBT hotline cannot resolve
• Reporting possible fraud or unauthorized use of your benefits

You can find your local office address and phone number by checking:

• Official letters or notices from TDHS
• The Tennessee Department of Human Services website
• Local directory assistance

2. Call the Official EBT Customer Service Line Again

If your first call did not solve the problem:

• Try calling again and choose the option to speak with a live representative if possible
• Write down:
  • The date and time of your call
  • Any reference numbers given
  • The name or ID of the representative, if provided

This information can help if you need to follow up with TDHS or escalate the issue.

3. Ask About Next Steps if Your Card Is Compromised

If you believe someone is:

• Stealing your benefits
• Skimming your card information
• Using your benefits without your permission

You may need to:

• Immediately report this to the EBT hotline
• Contact TDHS and ask how to report EBT fraud
• Ask whether your state has any process to review disputed charges

Policies on replacing stolen or fraudulently used benefits vary and can change over time. Only the official agencies can explain the current rules that apply to your situation.

How to Avoid Scams When Dealing with Your EBT Card

Because EBT benefits are valuable, scammers sometimes target cardholders. To stay safe:

• Only call numbers listed on:
  • The back of your EBT card
  • Official TDHS mail
  • The Tennessee DHS website
• Be cautious of:
  • Text messages, emails, or social media posts that ask for your full card number and PIN
  • Websites that look unofficial or ask you to pay a fee to replace your card
• Remember:
  • Official EBT customer service and TDHS offices typically do not charge fees for replacing lost, stolen, or damaged cards (though rules can change; ask the agency if you’re unsure).
  • You should not share your PIN with anyone who calls or messages you unexpectedly.

If you are unsure whether a phone number or website is official:

• Contact your local TDHS office directly using a number from a printed notice or a state government directory, and ask them to confirm the correct EBT hotline and website.

Other Resources if You Need Additional Help

If you are facing challenges beyond your EBT card (like food insecurity or financial hardship), consider reaching out to:

• Local food banks and pantries
• Community action agencies in Tennessee
• 2-1-1: By dialing 2-1-1 in many areas, you can usually connect with a referral line that helps people find local assistance programs
• Charitable or faith-based organizations that offer emergency food or financial help

These organizations are separate from Tennessee DHS and EBT, but they may provide temporary support while you resolve card or PIN issues through official state channels.

By understanding how Tennessee typically handles EBT card replacements and PIN changes, you can act quickly to protect your benefits and restore access. When you are ready to take the next step, contact the official Tennessee EBT customer service line or your local Tennessee Department of Human Services office for direct assistance with your specific case.