Lost my EBT card and need to update address - how to get replacement card fast?

You don't need to go in person! You can call EBT Customer Service at 1-877-328-9677 to report the card lost and request a replacement. They can update your address at the same time. Just make sure you have your new address, date of birth, and last 4 of your SSN ready for verification. The new card should arrive within 7-10 business days. \n\nIt's also a good idea to call your county office separately to update your address for your case file. That's technically a separate system from the EBT card system.

Thank you! I tried calling that number but it keeps saying 'all representatives are busy' and then disconnects me after 20 minutes on hold. Is there any way to expedite the card? 7-10 days is a long time with no food money...

This happened to me. If u report it stolen (not just lost) u should get a new 1 faster. The EBT customer service is IMPOSSIBLE to reach tho, good luck!!!

the same thing happened to me last year when i lost my card. it took me three days to get through on that phone line. so frustrating

I went through this exact nightmare scenario last month! After trying for HOURS to reach someone on the EBT customer service line and getting disconnected repeatedly, I discovered Claimyr.com which got me through to a real person in less than 15 minutes. They have this system that waits on hold for you and calls you back when a real person answers. Saved me so much frustration! There's a video demo here if you want to see how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8\n\nOnce I got through, updating my address and reporting my card stolen took like 5 minutes. My new card came in 6 days.

Thank you so much! I'll check out that site. Did they expedite the card for you or was it still the standard delivery time?

wait isnt there a way to do this on the benefitscal website now??? i thought i saw something about that when i logged in last month. might be worth checking there before u waste hours on hold

You're partly right - you can update your address on BenefitsCal, but reporting a lost/stolen EBT card still has to be done through the EBT Customer Service line (1-877-328-9677) or at your county office in person. The BenefitsCal updates don't automatically sync with the EBT card system, which is why you need to do both separately.

You should also know that if you're truly in an emergency situation with no food, you can go to your local CalFresh office IN PERSON with your ID and explain the situation. Some counties can issue a temporary immediate card with your current month's benefits loaded. It's not guaranteed, but worth trying if you're desperate.\n\nMake sure you also update your address in TWO places:\n1. With EBT customer service for your card replacement\n2. With your county office for your actual CalFresh case\n\nIf you don't update both, you might have problems later with notices not reaching you, which could affect your benefits.

This is WRONG information. County offices DON'T issue emergency EBT cards anymore since 2023!! I found out the hard way when my card was stolen. They told me the only way to get a replacement is through the EBT customer service line and regular mail. The whole system is BROKEN and they don't care if people starve waiting for a stupid piece of plastic!!!

I'm sorry about your experience, but this is not universally true across all counties. While many counties have indeed stopped same-day card issuance, some larger counties still have this capability for true emergency situations. It depends entirely on your specific county's policies and resources. That's why I said it's 'not guaranteed, but worth trying if you're desperate.

BTW u should freeze ur EBT card as soon as possible so nobody can use ur benefits!!!! Call that same number and follow the prompts to freeze it. My ex stole mine once and spent all my benefits before I could report it and they WILL NOT replace stolen benefits.

Omg I didn't even think about someone using my benefits! I'm going to keep trying that number until I get through. Thanks for the tip!

The whole phone system is rigged to make it impossible to access our benefits. I spent THREE DAYS trying to reach someone when my card was lost. THREE DAYS!!! And then they tell me I need to wait 7-10 BUSINESS days for a new card? So basically two weeks with no food? How is this legal? I have three kids to feed!

That's exactly why I ended up using that Claimyr service I mentioned. The system is completely broken. I was ready to give up after a full day of calling and getting nowhere.

Update: As of January 2025, there's a new option I forgot to mention. You can now request a replacement EBT card through the ConnectEBT mobile app as well. You'll still need to update your address with the county separately, but the app makes the card replacement process much easier than the phone system.\n\nIt should ask you if you want the card mailed to the address on file or a new address. If you select new address, you can enter your current information right there in the app.

Thank you! I'll download the app and try that too. Trying everything at this point. Really appreciate everyone's help with this.

Just wanted to add one more thing that might help - if you're really struggling to get food before your replacement card arrives, you can also look into local food banks or pantries in your area. Many don't require any paperwork and can help bridge the gap while you wait for your new EBT card. You can search for nearby food assistance on 211.org or call 2-1-1. I had to do this once when I was in a similar situation and it really helped. Also, some grocery stores like Walmart and Target allow you to use your EBT card number over the phone for pickup orders even without the physical card, though you'll need to verify with customer service first. Hope this helps!

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! Here's what worked for me: I used the ConnectEBT app like Yuki mentioned - it was SO much easier than dealing with the phone system. For the app, you'll need your EBT card number (which you hopefully remember or have written down somewhere), your ZIP code, and last 4 of SSN. The app let me report it stolen and request a replacement to my new address all in one go. But definitely still call your county office separately to update your address for your actual CalFresh case - that's super important for future notices and renewals. In the meantime, definitely hit up local food banks! Most don't ask for any paperwork and can really help you get through the next week or two. Also, if you have any friends or family who can help with groceries temporarily, don't be too proud to ask - we've all been there. Good luck and I hope you get your replacement card soon!