Did you know that without your California EBT Card, you won’t have access to your SNAP benefits to purchase groceries from stores that accept grocery stamps? This article on Reporting and Replacing Lost California EBT Cards is for you if you lost your California Golden State Advantage Card or the magnetic stripe on the back of the card no longer appears on an EBT terminal.
If your California EBT card is lost or stolen, you will need to get a new card ASAP. This will help prevent potential food stamp fraud. In case you didn’t know, anyone with your California Golden State Advantage Card can use your SNAP benefits to purchase groceries.
Here we have provided a step by step process to report and replace your lost or stolen EBT California card including the phone number to call. However, if you discover that someone has tried to use your card and personal identification number (PIN) to obtain benefits without your permission, we will also provide you with customer service contact to report grocery stamp fraud.
How to Report and Replace Lost EBT Cards in California
If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, follow the steps below to report and request a new California EBT card.
- Report a lost or stolen EBT card
The first thing to do if your card is lost or stolen is to report to the EBT Helpdesk or the California Department of Social Services immediately. You can report a loss or theft of a California EBT card by calling (877) 328-9677.
Assuming you’ve called to report your card lost or stolen and requested a replacement Golden State of California card, the help desk or grocery stamp office will disable that card. Now the system no longer has multiple active cards for the same account.
ALSO SEE: California Food Stamps Online Application Guide and Requirements
- Replace card from inventory
Because it is important to exchange your card as soon as possible, the office or help desk you called will usually have a new California Golden State Advantage Card on site. You would get one to replace your old one.
Replace the lost California EBT card from inventory
A replacement card must be taken from the inventory of the food stamp office. Your information, including your PIN, must be added to the magnetic stripe of the EBT card. The card number and PIN must also be added to the system database and linked to your SNAP account.
- Deliver new card to recipient
The help desk or grocery stamp office will now deliver the new EBT card to you as soon as it is ready. Once you have received the new card, contact the grocery stamp office to activate the card so you can continue to use your grocery stamp credit.
In most cases, your new Ca EBT card will arrive within two working days of the budget being communicated to the government agency. However, the state can apply to the ministry for a waiver to allow a longer replacement period. In a situation where you need the card earlier, you can come to the office to get your new EBT card.
You can Report California food stamp fraud by phone at 800-344-8477.
We hope this article on how to report and replace lost EBT cards in California has been helpful. If you have any questions about the California EBT Card or grocery stamps, drop them in the comments below.