Your case number is on your approval letter or in your online account

Your food stamps case number appears on the notice you received when your account was approved. It is a string of numbers (usually 8 to 10 digits) that identifies your specific household in the system. If you cannot find your approval letter, you can look it up through your state's online portal, call your local office, or check any documents related to your account—it shows up on benefit statements and renewal notices too.

The fastest way to find it without calling is to log into your state's benefits portal using your username and password. Most states display your case number on the dashboard or account summary page as soon as you sign in. If you have never set up an online account, you can create one using your Social Security number and other identifying information.

Key Takeaways

  • Your case number appears on your approval letter, benefit statements, and renewal notices from your state.
  • You can find it by logging into your state's online benefits portal with your username and password.
  • Calling your local food stamps office with your name and address will get you your case number in minutes.
  • Your case number stays the same for as long as your account is active, even if you move or your household changes.
  • You will need your case number to report changes, check your balance, or speak with a caseworker about your account.

Check your approval letter and household mail

The easiest place to look is your approval letter—the official notice your state sent when your account was first approved. This letter lists your case number near the top, usually in a box or highlighted section. It also shows your benefit amount and the date your benefits start.

If you cannot find the approval letter, check any other mail from your state's food stamps office. Renewal notices, benefit statements, and notices about changes to your account all include your case number. These documents are usually sent by mail, though some states now send them electronically if you have set up an online account.

If you have moved since you applied, the letter may have gone to your old address. Contact your local office and give them your current address so they can resend it or confirm your case number over the phone.

Log into your state's online benefits portal

Most states have an online portal where you can check your account, report changes, and see your case number without calling. The portal is usually run by your state's Department of Human Services, Department of Social Services, or Department of Children and Family Services—the name varies by state.

To log in, go to your state's official website and search for "food stamps" or "SNAP benefits." Look for a link that says "Check Your Benefits" or "My Account." You will need your username and password, or you can create a new account using your Social Security number, date of birth, and other identifying information. Once you are logged in, your case number will appear on your account summary or dashboard page.

If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. You will receive a reset link by email or text message. If you cannot access the portal, your local office can help you set up an account or reset your access.

Call your local food stamps office

If you cannot find your case number online or in your mail, call your local food stamps office directly. Have your name, date of birth, and address ready. The caseworker will look up your account and give you your case number over the phone. This usually takes just a few minutes.

To find your local office number, search "[your state] food stamps office" or "[your state] SNAP office" online. You can also call your state's main benefits hotline, which will transfer you to your local office or give you the phone number. Some states have a single statewide number; others have separate numbers for each county.

Call during business hours, which are usually Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some offices have shorter hours or are closed on certain days, so check the website first. If you reach a voicemail, leave your name and number and a caseworker will call you back within one or two business days.

Check your benefit statement or balance inquiry

If you have already received benefits, your case number appears on your benefit statement. This is a record of how much you received each month and when. You can request a benefit statement by calling your local office or logging into your online account.

You can also check your balance using your EBT card. Many states let you check your balance online, by phone, or at an ATM using your card number and PIN. The balance inquiry does not show your case number directly, but it confirms your account is active. If you need your case number and have your EBT card handy, you can call the customer service number on the back of the card and ask a representative to provide it.

What to do if you cannot locate your case number

If you have searched your mail, checked online, and called your local office but still cannot find your case number, it is possible your account was never approved or was closed. Ask the caseworker whether your account is currently active. If it is not, they can tell you why and what steps to take next.

If your account is active but you genuinely cannot find the number after calling, the caseworker can give it to you when ready. Write it down and keep it in a safe place—you will need it for future calls, to report changes, or to renew your benefits. Some people take a photo of their approval letter or write the number in their phone contacts.

Keep your case number in a safe place

Once you have your case number, write it down or save it somewhere you can find it quickly. Keep it with important documents like your approval letter, or store it in your phone contacts. Your case number does not change as long as your account is active, even if you move, change your household, or update your address.

You will use your case number every time you call your local office, report a change in income or household size, renew your benefits, or speak with a caseworker. Having it ready before you call saves time and helps the representative find your account faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I moved and my approval letter went to my old address?

Contact your local food stamps office and give them your new address. They can resend your approval letter or straightforward tell you your case number over the phone. Make sure to report your address change to your account so future mail goes to the correct location.

Can I find my case number on my EBT card?

No, your EBT card does not display your case number. It shows your card number, which is different. To find your case number, check your approval letter, log into your online account, or call your local office.

Do I need my case number to check my benefit balance?

No, you can check your balance using your EBT card number and PIN through your state's website, phone line, or an ATM. However, you will need your case number if you want to report changes or speak with a caseworker about your account.

What if my case number is different on different documents?

Your case number should be the same on all official documents. If you see different numbers, one may be your case number and another may be your EBT card number or a reference number for a specific transaction. Call your local office to confirm which number is your actual case number.

How long does a case number stay active?

Your case number remains active as long as your food stamps account is open. If your account is closed because you no longer meet the requirements or you request closure, the case number is no longer used. If you reapply later, you may receive a new case number.