Common EBT-Related Issues and How to Resolve Them

While EBT cards offer a convenient way to access benefits, you might occasionally run into problems. Common issues include a lost or stolen card, a forgotten PIN, unauthorized transactions, or a card that is declined at checkout. Fortunately, most of these problems have straightforward solutions.

Lost or Stolen EBT Card

A missing card can be stressful, but acting quickly can protect your benefits. The first step for anyone needing customer service for EBT in Maine is to report the card as lost or stolen immediately to prevent unauthorized use.

• First, double-check your pockets, wallet, and places you recently shopped to confirm the card is truly gone.

• Immediately call the EBT Customer Service line at 1-800-477-7428 to report the loss and freeze your account.

• Be prepared to verify your identity with your name, SSN, date of birth, and possibly recent transaction details.

• Request a replacement card. It typically arrives in 7-10 business days, but you can ask if expedited shipping is an option. You can find more details in the state's EBT FAQ.

• Once your new card arrives, you must activate it and set a new PIN before you can use it.

Forgotten, Locked, or Compromised PIN

Your PIN is your key to accessing your benefits, so forgetting it or having it locked can be a major hurdle. If you suspect your PIN has been compromised, you should change it right away to protect your account from fraud.

• Call the Maine EBT customer service number, 1-800-477-7428, and follow the automated menu to select the PIN change option.

• If your account was locked from too many incorrect attempts, you will need to provide identifying information to unlock it.

• Choose a new four-digit PIN that is difficult to guess. Avoid using your birth year or simple sequences like "1111".

• Never share your new PIN with anyone, including cashiers, and only write it down in a secure, private location.

Suspicious or Unauthorized Transactions

Noticing a transaction you don't recognize can be alarming. It is important to regularly monitor your account activity. You can check your balance and transaction history using a free app like Benny, which shows your real-time SNAP and EBT Cash balance, or by calling the customer service line.

• Compare your printed receipts against your transaction history. For a full guide on how to check your EBT balance, you can review available resources.

• If you find an unfamiliar charge, report it immediately by calling the EBT customer service in Maine and asking to speak with a fraud representative.

• Provide the agent with the transaction date, amount, and merchant name to file a dispute.

• Follow their instructions, which may include changing your PIN or getting a new card to prevent further fraudulent activity.

• Continue to monitor your account daily until the investigation is complete and any funds are returned.

Card Declined or Not Working at Checkout

A declined transaction at the checkout counter can be frustrating. This often happens due to insufficient funds, an incorrect PIN entry, or a technical issue with the card or the store's reader.

• First, confirm you have enough funds for the purchase by checking your last receipt or calling the automated phone line.

• Carefully re-enter your PIN. Entering the wrong PIN three times can lock your card for 24 hours.

• Ask the cashier to try the transaction again. Sometimes swiping the magnetic stripe works if the chip reader fails.

• If it still fails, try using your card at a different register or another store to see if the issue is with the retailer's equipment.

• If the problem persists, your card may be expired or have a hold. Call customer service to check for issues and request a new card if needed.

Manage Your EBT Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time and get cash back on eligible purchases at popular stores like Target, Walmart, and Kroger. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.

While you should contact customer service for EBT in Maine for account issues, you can download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.