I Lost My Connecticut State EBT Card & Need to Get It Replaced

An EBT card can be used for purchasing grocries.

Connecticut Electronics Benefit Transfer cards are issued through the Connecticut Department of Social Services. They are used to purchase food through the state's food stamp program and those receiving cash benefits from the state can make cash withdraws with their EBT card at any ATM. EBT cards can be replaced if they are lost or stolen.

EBT Cards

If you are accepted into the Connecticut Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly called food stamps, you will receive an EBT card from the Department of Social Services. The card is designed just like a credit card or debit card and can be used to purchase qualifying food items and for making cash withdraws -- if you have been approved for cash benefits. You will be required to select a personal identification number, or PIN, which must be entered any time you use your EBT card. Your card must be used at least once every 90 days or your account will be considered inactive.

Replacement EBT Cards

If your EBT card is lost or stolen, call the Connecticut Department of Social Services' toll free customer service phone number at 888-328-2666. The customer service phone number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Your call will first be answered by an automated service and you will answer questions to help direct your phone call to the proper person. Lost or stolen EBT cards should be reported immediately.

Keeping Your EBT Safe

When you are not using your EBT card, it should be kept in a safe place and you should not write your PIN on your card. A lost or stolen card with the PIN written on it will make it easy for somebody else to use your EBT card. If your EBT card is used by anybody else who enters your PIN number, your benefits will not be replaced and you will lose any amount that is purchased or withdrawn with your card.

Authorized Representative

You should be the only person to use your EBT card, but the state of Connecticut does allow you to name another person who will do your food shopping. That person is referred to as your authorized representative and they will be issued a seperate EBT card for your account. Inform them not to write the PIN number on the EBT card or allow others to use the card.

References

• End Hunger Connecticut:: What is an EBT Card?
• Connecticut Department of Social Services: How to Access Cash and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits
• Connecticut Department of Social Services: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Overview