How to Replace a Utah EBT Card and Change Your PIN

If you live in Utah and use an EBT card for SNAP (food stamps) or cash assistance, losing your card or needing to change your PIN can feel stressful. This guide walks through how the process typically works in Utah and how to contact the official program offices that can actually replace your card or update your PIN.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government office and cannot issue cards, change PINs, or access your case. This article is meant to help you understand the usual steps so you can work with official Utah agencies more confidently.

Understanding Your Utah EBT Card

An Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card is a plastic card that works like a debit card. In Utah, it is used for:

  • SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, often called food stamps)
  • Financial (cash) assistance programs, such as Family Employment Program and some other cash benefits

Each month, benefits are added electronically to your card. You then use the card and a 4‑digit PIN to buy food or withdraw cash (if you receive cash benefits) at approved locations.

Because the card is tied to your benefits, protecting the card and your PIN is very important. If your card is lost or stolen, or if you think someone else may know your PIN, you should act quickly.

When You Should Replace Your Utah EBT Card

You will typically need to request a replacement card if:

  • Your card is lost
  • Your card is stolen
  • Your card is damaged (cracked, bent, unreadable, or the strip/chip won’t work)
  • Your card never arrived in the mail
  • Your card stops working at stores or ATMs even after trying again

In any of these situations, the usual first step is to call the official Utah EBT customer service number listed on:

  • The back of your EBT card (if you still have it), or
  • Official notices or letters from the Utah Department of Workforce Services (DWS), or
  • The Utah state benefits website or the official EBT portal

If your card has been lost or stolen, you should call as soon as possible. In many cases, once benefits are used by someone else with your card and PIN, they cannot be replaced.

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

The process can vary slightly depending on your situation, but it usually follows these steps.

1. Call the Official Utah EBT Customer Service Line

Look for the Utah EBT customer service phone number on:

  • Any EBT paperwork you received with your card
  • Your local Department of Workforce Services (DWS) office materials
  • The official Utah EBT or DWS website

When you call:

  • Choose the option for “lost or stolen card” or “replace card” if you are using the automated system.
  • You may be transferred to a live representative if needed.

Be ready to provide:

  • Your name
  • Your date of birth
  • Your EBT card number (if you have it)
  • Possibly your Social Security number (if you provided it when you applied)
  • Your mailing address where the new card should be sent

The customer service line is usually available 24/7, including evenings and weekends, for reporting lost or stolen cards.

2. Ask to Block the Old Card

If the card is lost or stolen:

  • Ask the representative to deactivate or block your current card so no one else can use it.
  • In many cases, once the card is reported lost or stolen, any new transactions with that card will be declined.

This step is important to protect any remaining benefits.

3. Request a Replacement Card

During the same call, you can typically:

  • Request a new card by mail, and
  • Confirm or update your mailing address

Most people do not have to pay a fee for their first replacement, but policies can vary if you need multiple replacements within a short time. The representative or automated system will usually tell you:

  • Whether there is a replacement fee (if any)
  • How long it will take to receive the new card
  • Whether you can pick up a card in person at a local office (if this option is available in your area)

4. Watch for Your Card in the Mail

A replacement Utah EBT card is typically:

  • Mailed to the address on file
  • Delivered in a plain or unmarked envelope that may not say “EBT” on the outside

If you recently moved, your card may be delayed or sent to an old address. If you think this happened:

  • Contact your local DWS office or the EBT customer service line
  • Ask whether a card was mailed and to which address
  • Update your address and request another card if needed

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

Time frames can vary, but commonly:

  • Standard mail delivery may take several business days after the card is issued.
  • Some areas may allow pickup at a local DWS office, which can be faster if that option is available and you can get there during business hours.

If you are running out of food or cash while you wait for a card:

  • Ask your local DWS office if there are any emergency options, like expedited EBT card issuance or short-term resources.
  • You can also dial 211 (United Way/2-1-1) to ask about local food pantries, meal sites, or community assistance in your area. This is not part of the EBT program but is often suggested as an additional resource.

How to Change Your Utah EBT PIN

Your PIN (Personal Identification Number) is the 4‑digit code you use with your EBT card. You should change your PIN if:

  • You forgot your PIN
  • You think someone else knows your PIN
  • You noticed suspicious transactions
  • You just want to update it for security

You can usually change your PIN in one of these common ways:

Option 1: Call the EBT Customer Service Line

Most Utah cardholders can change their PIN by calling the official EBT customer service number on the back of the card.

During the call:

  1. Choose the option for “PIN change” or “select/change PIN.”
  2. You may be asked to enter:
    • Your card number
    • Some identifying information (such as last 4 digits of SSN or date of birth)
  3. Follow the prompts to enter a new 4‑digit PIN.
  4. You may have to re-enter the PIN to confirm it.

🔑 Security tip:
Choose a PIN that is not easy to guess, such as:

  • Avoid 1234, 0000, 1111
  • Avoid your birth year, birth month/day, or address numbers

Option 2: Use the Official EBT Website or Mobile System (If Available)

Some states offer an online EBT portal or mobile app where you can:

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

If Utah provides this option, you would typically:

  1. Go to the official state EBT website or use the official EBT app listed by the state.
  2. Create or log in to your online account.
  3. Look for a “Change PIN” or “Account Settings” section.
  4. Follow the steps to set a new PIN.

Always make sure you are on a legitimate government or EBT website, not a third-party or look-alike site.

Option 3: Change Your PIN at a Local Office (If Needed)

In some cases, if you:

  • Are having trouble using the automated system, or
  • Do not have access to a phone or the internet

You may be able to visit your local Department of Workforce Services (DWS) office for help changing your PIN.

At the office, staff can usually:

  • Confirm your identity
  • Guide you to a phone or kiosk to set or reset your PIN through the official system

Replacement vs. PIN Change: Which Do You Need?

Use this quick comparison to decide which action to take:

SituationDo You Need a New Card?Do You Need a New PIN?What to Do First
Card is lostYesUsually yes (recommended)Call EBT customer service to block card and request a new one
Card is stolenYesYesImmediately call EBT customer service to block card, request replacement, and set new PIN
Card is damaged but still in your possessionYesNot always, but you can change it if you wantCall to request a replacement card
You forgot your PINNot usuallyYesCall EBT customer service or use the official portal to reset PIN
You suspect someone else knows your PIN, but you still have the cardNot necessarilyYesChange your PIN right away; consider asking for a new card if you think it was copied
Card is not working at stores/ATMsMaybeMaybeCall EBT customer service; they may suggest a replacement

What to Have Ready When You Call or Visit

To make the process smoother, it usually helps to have:

  • Your EBT card number (if you still have the card)
  • Your full legal name
  • Your date of birth
  • Your mailing address
  • Your case number or client ID (if you know it)
  • The last four digits of your Social Security number, if applicable

Requirements can vary, but these details are commonly requested to verify your identity.

Common Issues and How to Handle Them

1. Your Replacement Card Never Arrived

If you were told a card was mailed but it never showed up:

  1. Verify your mailing address with:
    • The EBT customer service line, or
    • Your local DWS office
  2. Ask whether the card was:
    • Returned to sender
    • Marked as delivered
  3. If needed, request that another card be sent to the correct address.

You may be required to show ID or verify personal information again, especially if there have been multiple lost or missing cards.

2. Benefits Are Missing or Seem Incorrect

If, after you receive your new card or change your PIN, your benefit amount looks wrong:

  • Review your recent transactions through:
    • The EBT customer service phone system, and/or
    • The official EBT website or app, if available
  • Contact your local DWS office if you think there is a:
    • System error
    • Fraud issue
    • Question about eligibility or benefit amounts

EBT customer service can usually tell you where and when the card was used, but questions about why your benefit amount changed are generally handled by your benefits office, not the card vendor.

3. You Think Someone Used Your Card Without Permission

If you see transactions you did not make:

  1. Immediately change your PIN and call the EBT customer service line.
  2. Ask whether the card can be replaced and blocked.
  3. Contact your local DWS office and explain what happened.
    • They may advise you whether you can file a fraud report or dispute.

Many programs have strict rules about replacing benefits that were taken by someone else, so be prepared that not all stolen benefits can be restored. Still, reporting it can help protect your account and may help agencies identify patterns of fraud.

How to Tell If You’re Using an Official Utah EBT Channel

When dealing with your EBT card, it’s important to avoid scams. You should only share your:

  • EBT card number
  • PIN
  • Personal details

with official systems or staff.

Here are ways to help verify you’re on an official channel:

  • Use the phone number printed on your EBT card or on official DWS letters.
  • Look up the number directly from the Utah Department of Workforce Services or Utah state government website (typed into your browser yourself).
  • Be cautious of:
    • Websites that ask for card and PIN but don’t appear to be run by government or the official EBT contractor.
    • Social media messages, texts, or emails claiming they can “unlock extra benefits” or “process your replacement card” for a fee.

Legitimate Utah EBT services will not usually:

  • Ask you to pay an upfront fee just to apply for benefits,
  • Guarantee that they can increase your benefits, or
  • Ask for your PIN over text, email, or social media.

If you are unsure, you can:

  • Call your local DWS office directly, or
  • Dial 211 for help locating official Utah benefit offices in your area.

If You Need More Help With Utah EBT

If you are struggling with your card, PIN, or benefits:

  • Contact the Utah Department of Workforce Services for questions about:
    • Eligibility
    • Benefit amounts
    • Address changes
    • Case updates
  • Use the Utah EBT customer service number (on the back of your card) for:
    • Card replacement
    • PIN changes
    • Balance inquiries
    • Transaction history

Remember, HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent, informational site. It does not access your account, issue cards, change PINs, or handle applications. All card replacements, PIN updates, and benefit questions must go through Utah’s official agencies and EBT systems.