How Can I Keep My EBT Card Secure?

With phishing and spam attacks on the rise, it is important to recognize the different forms these scams can take. Knowing the tactics thieves use is the first step in protecting your benefits and taking action on time.

How EBT Benefits Are Stolen

Benefits are stolen through card-skimming devices, fraudulent texts, or fake websites that harvest your information when you try to check South Dakota EBT balance. Scammers also use social media to steal credentials by promising extra benefits. State agencies will never text or call to request your PIN or card number, so treat any such contact as a scam.

What To Do If Your Benefits Are Stolen

If your SNAP benefits are stolen, you may get them replaced under a federal rule for thefts between October 1, 2022, and December 20, 2024. Report the theft to your Benefits Specialist within 30 days. Replacement is capped and limited to twice per year. Stolen EBT Cash benefits are generally not replaced, but you should still report the theft immediately.

Other Common Issues with EBT Cards and How to Resolve Them

Beyond security threats, everyday issues can disrupt access to your benefits. Here’s a look at three common problems with EBT cards and the straightforward steps to resolve them quickly.

Forgotten or Locked PIN

Entering the wrong PIN three times in a single day will lock your card until the next morning for security. It's easy to forget your four-digit number, especially if you don't use the card often.

• Wait until the next calendar day for the card to unlock automatically.

• Choose a new PIN immediately through the ebtEDGE mobile application, the ebtEDGE cardholder portal, or by calling 800-604-5099.

• Write down your new PIN and keep it in a safe place, separate from your card.

Card Declined Due to Damage

A card can be declined if it's bent, the magnetic stripe is worn, or the chip is cracked, preventing point-of-sale machines from reading it. This is a common problem when you try to make a purchase after an EBT balance check in South Dakota. Storing your card next to keys or cell phone magnets can accelerate this damage.

• Report the card as “damaged” to request a free replacement using the ebtEDGE app, web portal, or customer service line. A new card usually arrives in 5–7 business days.

• Keep your new card in a protective sleeve and away from items that could scratch the magnetic stripe.

• While you wait for the replacement, you can freeze the damaged card in the ebtEDGE app to prevent any accidental use.

Incorrect or Outdated Balance

Your account balance might appear incorrect when you check South Dakota EBT balance if a third-party app has not refreshed its data or if recent deposits are still clearing. For example, the Benny app pulls your balance once a day and can stall if your login credentials expire.

• Unlink and then re-link your card within the Benny app to force a fresh connection.

• To check EBT balance in South Dakota, cross-reference the amount with an official source, such as your last store receipt, the ebtEDGE mobile application, or the official FAQ page.

• If the balance still seems wrong across official sources, call the South Dakota EBT office at 605-773-6527 to have your transaction history reviewed.