Can I pick up a replacement EBT card same-day at Fresno County DSS office?
My EBT card just got stolen yesterday (wallet taken at the bus stop) and I need to buy groceries ASAP. I reported it stolen through the EBT customer service line and they said a new one would be mailed but could take 7-10 days. I'm completely out of food and can't wait that long. Does anyone know if I can just go directly to the Fresno County office on E. California Ave to get a replacement card today? Their phone line just keeps disconnecting me when I try to ask. If I go in person, what documents do I need to bring? Really stressed about feeding my kids this week.
18 comments


Christian Burns
Yes, you can absolutely get a replacement EBT card same-day at the Fresno County DSS office! I had this exact situation last summer. Bring your ID and know your Social Security number. They'll verify your identity, deactivate the old card permanently, and issue you a new one right there. The office on E. California Ave handles these replacements during regular business hours. No appointment needed for card replacements, but be prepared to wait. The morning is usually less crowded than afternoon.
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Jenna Sloan
•Thank you so much!! This is a huge relief. Do they give you the same PIN or do I need to create a new one? And will the full balance that was on my stolen card transfer automatically?
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Sasha Reese
u might wanna call first cuz sometimes they dont have the machine working my cousin went all the way there n they told her system down come back tmrw
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Jenna Sloan
•Oh no, I hope that doesn't happen! I've been trying to call but keep getting disconnected after being on hold.
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Muhammad Hobbs
I work with a community resource center in Fresno, and yes, you can get a replacement card same-day. However, here's what you need to know: 1. Bring your photo ID (driver's license, state ID, etc) 2. Know your SSN 3. Arrive early - ideally before 10am as the card printing sometimes gets backed up in the afternoon 4. Your old balance will automatically transfer to the new card 5. You will need to set up a new PIN Also, the Fresno County DSS office has been experiencing phone system issues lately, which is likely why you're getting disconnected. I've had several clients with the same complaint about the Fresno office specifically.
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Jenna Sloan
•Thank you for this detailed info! I really appreciate knowing exactly what to expect. I'll go first thing tomorrow morning and bring my ID.
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Noland Curtis
I got my card stolen twice last year. The mail option actually came quicker than they said - like 3 days instead of 7-10. But I totally get not being able to wait when you need food NOW.
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Diez Ellis
•I had the opposite experience - mine took almost 2 weeks to arrive in the mail! The Fresno County DSS office is definitely the way to go for immediate replacement. But be warned that the parking lot gets PACKED, especially at the beginning of the month. You might want to use public transportation or get dropped off if possible.
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Vanessa Figueroa
If you're struggling to reach someone by phone at the Fresno County office, I'd recommend trying Claimyr. I was in a similar situation where I needed to talk to someone about my CalFresh benefits and kept getting disconnected. Claimyr connected me directly to a human at the county office without the endless hold times. They have a video that explains how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Their website is claimyr.com - it saved me hours of frustration. But honestly, for a replacement card, going in person is probably your fastest option.
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Jenna Sloan
•Thanks for the recommendation. I'll check out that video. Might be useful for future reference since I seem to always have trouble getting through on the phone.
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Abby Marshall
ABSOLUTELY DO NOT WAIT FOR THE MAIL!!! Go to the office! They print it right there in like 5 minutes once they call you up. I've had to do this THREE TIMES because my mail keeps getting stolen. Just be prepared that you might wait 1-2 hours depending on how busy they are. Bring a book or something. And definitely bring ID!!!!!
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Sasha Reese
•yea the wait is crazy sometimes. went with my mom once and we were there like 3hrs
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Christian Burns
Just to follow up on my earlier comment - if you're completely out of food right now and can't wait until tomorrow to go to the office, you might also want to check with the Poverello House or Catholic Charities in Fresno. Both have emergency food assistance that doesn't require an appointment. Catholic Charities is at 149 N Fulton St and Poverello House is at 412 F St. They can help bridge the gap until you get your new EBT card.
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Jenna Sloan
•Thank you so much for this suggestion! I actually have just enough to get through tonight, and I'll head to the DSS office first thing tomorrow. It's good to know about these resources though - I've never had my card stolen before and didn't realize how stressful it would be.
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Diez Ellis
When you go to the Fresno office, make sure you go to the right building! The complex has multiple buildings and it can be confusing. The EBT card replacements are handled in Building A. There should be signs when you enter the complex, but if not, just ask the security guard. I made the mistake of waiting in the wrong building for an hour before someone told me I was in the wrong place.
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Jenna Sloan
•Oh wow, thanks for the heads up! I would have probably made the same mistake. I'll look for Building A specifically.
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Caden Turner
I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago in Fresno. Here's what I learned that might help: The office opens at 8am, but people start lining up outside around 7:30am. If you get there right when they open, you'll be done by 9am. Also, they have a specific window just for EBT card replacements - it's Window 3 on the right side when you walk in. Don't get in the general assistance line by mistake like I did! And one more tip - they can look up your case with just your SSN if you forgot your case number. The staff there was actually really helpful once I got to the right window. You've got this!
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John Ratanavanh
Hella where is the office located. Some drop an address please
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