If you have received a new EBT card or a replacement New York EBT card and need help activating your card, we can help. In this post, we will detail the step-by-step process to activate New York EBT Card.
In addition, we will walk you through how to change your PIN.
Also, learn how to check the balance on your NY EBT card, including how to log in online.
Lastly, we will provide instructions on how to contact the New York EBT customer service.
Table of Contents:
- How to Activate New York EBT Card
- Check the Balance on your New York EBT Card
- How to Use Your New York EBT Card at the Store & at ATM
- Contact Information for New York EBT Customer Service
- How do I log in to New York EBT Card Account Online?
How to Activate New York EBT Card
Here’s how to activate your New York EBT Card
Once you are approved for SNAP or Cash benefits, you will receive a New York EBT (also referred to as CBIC card) in the mail.
If your card has not yet arrived, call the New York EBT Customer Service Helpline at 1-888-328-6399.
Follow the steps below to activate your EBT Card:
Step 1 – Make Sure You have a PIN
When your EBT card is first mailed to you, you will also receive a PIN.
However, New York EBT card and your initial PIN for the card are mailed separately.
Therefore, you will receive the two mailings within a few days of each other. They are sent separately for security reasons.
If you do not receive a mailed PIN, you can select a PIN over the phone by calling the following toll-free number: 1-888-328-6399.
You May Change Initial PIN
You can change your EBT Personal Identification Number (PIN) code by phone by calling 1-888-328-6399.
However, in order to do this, you will need the case head’s Social Security Number.
Alternatively, you can use the Social Security Number of the oldest child on the case if you are the parent or guardian of a child who receives benefits but not on the case yourself).
Additionally, PIN numbers may also be changed at an HRA center if you live in New York City. Click here to locate one.
Step 2 – Follow Instructions Sent with Your Card to Activate
Next, follow the instructions that came with your EBT card in the mail to activate the card.
Here’s some important information to remember about your EBT Card:
- Your PIN is your electronic signature. It contains four (4) numbers.
- The EBT card will not work without your PIN.
- If you forget your PIN or want to change your PIN at any time, call 1-888-328-6399. You will be asked to provide certain information for security purposes. You may also change your PIN at most Social Services Offices and NYC SNAP Centers.
- Never write your PIN on your card or on the card sleeve.
- If someone else uses your card or card number and PIN, your EBT BENEFITS WILL NOT BE REPLACED.
- If you need a family member to have access to your EBT benefits, contact your local agency about naming an Authorized
Representative on your case. A separate EBT card will be provided for you to share with the Authorized Representative you have selected.
How to Check the Balance on your New York EBT Card
There are three ways to check your P-EBT Balance – Over the phone, via your last transaction receipt, and online.
You can check your New York P-EBT Card balance by calling the Customer Service number on the back of your card.
Here’s the phone number to call: New York P-EBT Customer Service Number: 1-888-328-6399.
Also, you can check the balance on your New York P-EBT card through your last transaction receipt.
Additionally, once you have set up a PIN to access your P-EBT food benefits, you can check your P-EBT card balance by visiting www.connectebt.com.
How to Use Your New York EBT Card at the Store
Your New York EBT card can be used at most food stores, including:
- Grocery stores
- Convenience stores
- Supermarkets (like Walmart and Target)
- Farmers markets
- Pharmacies (that sell food)
Most will display “EBT Cards Accepted Here” signs.
Also, some will display the Quest Logo.
If you do not see the Quest® logo, your EBT card may still be accepted. Check with the store before shopping.
Follow these steps to use your EBT card at a store:
- At check-out, your card is swiped through the machine by you or the store cashier.
- Follow the directions on the machine to enter your PIN. Only you should enter your PIN.
- The cashier or the machine will provide you with the purchase amount. You may also enter the amount yourself.
Always check your receipt to make sure that the amount on the EBT purchase is the same as the grocery receipt.
Also, if your card cannot be swiped because it is damaged, contact EBT Customer Service (1-888-328-6399) and report the card as damaged.
A replacement card will be mailed to you. You can also request a replacement card at most Social Services Offices and NYC SNAP Centers.
How to Use Your New York EBT Card at an ATM
If you are receiving cash assistance benefits, your EBT card can be used at an ATM to get cash.
- First, be sure to choose an ATM in a place where you feel safe.
- Next, follow the directions on the ATM.
- Start by putting your EBT card in the machine.
- Enter your PIN.
- Press Withdrawal.
- Press Checking.
- Enter the dollar amount you want.
- Take your cash, card, and receipt so you will know how much you have left in your account.
Check the receipt to make sure the amount of cash you received is printed on the receipt.
Also, never let anyone see you enter your PIN while you are at the ATM. This is to keep your funds secure.
You will have two (2) free ATM withdrawals each month at ATMs that do not surcharge (surcharge-free ATMs).
After the first two, you will be charged a $.45 fee for each ATM withdrawal. The fee will only be charged when using
a surcharge-free ATM.
This fee will be automatically taken out of your cash benefit account. You will not receive any notification that this fee is being charged.
How do I contact New York EBT Customer Service?
You can reach New York EBT Customer Service at 1-888-328-6399.
You can call this toll-free number 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week.
Business Hours: Monday – Friday: 8 AM – 5 PM
Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours.
When you call, your call will be answered by an automated system.
The auto-attendant will guide you through menu options to help direct your call.
You may use the helpline to:
- Check your SNAP or cash account balance information.
- Hear your last ten transactions.
- Request a printed 2-month statement of your account history.
- File a claim if you suspect that a transaction error occurred.
- Change your PIN.
- Report damaged, lost, or stolen cards, and request a replacement card be mailed to you.
How do I log in to New York EBT Card Account Online?
EBT cardholders can obtain information in English and Spanish about their accounts by going to https://www.connectebt.com.
- Login using your most recent active card number and PIN.
- Create an account ID and password.
Once you sign in with a valid card number and PIN, you can perform the following functions online with your account:
- Check your SNAP or cash account balance information.
- Review up to 15 months of transaction history.
- Request a printed 2-month statement of your account history.
- Change your PIN.
- Report damaged, lost, or stolen cards, and request a replacement card be mailed to you.
How to Activate New York EBT Card Summary
We hope this post on how to activate New York EBT Card was helpful.
Still Have Questions?
To apply for SNAP benefits in New York, click here: New York SNAP Eligibility Guide.
For New York Food Stamps Income Limit, click here: New York SNAP Income Limits.
If you have questions about New York EBT Card (CIBC), click here: New York EBT Card Guide.
For details on Restaurants that take food stamps in New York, click here: What Fast Food Restaurants Take SNAP in New York?
If you have further questions about New York EBT Card or SNAP benefits, please let us know in the comments section below.
Be sure to check out our other articles about New York Food Stamps New York EBT, including:
Get Free Admissions with New York EBT Card
How to Get a Replacement New York SNAP EBT Card
New York to Get 25% SNAP Increase
New York P-EBT Extension for 2021