This thread is incredible - so much helpful advice! I went through this exact same situation about 2 months ago and it was definitely stressful at first. Everyone's tips about calling early morning are absolutely right - I called at 8:15 AM on a Wednesday and only waited about 12 minutes to get through. One thing that really helped me was having my recent bank statement pulled up on my phone so I could quickly reference transaction dates and amounts when they asked for verification. They wanted to confirm my last 3 EBT purchases, which I wouldn't have remembered off the top of my head. The rep was super understanding and mentioned that forgotten security questions are one of their most frequent calls, especially for people who don't log in very often. She walked me through creating new questions and even gave me tips on making them memorable but secure. @Ethan Brown you've gotten amazing advice here! Just remember to stay calm during the call and don't rush through the verification process - they're just trying to protect your account. You'll be back in your account before you know it! 💪

@Ethan Brown I just wanted to add one more tip that helped me when I went through this last month - if you have the Connect EBT mobile app installed, try checking if there's a "forgot security questions" option in the app before calling. Some states have added this feature recently and it might save you the phone call entirely! I was able to reset mine through the app by verifying with my SSN and a text message code. But if that doesn't work, definitely follow all the great phone advice everyone has shared here. Also, once you get back in, consider setting up fingerprint or face ID login if your phone supports it - makes future logins so much easier! Hope you get this sorted out quickly! 🤞

I actually work at a local DSS office and deal with these issues daily. A few tips that might help: 1) Call right at 8 AM when they open - wait times are definitely shorter then. 2) Have your EBT card number, SSN, DOB, and current address ready. 3) If you remember ANY purchases from the last 30 days (even approximate amounts/dates), have that info handy too. 4) Be patient with the rep - they want to help but have to follow security protocols. The good news is they can absolutely reset your security questions once they verify your identity. Don't stress too much about the exact wording of your old answers - the system is designed to help people in situations like yours!

I had this exact same problem a few weeks ago! What a nightmare, right? I ended up having to call the customer service line multiple times before I finally got through. Here's what I learned: definitely call right when they open at 8 AM like others have mentioned, but also have your EBT card physically in front of you when you call. They asked me for the card number, expiration date, and the 3-digit code on the back along with all my personal info. They were able to reset my security questions after verifying everything, and it only took about 10 minutes once I got connected. The rep also told me to write down my new security question answers somewhere safe this time - lesson learned! Hang in there, you'll get it sorted out soon! 💪

I went through this exact same thing last year! What worked for me was calling the customer service line first thing in the morning (around 8 AM) and selecting the option for "lost or stolen card" instead of PIN unlock - sometimes that gets you through faster to a human. Once you get someone on the line, they can help with the PIN unlock too. Also, make sure you have your SSN, date of birth, and the last 4 digits of your EBT card ready. The whole process took about 15 minutes once I actually got through to someone. Hang in there - I know how stressful this can be when you need access to your benefits!

I actually had success getting through by calling during lunch hours (around 12-1 PM) when most people aren't calling. Also, if you have a smartphone, try downloading the ebtEDGE mobile app - sometimes you can manage your PIN through there without having to call at all. I know it's frustrating when you need your benefits and can't access them. Another tip: if you're still stuck, try reaching out to your local food stamp office directly - they might be able to help reset your PIN or at least give you a direct number that has shorter wait times.

This is why I always transfer my benefits to my bank account as soon as they hit. Easier to dispute fraud with a bank than deal with EBT customer service imho.

So sorry this happened to you! 😔 I went through the exact same thing a few months ago. Here's what worked for me: 1. Call the EBT fraud hotline immediately (not just regular customer service) - they have a separate line for fraud cases 2. Ask them to put a "fraud alert" on your account while they investigate 3. Request emergency replacement benefits - they can sometimes issue these within 24-48 hours for fraud cases 4. File a police report online if your local PD allows it (saves time) 5. Document EVERYTHING - take screenshots of your transaction history, write down case numbers, etc. The whole process took about 2 weeks for me, but I got every penny back. Also, they'll send you a new card with a new number automatically. Hang in there - the system does work, it's just slow! 🙏