How Can I Keep My EBT Card Secure?

With phishing and spam attacks on the rise in Vermont, it is important to know the various forms they can take. Understanding these threats allows you to take the necessary steps to protect your benefits on time.

How EBT Benefits Are Stolen

Thieves use several methods to steal benefits. Card skimmers attached to payment terminals can copy your card data, while fraudulent texts and emails, known as smishing, trick you into revealing your card number or PIN. Scammers may also call or use social media, posing as EBT officials to get your private information and clone your card.

What To Do If Your Benefits Are Stolen

If your 3SquaresVT benefits were stolen electronically, you may be eligible for a replacement. This applies to fraud occurring between October 1, 2022, and December 20, 2024. You must report the theft within 30 days and submit a claim form. However, this federal authority is temporary and Reach Up cash benefits are not eligible for replacement.

Other Common Issues with EBT Cards and How to Resolve Them

Beyond security threats, you might encounter other common problems with your EBT card. Knowing the reasons behind these issues and the steps to resolve them can help you access your benefits without delay.

Card Will Not Swipe, Insert, or Tap

A worn-out card is often the culprit when a transaction fails. A scratched magnetic stripe, a bent chip, or general wear and tear can prevent a point-of-sale terminal from reading your card.

Sometimes, the issue lies with the retailer’s terminal. If a store’s machine is set only for chip or contactless payments and your card’s corresponding feature is damaged, the transaction will not go through.

• Clean the magnetic stripe and chip with a soft, dry cloth. If you see obvious damage, call Vermont EBT Customer Service at 1-800-914-8605 to request a free replacement.

• Try using a different checkout lane or an ATM with the QUEST® logo. If the card works there, the original store’s reader was likely the problem.

• If you cannot buy groceries while waiting for a new card, you can request an emergency replacement at a DCF district office.

Invalid, Forgotten, or Blocked PIN

Your four-digit PIN is required for every purchase or cash withdrawal. Entering the wrong PIN too many times will temporarily block the card as a security measure to prevent unauthorized use.

This can happen if you mis-key the numbers, forget your PIN, or have not changed the initial PIN you received with the card.

• Call the EBT customer service line at 1-800-914-8605 and choose the option to reset your PIN. You will need to confirm your identity.

• If your card is locked from too many incorrect attempts, you must wait 24 hours before you can create a new PIN.

• Once you have a new PIN, memorize it and avoid storing it with your card.

Benefits Not Showing on the Expected Date

In Vermont, benefits are deposited on a set schedule based on the last digit of your Social Security number, from the 1st to the 10th of each month. A missed deadline for recertification paperwork can also pause your benefits.

Federal holidays might cause a slight delay, with funds sometimes posting later in the morning instead of overnight. Before assuming there is a problem, it is helpful to confirm your deposit date and check your balance.

• Confirm your deposit day by checking the state schedule. You can also check your balance on the Benny app or on ebtEDGE.

• If your benefits have not been loaded, call the Economic Services Division at 1-800-479-6151 to check your case status and confirm all required documents have been received.