EBT Card Reinstatement Nightmare - Customer Service Can't Help!
I've been trying to get help with reinstating my EBT card, but I keep hitting dead ends. I called the number they gave me, but it's just a general customer service line. They can only answer questions and can't actually help me reinstate my card. I'm so frustrated because I've been trying multiple times and keep getting redirected. Does anyone know how to actually get this resolved? I really need my benefits and I'm at my wit's end here.
20 comments


Emma Davis
Ugh, I feel your pain. The system is such a mess. I had a similar issue last year and it took me weeks to get it sorted out. Have you tried going to a local office in person? Sometimes that's the only way to get real help.
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Javier Morales
•I haven't tried that yet. Do you know if I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
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Emma Davis
•When I went, I just walked in. But that was pre-covid. Might wanna check their website or call ahead to be sure. Good luck!
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GalaxyGlider
•Be prepared to wait ALL day if you go in person. Bring a book and snacks lol
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Malik Robinson
I found a way to actually get someone on the phone! I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video explaining it: https://youtu.be/pVSidIVLq0c
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Isabella Silva
•Sounds too good to be true. Is this legit?
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Malik Robinson
•I was skeptical at first too, but I tried it and it actually worked. Saved me hours of frustration.
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Ravi Choudhury
•20 bucks tho? That's steep for some of us on benefits 😬
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Malik Robinson
•I get that, but for me it was worth it to finally get my issue resolved. Beats taking a day off work to go to the office.
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Freya Andersen
Have you tried reaching out to your local state representative? Sometimes they can help cut through the red tape.
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Omar Farouk
This is why we need to overhaul the entire system. It's a joke that people who need help the most have to jump through so many hoops. 🤬
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CosmicCadet
•Preach! 👏👏👏
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Chloe Harris
Here's what worked for me when I had to reinstate my EBT card: 1. Call the main EBT customer service number (usually on the back of your card) 2. Choose the option for 'lost or stolen card' 3. Even if your card isn't lost, this will usually get you to a real person faster 4. Explain your situation to the rep and ask specifically for help with reinstatement 5. If they can't help, ask to speak to a supervisor 6. Be persistent and don't take no for an answer It's a pain, but if you're firm and polite, you can usually get it sorted. Good luck!
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Javier Morales
•Thank you so much for this detailed advice! I'll give it a try tomorrow morning.
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Diego Mendoza
•This is solid advice. I used a similar method and it worked for me too.
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Anastasia Popova
have u tried the online portal? sometimes u can do stuff there without calling
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Javier Morales
•I looked but couldn't find an option for reinstatement. Maybe I missed it tho?
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Anastasia Popova
•ah bummer. yeah their website is trash tbh 🗑️
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Sean Flanagan
I'm in the same boat. Been trying to get this fixed for weeks. The whole system is broken af 😤
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Miles Hammonds
I went through this exact same nightmare last month! What finally worked for me was calling early in the morning (like 8 AM sharp) and selecting the "report benefits not received" option instead of the general help line. That got me to someone who could actually DO something about my card status. Also, have your case number ready if you have one - it speeds things up a lot. Don't give up, you'll get through this! 💪
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