Do EBT replacement cards keep the same PIN? Can't find PIN change option when calling
Just got my replacement CalFresh EBT card in the mail today after reporting my original card lost last week. I remember my old PIN but when I called the number on the back of the card, the automated system doesn't seem to give me any option to confirm if my old PIN still works or how to change it. I'm worried about trying the wrong PIN too many times and getting locked out. Does anyone know if replacement cards automatically keep the same PIN number? I need to buy groceries tomorrow morning and my benefits just got loaded today ($345 for my household of 2). Don't want to be stuck at checkout with a cart full of food!
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Ethan Anderson
Yes, your replacement EBT card will have the same PIN as your original card. The PIN stays with your account, not the physical card. When you get a replacement, it just links to your same CalFresh account with the existing PIN. You don't need to set a new one unless you actually want to change it for security reasons.
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Ava Kim
•Thank you so much! That's a huge relief. I was scared I'd be stuck without access to my benefits. Will try it tomorrow.
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Layla Mendes
the same thing happened to me last month!!! ur good the pin stays the same they dont tell u that anywhere tho lol
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Lucas Notre-Dame
Are you SURE about this?? When I got my replacement card last year they made me create a new PIN by calling that number! But maybe they changed the system since then? I'm so confused because I swear I had to make a new one and the automated system definitely had that option when I called...maybe they changed everything in 2025??
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Ethan Anderson
•The system actually does both. If you request a PIN reset when reporting your card lost/stolen, then yes, you need to set a new one. But if you just request a replacement card without specifying you want a PIN reset (which is the default), it keeps your existing PIN. The automated system has the option to change your PIN, but it's not always easy to find in the menu options.
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Aria Park
my sister had this problem too, she had to press 4 then 3 then 2 on the phone menu to get to the pin change option i think, but yeah the old pin should work fine unless you specifically asked them to reset it when you reported the card lost
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Noah Ali
I work with CalFresh recipients regularly, and this is a common concern. Your PIN stays with your account, not the physical card. However, if you DO want to change your PIN for security reasons, call the EBT Customer Service number (it's on the back of your card) and follow these steps: 1. Call the number 2. Select option 2 for "Card Services" 3. Enter your 16-digit card number 4. Select option 3 for "Security Functions" 5. Then select option 1 for "Change PIN" The menu options sometimes change, so listen carefully. Also, I recommend always changing your PIN if you think someone else might know it or if your card was stolen (rather than just lost).
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Ava Kim
•This is super helpful! Thank you so much for the detailed instructions. My card was just lost (not stolen), so I think I'm fine keeping my current PIN since I remember it. But I'll save these instructions for future reference.
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Chloe Boulanger
Not to hijack this thread, but I've been trying to reach someone at my county office about my CalFresh benefits for THREE DAYS and keep getting disconnected or waiting for hours. Has anyone else had this problem trying to reach a real person? It's driving me crazy and I need to report an income change before my SAR7 is due next week.
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James Martinez
•I had the exact same issue last month! Kept getting disconnected after waiting 45+ minutes. I finally used this service called Claimyr that actually calls the county office for you and gets you connected with a real person without the crazy wait times. Saved me hours of frustration. You can check it out at claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. They connected me to a real CalFresh worker in like 15 minutes when I'd been trying for days.
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Lucas Notre-Dame
Quick question - does anyone know what happens if you DO forget your PIN? Is there a limit to how many attempts you get before they lock your card? I've been so paranoid about this happening to me!
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Aria Park
•I think it's 4 tries then it locks for 24 hours but im not 100% sure on that
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Noah Ali
•After 4 incorrect PIN attempts, your card will be locked until midnight California time. If you forget your PIN completely, you need to call EBT Customer Service to reset it - they can't tell you your current PIN (for security reasons), but they can help you set a new one.
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Layla Mendes
btw make sure ur new card is activated! sometimes u gotta use it first at an atm or something before u can buy groceries with it. just letting u know!
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Ava Kim
•Oh I didn't even think about that! Do I need to activate it separately or does it activate automatically when I use it the first time with my PIN?
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