SNAP & CA Homelessness Prevention Health Assistance Other Benefits & Services

Electronic Benefit Transfer Cards

Benefits like SNAP and Cash Assistance are issued to clients on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card, which can be used in participating stores just like a debit card. An EBT card is also called a Common Benefit Identification Card (CBIC) and used as identification for Medicaid and other benefits.

Once they are approved for benefits, clients will receive their EBT/CBIC card in the mail. If your card has not yet arrived, you can get a permanent card at the Brooklyn Over-The-Counter (OTC) site, or receive a temporary called (also known as a vault card) at an open HRA Benefits Access Center.

You can change your EBT Personal Identification Number (PIN) code by phone by calling 1-888-328-6399. You will need the case head’s Social Security Number (or 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). PIN numbers may also be changed at an HRA center.

Don’t forget, you can track your SNAP or Cash Assistance application, submit required documents, update your mailing address, and much more on ACCESS HRA.

AVAILABILITY OF TWO ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER (EBT) CARDS TO CERTAIN SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) HOUSEHOLDS

Households with two parent(s)/guardian(s) who are:

both active on the SNAP case
live in the household full time, and
are over the age of 18, or regardless of age are a parent/guardian of a minor child

are eligible to receive a second EBT card.

The second EBT card will contain the payee/Head of Household’s name and the name of the second parent/guardian in the household.

Each card will have its own card number. The second EBT card does not give extra SNAP benefits.

To receive a second EBT card, the SNAP Head of Household must send us the request in writing using the FIA-1270 and mailed or faxed to:

PO BOX 29008
Brooklyn, NY 11202
Fax: (917) 639-1111

Request for Second Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card (FIA-1270 E):

Or call the DSS OneNumber at (718)-557-1399 to have a request form mailed to you.