Common EBT-Related Issues and How to Resolve Them

While EBT cards provide a convenient way to access benefits, you might occasionally run into problems. Common issues range from a lost card to a declined transaction at checkout. Fortunately, most of these situations have straightforward solutions you can handle yourself.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Card

If your EBT card is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you cannot access your benefits. It is important to act quickly to protect your account. The South Carolina EBT customer service number is your primary resource for resolving this.

• Call 1-800-554-5258 immediately and select the option for a lost, stolen, or damaged card.

• Provide your birth date, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your ZIP code to verify your identity.

• Ask the agent to freeze the account to protect your remaining benefits from unauthorized use.

• Request a replacement card and confirm your mailing address. It should arrive within 7 to 10 days.

• Write down the confirmation number and keep it until your new card is activated.

Forgotten or Locked PIN

Forgetting your PIN or having it locked after too many incorrect attempts will cause your card to be declined. You can reset it online or by contacting EBT customer service in South Carolina to regain access to your account.

• Visit ConnectEBT.com or call 1-800-554-5258 and choose the option to change or reset your PIN.

• Enter your 16-digit EBT card number when prompted.

• Verify your identity with your ZIP code or Social Security digits, then select a new four-digit PIN.

• Memorize the new PIN and avoid writing it on the card or sharing it with others.

• Test the new PIN with a balance inquiry or a small purchase before you go grocery shopping.

Missing Benefits or Incorrect Balance

If benefits have not been deposited or your balance seems wrong, it could be a processing delay or missing paperwork. The first step is to verify your payment date and current balance before contacting support.

• First, check the South Carolina EBT deposit schedule to confirm your payment date has passed.

• Confirm your actual balance. You can use the free Benny app to track your SNAP and EBT Cash balance or log in to the ConnectEBT website.

• Review recent letters, emails, or texts from DSS for any requests for documents like income verification.

• Submit any outstanding paperwork through the DSS benefits portal or at your local county office.

• If funds are still missing after your documents are processed, contact customer service to request a case status escalation.

Card Declined at Checkout

A declined card at the checkout terminal can be frustrating, but it is often due to a technical glitch or an account flag rather than a problem with your benefits. There are a few things you can try right in the store.

• Use the terminal’s balance-inquiry function to make sure you have enough funds for the purchase.

• Carefully re-swipe or insert the card and re-enter your PIN. Three incorrect PIN attempts will lock the card.

• Ask the cashier to try a different checkout lane or manually enter the card number if the reader seems faulty.

• If the card still fails, call 1-800-554-5258 from the store to request a real-time account check.

• If a card defect is confirmed, order a replacement and keep your receipt to complete the purchase later.

Manage Your EBT Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT SNAP and Cash balance in real-time. It also lets you get cash back on eligible purchases at popular stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, Costco, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's.

To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, just scan your receipt with Benny to receive cashback on your SNAP-eligible items.

Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.