Do you know that without your California EBT Card, you can’t have access to your SNAP benefits to purchase food at stores that accept food stamps? This article on how to report and replace lost EBT Card California is for you if you have lost your California Golden State Advantage Card, or the magnetic stripe on the back of the card no longer reads at an EBT terminal.
If your California EBT Card is lost or stolen, you need to request a new card as soon as possible. This will help prevent potential food stamp fraud. In case you don’t know, anyone in possession of your California Golden State Advantage Card might use your SNAP benefits to purchase food items.
Here, we have provided a step by step process to report and as well replace your lost or stolen EBT California card, including the phone number to call. However, if you notice that someone has attempted to use your card and personal identification number (PIN) to get benefits, without your permission, we also provide you with the customer service contact to report food stamp fraud.
How To Report and Replace Lost EBT Card California
Follow the below step by step process to report and also request a new California EBT card, if your card is lost, stolen or damaged.
- Report Lost Or Stolen EBT Card
The first thing to do when your card is lost or stolen is to report right away to the EBT help desk or to the California Department of Social Services. You can Report California EBT card lost or stolen by calling (877) 328-9677.
- Deactivate EBT Card
Provided you have called in to report your card lost or stolen, and request a replacement California Golden State Advantage Card, the help desk or food stamp office will then deactivate that card. Now, the system will not have multiple active cards for the same account.
ALSO SEE: California Food Stamps Online Application Guide & Requirement
- Replace Card From Inventory
Because it is important to replace your card as soon as possible, the office or help desk you called would normally have new California Golden State Advantage Card in inventory on site. They would get one to replace your old one.
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Replace Lost EBT Card California From Inventory
A replacement card must be drawn from the food stamp office inventory. Your information, including your pin, must be added to the EBT card’s magnetic stripe. Also, the card number and the PIN must be added to the system’s database and linked to your SNAP account.
- Deliver New Card To Recipient
The help desk or food stamp office will now deliver the new EBT card to you once it’s ready. Then as soon as you receive the new card, contact the food stamp office to activate the card so you can continue using your food stamp balance.
In most cases, your new Ca EBT Card arrives within two business days following notice by the household to the State agency. However, the State may request a waiver from the Department to allow a longer replacement time. In a situation whereby you need the card sooner, then you may come down to the office to get your new EBT card.
You can report California food stamp fraud by calling 800-344-8477.
We hope this article about how to Report and Replace Lost EBT Card California was helpful. If you have any questions about the California EBT Card or food stamps, drop it in the comments section below.
