Can I get my EBT card number over the phone after losing my card? Machine was down at county office

Unfortunately no, they won't give you your card number over the phone for security reasons. When you request a replacement EBT card, you have to wait for it to arrive in the mail (usually takes 5-7 business days) or get it printed at the county office. The machine being down is really bad timing!

I had the exact same problem last month!! The EBT customer service is USELESS for this. They'll just tell you to wait for the new card or go to the county office. It's insane that in 2025 they can't securely verify your identity and give you your own card number. Like, my regular bank can do this, why can't EBT?? The whole system is designed to make it harder for us to access OUR benefits.

Do you have anyone who could lend you some cash until the new card comes? That's what I had to do when mine got stolen. Maybe explain the situation to your landlord if you need to delay paying rent?

When this happened to me, I was able to find an open office in the next county over that could print a card on the spot. It was a 40 minute drive but worth it because I needed my benefits right away. Call around to see if any other county offices nearby have working card printers! You don't have to go to your home county office.

i think if ur card got stolen (not just lost) u can report it as fraud and they might help faster? maybe tell them it was stolen instead of lost?? just an idea

I had a similar problem trying to reach someone at CalFresh after my card was damaged (went through the washing machine 🤦‍♀️). After spending hours on hold and getting disconnected, I found a service called Claimyr that really helped. They basically wait on hold with the EBT customer service for you and call you back when a real person gets on the line. Saved me so much frustration! I used it to check if there was ANY way to get my card number or expedite replacement. Check out their demo at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 or go to claimyr.com. They couldn't change the policy, but at least I didn't waste hours on hold just to hear 'no.

do u have any friends who get calfresh too? when I lost my card once my roommate let me use hers and I paid her back when my new one came. not technically allowed but sometimes u gotta do what u gotta do

Update on my situation - I took the advice about calling other county offices and found one about 25 miles away that could print a card today! Just got back with my new EBT card in hand. The worker there told me they can actually see all EBT accounts statewide in their system, it doesn't matter which county issued your benefits. Wanted to share this info in case anyone else has this problem in the future!

So glad you got your card sorted out! I'm actually dealing with something similar right now - my card stopped working yesterday and I think the magnetic strip got damaged. Good to know about being able to go to any county office in California. I was dreading having to wait for a replacement in the mail. Going to call around tomorrow to find the closest office with a working card printer. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Just want to add that if you're in a real emergency situation with kids to feed, some local food banks or churches might be able to help with emergency food assistance while you're waiting for your replacement card. I know it's not ideal and you shouldn't have to rely on charity when your benefits are right there, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do for the kids. Also, if you have any neighbors or family who shop at stores that accept EBT online (like Amazon Fresh or Walmart grocery pickup), you might be able to ask them to order groceries for you and pay them back once your new card arrives. Just another option to consider!