How Can I Keep My EBT Card Secure?

Phishing and spam attacks are on the rise across Washington, targeting EBT users with increasing sophistication. Scammers use deceptive texts, calls, and emails to trick people into revealing their private information. Knowing the different forms these scams can take is the first step toward protecting your benefits.

How EBT Benefits Are Stolen

Thieves use several common tactics to gain access to EBT funds. One method is phishing, where scammers send fake texts about a locked card or emails with bogus benefit-update links. They might also call while pretending to be from DSHS or post "instant cash for SNAP" offers on social media.

Another physical threat is card skimming. Criminals install hidden cameras and overlay devices on store payment terminals or ATMs to capture card details and PINs. These devices can be hard to spot but may feel loose or bulky.

Finally, be wary of unofficial third-party apps that claim to help manage EBT benefits, as many are designed to steal your login credentials.

What To Do If Your Benefits Are Stolen

If you suspect your benefits have been stolen, you must act quickly to report the fraud and request a replacement. Washington can replace benefits stolen through electronic fraud like skimming or cloning. Food benefits stolen between October 1, 2022, and December 20, 2024, are eligible. EBT Cash benefits stolen between July 1, 2024, and December 20, 2024, may also be replaced. Benefits that were trafficked are never replaced, and this program is subject to federal funding which currently expires on December 20, 2024.

To report the theft, the head of household must take the following steps:

1. Report the theft within 30 days of discovering it.

2. File a claim by submitting the DSHS Claim of Stolen EBT Benefits form or by calling 855-873-0642.

3. If the claim is missing information, you have 10 days to provide it to DSHS.

The replacement amount will be the value of the stolen benefits or two months of your household’s typical allotment, whichever is less. Validated claims are typically replaced within 14 days. Households are limited to two food and two cash benefit replacements per federal fiscal year.

Other Common Issues with EBT Cards and How to Resolve Them

Beyond security threats, everyday glitches can prevent you from using your EBT card. From a forgotten PIN to a damaged card, most problems have straightforward solutions. Here’s a look at three common issues and how to handle them effectively.

Your PIN Is Locked

A temporary “card locked” message can appear after too many incorrect PIN attempts or if the system flags what it considers unusual activity. This is a security measure to protect your account.

• Wait until after midnight, as many lockouts clear automatically.

• If the card is still locked, call Washington’s 24-hour EBT customer service line at 888-328-9271. After verifying your identity, you can choose a new PIN.

• You can also reset your PIN through the ebtEDGE website or its mobile app by finding the “Change/Select PIN” option.

Your Card Is Damaged Or Unreadable

Over time, an EBT card’s magnetic stripe or chip can get damaged from heat, bending, or simple wear and tear. This can cause it to be repeatedly declined at payment terminals.

• If you are concerned about unauthorized transactions, freeze your card using the ebtEDGE app and then order a replacement through the app or by phone.

• For a faster replacement, you can visit a local DSHS Community Services Office with a photo ID and your DSHS client number to have a new card printed on-site.

• Replacements sent by mail typically arrive in three to five business days. Your funds will transfer to the new card automatically, and you will set a new PIN upon its arrival.

Your Benefits Haven’t Arrived

In Washington, Basic Food benefits are deposited by 6 a.m. Pacific Time on the same day each month, regardless of weekends or holidays. If your funds seem to be missing, it is often due to a simple reason.

You may have checked before the 6 a.m. deposit time, misremembered your issuance date, or your case may be paused because required paperwork, like a Mid-Certification Review, was submitted late.

• Confirm whether the deposit has arrived by checking the Benny app, the ebtEDGE portal, or by calling 888-328-9271.

• You can find your specific issuance date in the ebtEDGE app or review the general schedule on the Washington Basic Food information hub.

• If paperwork is overdue, submit it via Washington Connection or call the DSHS Customer Service Center at 877-501-2233 to have a worker reopen the case once the documents are processed.