Current Changes to EBT Programs

EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) is the card system that delivers food information and cash benefits to your account. Right now, several things are shifting: federal pandemic-era extra food benefits ended in March 2023, some states are adjusting income limits and household rules, and the card itself is being updated in certain states with new security features or different issuing banks.

What affects you depends on which state you live in and which program you use — SNAP (food information) and TANF (cash information) have different rules and timelines. The best way to know what changed for your specific situation is to contact your state's benefits office directly or check your state's SNAP or TANF website, because changes roll out on different schedules across the country.

If your benefits dropped, your card stopped working, or you received a notice about a change, this guide explains what might be happening and what to do next.

Key Takeaways

  • Federal pandemic bonuses to SNAP ended in March 2023, so monthly food benefits returned to their standard amounts, which vary by state and household size.
  • Some states are reviewing cases to confirm household income and size still match program rules, which can result in benefit changes or temporary holds.
  • EBT cards are being reissued in some states with new security features or through different banks, and you may need to set up a replacement card or update your PIN.
  • Your state's SNAP or TANF office is the only source that can tell you why your specific benefits changed or why your card is not working.

Why Food Benefits Changed in 2023

During the pandemic, the federal government added extra money to SNAP benefits every month — amounts ranged from $95 to over $600 per household depending on size. These additions stopped in March 2023, and benefits went back to the standard amounts set by your state. Standard SNAP amounts are based on household size and income, so a family of four in one state receives a different amount than a family of four in another state.

If you were receiving SNAP before the pandemic ended, your March 2023 payment was lower than your February 2023 payment. This was not an error — it was the scheduled end of the temporary boost. If you have questions about your current benefit amount, your state's SNAP office can explain the calculation for your household.

Case Reviews and Benefit Recalculations

Many states are conducting reviews of active cases to confirm that household income, size, and other details still match what the program requires. These reviews happen on a schedule — some states do them annually, others every few years — but the timing varies. During a review, the state may ask you to provide recent pay stubs, proof of rent or mortgage, or other documents to verify your information.

If your household situation changed — someone moved out, income increased, or expenses decreased — your benefits may be recalculated and could go down or up. The state will send you a notice explaining the change and your new benefit amount. If you disagree with the decision, the notice will include instructions for requesting a hearing to appeal.

If you received a notice but did not respond, your benefits may have been paused or stopped. Contact your state's SNAP or TANF office right away with the documents they requested, because responding late can delay reinstatement.

EBT Card Replacement and set up Issues

Several states are switching to new EBT card designs or moving to a different bank that issues the cards. When this happens, you receive a new card in the mail and must set up it before you can use it. set up usually means calling a phone number on the card or using an online portal, then setting a new PIN.

If you received a new card but have not activated it, your old card may no longer work. Check the mail for a new card — it can take one to two weeks to arrive after the state mails it. If you did not receive one after two weeks, or if you lost it, contact your state's EBT customer service line to request a replacement.

Some people report that their card was declined even after set up. This can happen if the PIN was not set correctly, if the card was not fully activated, or if there is a technical issue between the store's system and the state's system. Try the transaction again, or call your state's EBT customer service to confirm the card is active and the PIN is correct.

Income Limit Changes and Work Requirements

A few states have adjusted the income limits for SNAP or TANF, meaning some households that previously received benefits no longer meet the income threshold. These changes are set by state law, not federal law, so they vary. If you received a notice that you no longer meet income requirements, the notice will explain the new limit and how your household income was calculated.

Some states have also added or tightened work requirements for certain groups — for example, adults without dependents may now be required to work or participate in a job training program to keep SNAP benefits. If you received a notice about a work requirement, it will explain what you need to do and by what date. If you cannot meet the requirement, you may be able to request an exemption or extension based on your situation.

What to Do If Your Benefits Stopped or Changed

The first step is to find out why. Log into your state's benefits portal if you have online access, or call your state's SNAP or TANF office. Have your case number ready — it is usually on your EBT card or on any notice you received. Ask specifically: Did my case close? Was my benefit amount recalculated? Do I owe a response to a review request? Is my card active?

If you owe documents or information, ask what is needed and the important date to submit it. If you missed a important date, ask if you can still submit late. If your benefits were stopped in error, the office can usually restart them within a few business days once the issue is corrected.

If you disagree with a decision — such as a benefit reduction or case closure — ask about the appeal process. Most states allow you to request a hearing within a set time frame (often 30 to 90 days from the notice date). The notice you received should explain how to request a hearing.

Finding Your State's EBT Office

Each state runs its own SNAP and TANF programs, so the phone number, website, and process are different depending on where you live. The fastest way to find your state's office is to search "[your state name] SNAP office" or "[your state name] TANF office" online. You can also call 211 (a free helpline) and ask for your state's benefits office number.

When you call, have ready: your case number (if you have one), your Social Security number, and any notice letters you received. Be prepared to wait on hold — many offices are busy, especially early in the month. If you cannot reach anyone by phone, most states have an online portal where you can check your case status and upload documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my SNAP benefits go down in March 2023?

The federal government's temporary pandemic boost to SNAP ended in March 2023. Your benefits returned to the standard amount your state calculates based on your household size and income. This affected everyone receiving SNAP, not just your household.

My EBT card was declined at the store. What do I do?

Call your state's EBT customer service number (on the back of your card) to confirm the card is active and your PIN is correct. If the card is new, make sure you activated it. If the card is old, ask if it has expired or been deactivated. The customer service line can also tell you your current balance.

I received a notice asking for documents but I do not have them. Can I still get benefits?

Contact your state's office right away and explain what documents you cannot provide. Ask if you can submit something else instead, or if you can request more time. Responding late can result in your case closing, but responding with an explanation is better than not responding at all.

How long does it take to get a new EBT card if mine was lost?

Most states mail a replacement card within one to two weeks. You can usually request a rush replacement for a small fee if you need it faster. Call your state's EBT customer service to request a replacement and ask about rush options.

What if I think the state made a mistake on my case?

Request a hearing to appeal the decision. The notice you received should explain how to request one, usually by phone or mail within 30 to 90 days. At the hearing, you can explain your situation and provide documents to support your case.