Your EBT card has an expiration date printed on the front, and you need to replace it before that date arrives

Every EBT card issued by your state has an expiration date stamped on the front, usually in the format MM/YY. The card stops working on that date. You cannot use it to buy food after it expires, even if you still have benefits in your account. The money does not disappear — it stays in your account — but you cannot access it without a valid card.

Your state's EBT program sends you a replacement card in the mail before your current card expires. The timing varies by state, but most programs mail the new card 30 to 60 days before the expiration date. You should receive it while your old card still works, giving you time to set up the new one and switch over.

If your replacement card does not arrive, or if you lose your card before the expiration date, you can request an emergency replacement. Most states issue a temporary card by phone or in person within one to three business days, or mail a permanent replacement within 7 to 10 days.

Key Takeaways

  • Your EBT card expires on the date printed on the front, and the card will not work after that date even though your benefits remain in your account.
  • Your state mails a replacement card 30 to 60 days before expiration, so you should receive it while your old card is still active.
  • If you do not receive a replacement card or lose your card, you can request an emergency replacement by contacting your state's EBT customer service line.
  • Activating your new card is usually a phone call or online process that takes a few minutes and does not affect your benefits.

How to find your card's expiration date

Look at the front of your EBT card. The expiration date appears in the lower right corner, printed as two numbers separated by a slash — the month and the year. For example, 08/26 means the card expires in August 2026. This is the last month you can use that card at a store or ATM.

If you cannot find your card or the date is not clear, you can also check your expiration date by calling your state's EBT customer service number. The representative can tell you the exact date and confirm whether a replacement has already been mailed to you. Your state's EBT website usually lists the customer service number, or you can search "[your state] EBT customer service" online.

What happens when your card expires

On the expiration date, your card will be declined at checkout. The store's card reader will reject it, just as it would reject a credit card that has expired. Your benefits do not vanish — the money stays in your account — but you cannot spend it without a valid card.

If you try to use an expired card at an ATM, the machine will not dispense cash. If you use it at a store, the transaction will fail and the cashier will return your card. You will not be charged a fee for attempting to use an expired card, but you also will not be able to complete your purchase.

The longer you wait after expiration to replace your card, the longer you go without being able to buy food. This is why your state sends the replacement card before the old one expires — so you have time to set up it and avoid a gap in access to your benefits.

When to expect your replacement card in the mail

Most states mail replacement cards 30 to 60 days before the expiration date. If your card expires on August 15, you might receive the replacement card in early July or mid-June, depending on your state's schedule. The card arrives in a plain envelope with your name and address on it.

Delivery time depends on your postal service. A card mailed in early July usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer if you live in a rural area or if mail is delayed. If you do not receive your replacement card within two weeks of the expiration date, contact your state's EBT program to request a replacement or emergency card.

Some states allow you to check the status of your replacement card online through your EBT account portal. Log in with your PIN or username and password, and look for a section labeled "Card Status" or "Card Management." If your state offers this feature, you can see whether a replacement has been mailed and when it is expected to arrive.

How to set up your new EBT card

When your replacement card arrives, you must set up it before you can use it. set up is straightforward and usually takes a few minutes. Most states offer two methods: calling a phone number on the card or activating online through your EBT account portal.

To set up by phone, call the number printed on the back of your new card or on the letter that came with it. A representative will ask you to confirm your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Once you confirm your identity, the card is activated when ready and you can use it right away.

To set up online, log into your state's EBT portal with your username and PIN. Look for a "Card Management" or "set up Card" section. Enter the card number and expiration date from your new card, and follow the prompts. Online set up is usually when ready, and you can use the card as soon as the process is complete.

Your old card will stop working once you set up the new one, or it will stop working on the expiration date, whichever comes first. You do not need to do anything with the old card — you can throw it away or cut it up. Your benefits transfer automatically to the new card, so you will not lose any money.

What to do if your replacement card does not arrive

If your card expires in two weeks and you have not received a replacement, contact your state's EBT customer service line right away. Have your Social Security number and current address ready. The representative can confirm whether a card was mailed to you and, if not, request one when ready.

If a card was mailed but you did not receive it, the representative can request an emergency replacement. Most states offer two options: a temporary card issued by phone that you can use within 24 hours, or a permanent replacement card mailed to you within 7 to 10 days. Some states issue the temporary card as a number you write down and use at the store, while others mail a physical temporary card.

If you moved recently and your replacement card was mailed to your old address, call customer service and provide your new address. They can reissue the card to your current location. This usually takes 7 to 10 business days.

Replacing a lost or stolen card before expiration

If you lose your EBT card or it is stolen before the expiration date, report it to your state's EBT program when ready. Call the customer service number on your statement or your state's EBT website. The representative will deactivate your current card so no one else can use it, and your benefits will be protected.

You can then request a replacement card, which will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to use your benefits before the replacement arrives, ask about an emergency card or temporary access. Some states issue a temporary card number by phone that works at stores and ATMs for a few days while you wait for the permanent replacement.

There is no fee for replacing a lost or stolen card. Your benefits do not expire or disappear when your card is lost — they stay in your account until you use them or until your benefits end for another reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do my benefits expire if my card expires?

No. Your benefits stay in your account even after your card expires. The card is just the tool you use to access the money. Once you receive and set up your replacement card, you can use your benefits as usual. However, benefits themselves may expire depending on your state's rules — some states end benefits after a certain period of inactivity or at the end of a certification period.

Can I use my old card after I set up the new one?

No. Once you set up your new card, the old card stops working when ready. If you try to use it at a store or ATM, it will be declined. This is a security feature to prevent fraud. You do not need to do anything with the old card — just throw it away or cut it up.

What if my card expires while I am out of state?

Your EBT card works in any state, so you can use it to buy food anywhere in the country. If your card expires while you are traveling, you can still use your replacement card once it arrives at your home address. If you need emergency access to your benefits while away, contact your state's EBT customer service and ask about a temporary card or emergency replacement options.

How long does it take to set up a replacement card?

set up is when ready whether you do it by phone or online. Once you confirm your identity and complete the set up process, your new card is ready to use when ready. You do not need to wait for anything — you can go to a store or ATM right away.

Will I lose my benefits if I do not set up my new card before the old one expires?

Your benefits will not disappear, but you will not be able to spend them without a valid card. Once you set up your replacement card, you can access your benefits again. If you go a long time without activating a card, your state may end your benefits for inactivity, but this usually takes several months, not days or weeks.