If your Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits card is lost, stolen, or damaged, it is important to get a replacement card as soon as possible to ensure that you can continue to receive your benefits as several states started processing SNAP benefits replacement in selected counties.
SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program that helps low-income individuals and families purchase food. Participants in the program receive a benefit card, similar to a debit card, that they can use to buy eligible food items at participating retailers.

Brooklyn Woman Sues NYC After Being Denied SNAP Payments for Months (Photo by Shutterstock)
SNAP and SNAP Benefits Replacement Explained
Marca explained that SNAP, which is administered by the US Department of Agriculture, is a welfare program that gives qualified families a monthly cash infusion via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Card to help them buy groceries and other food products.
Over 26 million Americans, or about 12 percent of the country’s population, are thought to rely on SNAP payments to help them achieve their nutritional needs.
When a natural catastrophe has a direct influence on the quality of the food purchased with an EBT, the number of SNAP benefits obtained can be restored under the SNAP benefits replacement program.
Replacement SNAP is often given to people whose loss of electricity affected their ability to buy food.
The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) will collaborate with the regional public service offices to identify if a specific region of the province was impacted by a power outage for more than 24 hours to evaluate eligibility for SNAP benefits replacement.
Replacement SNAP will often pay for an equivalent amount of the food lost. One month’s worth of SNAP payments for the household is the most one person might get under Replacement SNAP.
The EBT card will have the Replacement SNAP benefit placed onto it.
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How to Apply for a Replacement Card
If you have lost or damaged your EBT card, you can apply for a SNAP benefits replacement program by contacting your state’s agency. In most states, you can apply for a replacement card online, over the phone, or in person.
To apply online, CBPP said you will need to log in to your state’s SNAP website and provide your personal information, including your name, address, and Social Security number. You will also need to provide information about your lost or damaged card, such as the card number, the date it was lost or damaged, and any other relevant details.
If you prefer to apply over the phone, USDA said you can call your state’s SNAP hotline and provide the same information to a representative. They will then send a SNAP benefits replacement card to your mailing address.
If you prefer to apply in person, HHS said you can visit your local SNAP office and request a SNAP benefits replacement. You will need to provide your personal information and other relevant details about your lost or damaged card.
In all cases, it is important to report a lost or stolen card as soon as possible to prevent any unauthorized use of your benefits.
How to Change Your SNAP Benefit Card
If you need to avail the replacement SNAP benefits program for any reason, such as if you have moved or if your current card is no longer working, Forbes said you will need to contact your state’s SNAP agency to request a new card.
In most cases, you can request a new card online, over the phone, or in person using the same methods as applying for a replacement card. You will need to provide your personal information and other relevant details about why you need a new card.
Your state’s SNAP agency may automatically issue you a new card if they detect any issues with your current card, such as fraudulent activity or a card about to expire. Hence, they will send the SNAP benefits replacement card to your mailing address.
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