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

Your case number is a unique identifier assigned to your food stamps account. You will need it to check your balance, report changes, schedule appointments, or speak with your caseworker. The fastest way to find it is to log into your state's online portal—most states call this SNAP Online or your state name plus SNAP (like "CalFresh Online" in California or "SNAP NY" in New York).

If you do not have online access or cannot remember your login, your case number appears on the approval letter you received when your account was first set up. This letter came in the mail and usually has your name, address, and a series of numbers at the top or in a box labeled "Case Number" or "Client ID." If you have kept that letter, you can find the number there without making a phone call.

Key Takeaways

  • Your case number is printed on your approval letter from your state's food stamps program, usually near the top of the page.
  • You can also find your case number by logging into your state's online SNAP portal using your username and password.
  • If you have lost both your letter and your online password, call your local food stamps office or your state's customer service line to retrieve it.
  • Your case number stays the same for as long as your account is active, even if you move or your household changes.

Check your approval letter first

The approval letter is the easiest source because you do not need internet access or a phone call. Look for an envelope from your state's Department of Social Services, Department of Human Services, or Department of Benefits. The letter inside will have your name and address at the top, and your case number will appear in one of these places: in a box labeled "Case Number," "Client ID," or "Case ID"; at the top right corner of the letter; or in the first paragraph near your name.

If you cannot find your approval letter, check any other mail from your food stamps program—recertification notices, balance statements, or letters about changes to your account all include your case number. Even if the letter is several years old, the case number does not change unless your account is closed and reopened.

Log into your state's online portal

Most states offer a free online account where you can see your case number, check your balance, report household changes, and upload documents. The portal name varies by state: California uses CalFresh Online, New York uses SNAP NY, Texas uses SNAP Benefits, and so on. Search "[your state name] SNAP online" or "[your state name] food stamps account" to find the correct website.

Once you log in with your username and password, your case number will appear on your dashboard or account summary page. If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it. You will need your Social Security number or date of birth to verify your identity. If you have never created an online account, you can set one up using your Social Security number and the address on file with your program.

Call your local food stamps office

If you do not have your approval letter and cannot access the online portal, call your local food stamps office directly. Your caseworker or a customer service representative can give you your case number over the phone. Have your name, date of birth, and address ready when you call.

To find your local office number, search "[your state name] food stamps office near me" or visit your state's Department of Social Services website. Many states also have a statewide customer service line listed on the back of your food stamps card (EBT card). Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or mid-week, and many offices now offer phone appointments if you call ahead.

Check your food stamps card or statement

Your EBT card (the plastic card you use to buy food) may have your case number printed on the back, though not all states include it. Look for a series of numbers after "Case" or "ID." If it is not on the card, check any recent balance statement or transaction history you received in the mail or downloaded from the online portal—these documents usually show your case number at the top.

Some states also send monthly statements by mail that list your case number, remaining balance, and recent transactions. If you have received any of these documents in the past year, your case number will be on them.

What to do if you have moved or changed your name

Your case number stays the same even if you move to a different county or state, as long as you report the change to your program. If you have moved and did not notify your food stamps program, your approval letter and any mail from the program may have gone to your old address. In this case, call your new local food stamps office or your state's customer service line and give them your current address—they can look up your case number using your name and date of birth.

If you have changed your name since you opened your account, your case number is still the same. Tell your caseworker about the name change so your account records match your current identification. This prevents problems when you recertify or report changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot find my case number anywhere?

Call your state's food stamps customer service line or your local office. Have your name, date of birth, and current address ready. A representative can look up your case number in the system using this information and will give it to you over the phone or by mail.

Is my case number the same as my EBT card number?

No. Your EBT card number is different from your case number. The case number identifies your household account with the food stamps program, while the card number is tied to the plastic card itself. If you get a new card, the card number changes but your case number does not.

Do I need my case number to use my food stamps card at the store?

No. You only need your EBT card and PIN to buy food. Your case number is used for account management—checking your balance online, reporting changes, or speaking with your caseworker.

What if my case number does not match the number on my card?

This is normal. Your case number and card number are separate. If you are unsure which number to use for a specific task, call your caseworker or your state's customer service line and tell them what you are trying to do—they will tell you which number you need.

Can I look up someone else's case number?

No. Case numbers are confidential. Only the account holder or an authorized representative (like a spouse or legal guardian) can access or receive a case number. If you are helping someone with their account, they will need to give you permission or be present when you call.