Losing your EBT card or having it stolen can be stressful, but most states now offer a Card Lock feature that lets you freeze your card instantly to prevent unauthorized use. Once locked, no one can use it for purchases or withdrawals until you unlock it again — even if someone has your card and PIN. This is one of the best ways to protect your SNAP (food stamps) benefits from theft, skimming, or fraud.
Short Answer
Yes — you can lock your EBT card in most states with just a few clicks or a phone call.
The exact process depends on your state, but here are the most common ways in 2026:
| State Group | How to Lock/Unlock Your EBT Card | App/Portal | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| ConnectEBT states (AL, AR, DE, GA, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV) | App or online portal: ConnectEBT.com or app | ConnectEBT app | 1-800-997-9999 (varies by state) |
| ebtEDGE states (most others: AZ, CO, DC, FL, HI, ID, IL, IA, KS, KY, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, ND, OR, RI, SD, TX, UT, VT, WA, WI, WY) | App or online: ebtEDGE.com or ebtEDGE app | ebtEDGE app | 1-888-328-6399 (varies by state) |
| California (Golden State Advantage) | BenefitsCal.com or app + phone | BenefitsCal app | 1-877-328-9677 |
| Texas (Your Texas Benefits) | YourTexasBenefits.com or app | Your Texas Benefits app | 1-800-777-7328 |
How to Lock Your EBT Card (Most Common Methods)
Method 1: Using the Official Mobile App (Fastest – Recommended)
Most states use one of two apps: ConnectEBT or ebtEDGE. Download the correct one for your state.
ConnectEBT App (used in AL, AR, DE, GA, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV):
- Download “ConnectEBT” from App Store or Google Play.
- Log in with your 16-digit EBT card number and PIN.
- Tap the “Card Lock” or “Lock Card” button (usually on the home screen or under “Card Services”).
- Confirm — your card is instantly locked.
- To unlock: Return to the same screen and tap “Unlock Card”.
ebtEDGE App (used in most other states):
- Download “ebtEDGE” from App Store or Google Play.
- Log in with your card number and PIN.
- Go to “Manage Card” or “Card Controls”.
- Toggle “Lock Card” on.
- Card is locked immediately.
- To unlock: Toggle it off again.
Benefits of using the app:
- Instant lock/unlock
- Works 24/7
- View balance and transactions
- Change PIN
- Report card lost/stolen
Method 2: Using the State Online Portal (If No App)
- Go to your state’s EBT portal (e.g., connectebt.com, ebtedge.com, or state-specific site like BenefitsCal.com or YourTexasBenefits.com).
- Log in with card number and PIN.
- Look for “Card Lock,” “Freeze Card,” or “Card Controls.”
- Click to lock — instant effect.
- Unlock the same way.
Method 3: By Phone (If You Don’t Have Internet/App)
Call your state’s EBT customer service number (on the back of your card or in the table above).
- Follow automated prompts or speak to a representative.
- Verify identity (card number, name, DOB, ZIP code).
- Request to lock/freeze the card — they do it instantly.
- To unlock, call back and request it.
Note: Some states allow phone lock/unlock 24/7; others are business hours only. Check your state’s site.
Why You Should Lock Your EBT Card
- Prevents fraud: If someone steals your card or skims your PIN, they can’t use it while locked.
- No need to replace immediately: You can unlock it when you find the card or get a new one.
- Free: No cost to lock/unlock.
- Protects your benefits: Unauthorized purchases can be hard to recover.
Important: Locking does not protect against benefits being stolen before you notice. Check your balance regularly (app, portal, or phone) and report theft immediately to get a replacement card (balance transfers over).
What to Do If Your Card Is Lost or Stolen
- Lock it immediately using app, portal, or phone (above methods).
- Report it to your state EBT hotline (same number you use to lock).
- Request replacement: New card arrives in 5–10 business days; balance transfers automatically.
- Temporary card: Some states offer a temporary card same-day at local offices.
State-Specific Notes (2026)
- Pennsylvania: myCOMPASS PA app has advanced card lock + transaction alerts.
- California: BenefitsCal app + phone lock; also offers “card lock” via 1-877-328-9677.
- Texas: Your Texas Benefits portal/app; phone lock via 1-800-777-7328.
- Florida: ebtedge app; strong fraud alerts.
FAQs
Can I lock my EBT card online or in an app?
Yes — most states offer lock/unlock through the ConnectEBT or ebtEDGE app or state portal.
How long does it take to lock my EBT card?
Instant — the card is frozen within seconds of confirming the lock.
Does locking my EBT card stop all transactions?
Yes — no purchases or ATM withdrawals can be made while locked.
Can I unlock my EBT card anytime?
Yes — use the same app, portal, or phone number. It’s instant.
What if I forget my PIN after locking?
Call your state EBT hotline to reset your PIN (they’ll verify identity first).
Is there a fee to lock or unlock my EBT card?
No — it’s completely free.
What if someone uses my card before I lock it?
Report fraud immediately to your state hotline — they can freeze the card and investigate unauthorized transactions.
Does locking my card affect my benefits?
No — your monthly SNAP benefits still load normally; you just can’t spend them until unlocked.
For more help, visit your state’s SNAP portal or call the EBT hotline on your card.