EBT cards do expire, and the expiration date is printed on the front of your card

Your EBT card has a physical expiration date, usually four years from the date it was issued. When that date passes, the card stops working for purchases. You will receive a replacement card in the mail before the old one expires — typically 30 days before — but you need to set up it before you can use it.

The benefits themselves do not expire in the same way. If you have money left on your EBT account when your card expires, that money stays in your account. You can access it with your new card once it arrives and you set up it. The only exception is if your case closes because you no longer meet the program's requirements — then unspent benefits may be lost depending on your state's rules.

set up is straightforward: call the number on the back of your new card, or go online through your state's EBT website. Some states let you set up at a store terminal or ATM. You will need your PIN, which either comes with the card or you can set one up during set up.

Key Takeaways

  • EBT cards expire every four years, and the expiration date is printed on the front of your card.
  • Your state will mail you a replacement card 30 days before your current card expires, so you have time to set up it.
  • Money left on your card when it expires stays in your account and transfers to your new card automatically.
  • You must set up your new card by phone, online, or at a store terminal before you can use it to buy food.
  • If your case closes because you no longer meet program rules, unspent benefits may be forfeited depending on your state.

How to know when your card expires

Look at the front of your physical EBT card. The expiration date is printed in the bottom right corner, usually in the format MM/YY (month and year). This is the last month you can use that card to make purchases.

You can also log into your state's EBT website or call the customer service number on the back of your card to check your expiration date. Some states send a notice in the mail 60 days before expiration as a reminder, but not all do.

What to do when you receive your replacement card

When your new card arrives, do not use it right away. You must set up it first. set up takes a few minutes and can be done in several ways depending on your state.

Call the number on the back of your new card and follow the prompts. You will be asked to verify your identity and set or confirm your PIN. Some states let you set up online through their EBT portal — log in with your username and password and select the set up option. A few states allow set up at a grocery store checkout or at an ATM by inserting the card and entering your PIN.

Once activated, your new card works when ready. Your old card will stop working at midnight on the expiration date, even if you have not activated the new one yet. If you have not received a replacement card within two weeks of your expiration date, call your state's EBT customer service line.

What happens to your benefits when your card expires

The money in your EBT account does not disappear when your card expires. Your balance transfers automatically to your new card. When you set up your new card, you can use it to access all the money that was on your old card.

The only time benefits are lost is if your case closes. This happens when you no longer meet your state's income or household size requirements, or if you do not recertify when asked. Rules about what happens to unspent benefits vary by state — some states hold the money for 90 days in case you reopen your case, while others may forfeit it. Contact your state's program office to ask what happens to your specific balance if your case closes.

If your card is lost or stolen before it expires

Report a lost or stolen card when ready by calling the number on the back of your card or logging into your state's EBT website. Your state will freeze the card so no one else can use your benefits. You can request an emergency replacement card, which usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

While you wait for the replacement, you may be able to get emergency cash or food benefits. Call your state's EBT line to ask what emergency options are available in your state. Some states issue a temporary card number that works at certain stores while you wait for the physical card.

Replacing your card if it is damaged or worn

If your card is cracked, faded, or the magnetic stripe no longer works, you can request a replacement before the expiration date. Call the number on the back of your card or go to your state's EBT website and request a replacement due to damage. A new card will be mailed to you, usually within 7 to 10 business days.

You will need to set up the new card before using it. Your old card will stop working once the new one is activated, so make sure you have the new card in hand and ready to use before you deactivate the old one.

Keeping track of your expiration date

Write your card's expiration date on a calendar or set a phone reminder for 30 days before the date. This gives you a buffer to make sure your replacement card has arrived and is activated before your current card stops working.

If you move, update your address with your state's EBT program so your replacement card is mailed to the correct location. You can update your address by phone, online, or in person at your local benefits office. If your mail is delayed and your card expires before the replacement arrives, call your state's EBT line for an emergency card option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my EBT card after the expiration date?

No. Your card will not work at any store or ATM after the expiration date printed on the front. You must have your replacement card activated and in hand before that date arrives. If you do not, you will not be able to access your benefits until the new card is activated.

What if my replacement card does not arrive before my current card expires?

Call your state's EBT customer service line when ready. They can issue an emergency card or temporary card number so you can access your benefits while you wait for the replacement. Do not wait until the expiration date — call as soon as you realize the card has not arrived.

Do I lose my benefits if I do not set up my new card right away?

No. Your benefits stay in your account. However, you cannot use them until you set up the new card. set up it as soon as it arrives so you do not have a gap in access to your food benefits.

What happens to my benefits if my case closes?

That depends on your state. Some states hold unspent benefits for 90 days in case you reopen your case. Others may forfeit the balance. Contact your state's program office to find out what happens to your specific balance if your case is closed.

Can I request a new card if mine is not expired yet?

Yes. If your card is damaged, worn, or the magnetic stripe does not work, you can request a replacement at any time. Call the number on the back of your card or log into your state's EBT website. A new card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.