Help Getting SNAP

Households will now have the ability to lock their EBT card, which prevents their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance (TA) cash benefits, or Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits issued as cash to a household, from being accessed. 

Cardholders must then unlock the locked card to make a purchase using their SNAP or cash benefits.  

This new feature is intended to be used as a tool to help prevent theft of benefits through skimming or other fraudulent methods. Locking and unlocking the EBT card has no impact on Medicaid or other benefits issuances, including restricted payments directly to a landlord, utility, or other vendor. 

Cardholders can call the ConnectEBT  helpline at 1-888-328-6399 to check the lock/unlock status and speak to a representative to unlock the card (only the unlock function is available through the helpline).  

Clients can lock their EBT card when it is not in use and then unlock the card to make a purchase by following these four simple steps: 

1. Open or download the ConnectEBT app on their mobile device (available on the: Google Play Store and Apple App Store). 
2. Securely log into their account. 
3. Tap the new “Lock/Unlock Card” icon on the home screen. 
4. Select “Lock My Card Everywhere” and click “OK.”