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Getting your EBT CARD

The Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is how DTA delivers its core services: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Economic Assistance (EA).

Once you qualify for food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and/or economic assistance through Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) or Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC), you can access the benefits by using your assigned EBT card.

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Get a New EBT Card

You will receive an EBT card when you apply for SNAP or cash assistance. You’ll need to provide proof of identity and if you have one, a social security number.

  • Although you’ll have an EBT card, you will not be able to use it until your case is approved.
  • Benefits will be added to your card if you are eligible to receive SNAP and/or TAFDC or EAEDC.
  • It may take 3-5 business days to receive your card by mail. You can track the delivery date on DTAConnect.com or the DTA Connect mobile app.
  • You can go to your local DTA office if you want an EBT card sooner. If you cannot visit an office, talk to DTA staff about other options.
  • If you are receiving your EBT card by mail, your Personal Identification Number (PIN) will be mailed separately from your EBT card. If you are receiving your EBT card in a local office, you can PIN your EBT card immediately.

See information below about safeguarding your card. There is a fee to replace your card.

Additional Resources

Open file,  Apply for SNAP Benefits ( Food Stamps)
Open file,  Apply for Economic Assistance ( Cash Benefits)
Open file,  Snap Online Purchasing Program

PIN your EBT Card

  • Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) is a four-digit code used to make SNAP and/or cash purchases.
  • Your PIN will arrive separately from your card if you are receiving your EBT card by mail. It may take 5 to 10 days to arrive.
  • You can select a new PIN or change your PIN by calling 1-800-997-2555.
  • You can also get a new PIN, change your PIN or request that a PIN be mailed to you by visiting or your local DTA office.
  • Steps on how to change you PIN Steps on how to change your PIN
  • See below for ways to protect your PIN and your benefits

Alert: If someone else uses your card to access your benefits, THOSE BENEFITS MAY NOT BE REPLACED.

Request a replacement EBT Card

Report your lost, stolen, or damaged EBT card as soon as possible to receive a replacement card. It may take 3 - 5 days to receive your replacement card by mail.

  • Call EBT Customer Service at 800-997-2555 (select language, then option 3 to report lost/stolen card).
  • Go online at DTAConnect.com or to the DTA Connect mobile app.
        • Under ‘My Info’, click on ‘Request an EBT Card’.
        •  You can track the card on DTA Connect.
  • Go to a local DTA office to receive a new card immediately. If you cannot visit an office, call the DTA Assistance line at 877-382-2363 about other options.
  • When you request a replacement card, your old card is automatically deactivated and can no longer be used. DTA cannot reactivate an EBT card.
      • Any remaining benefits will transfer to your new card.
      • The PIN for your new card will remain the same as your previous PIN.
        • You may request a replacement PIN, which will be mailed separately from your EBT card.
        • You can call 1-800-997-2555 to change your PIN.
  • You can shop online with your new card information while you wait for your card to arrive.
  • You will be charged $5.00 to replace your EBT card. The fee will be deducted from your benefits. You will not incur a fee if the following apply to you:
      • Your first photo EBT card
      • Name change
      • Social security number change
      • Defective card
      • Card lost in the mail
      • Replacing an emergency EBT card
      • Case closed for 30 days or more
      • Accommodation for your disability
      • Domestic violence situation

Note: If you request more than four replacement cards within a 12-month period, you will need to speak to DTA staff.

Additional Resources

Open file,  Shop for Food Online with SNAP

Find out if your EBT Card needs a Photo

Massachusetts law requires that EBT cards have a photo ID. DTA uses the photo from your driver’s license or state-issued ID. If you don’t have a Massachusetts ID, we may schedule a time to have your photo taken.

  • You aren’t subject to photo EBT requirements if you are:
      • 18 or under
      • 60 or over
      • Blind
      • Disabled
      • Homeless
      • Experiencing domestic violence
      • Prevented by your religious beliefs
      • Getting benefits for someone else, but not yourself

Check your Balance & Transaction History

  • Keep track of your balance the following ways:
      • Call EBT Customer Service 1-800-997-2555, which will also give you the last ten transactions.
      •  Log into DTAConnect.com or the DTA Connect mobile app.
      • Check cash balance at ATM free of charge
      • Check the receipt of your last SNAP purchase
  • If your balance is lower than what you expect, change your PIN immediately and contact EBT Customer Service Line at 800-997-2555.

Additional Resources

Open file,  Log into DTA Connect website to check your balance
Open file,  Download and log into DTA connect Mobile app to check your balance

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