HARRISBURG, PA, March 28, 2025 – The Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Office of State Inspector General (OSIG) are reminding Pennsylvanians who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to change their EBT card PINs ahead of their monthly SNAP benefit distribution. This reminder is extremely timely, as thieves often strike right after a monthly benefits payment is made.
The reminder comes amid nationwide instances of SNAP theft, especially reports of card skimming, where SNAP benefits are stolen off EBT cards after skimming at a point-of-sale machine. The actual theft of benefits rarely happens right away – thieves often hold on to stolen EBT card information until monthly distributions occur, when larger amounts of benefits can be stolen.
“We are constantly working to ensure that the benefits DHS administers stay with the Pennsylvanians who need them. The Department of Human Services is aware of skimming incidents that have been targeting SNAP recipients – card skimming and SNAP theft have been issues nationwide,” said DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. “Do not become a victim of this crime. Make sure you change your PIN every month, and when you swipe your EBT card at a card reader, please make sure a skimming device is not attached.”
How to Change Your EBT Card PIN
We encourage SNAP recipients to change their EBT PIN at least monthly and right before their payment date to prevent theft. SNAP benefits are issued onto EBT cards monthly, and the issuance schedule for SNAP benefits varies by county.
SNAP recipients can change their EBT card’s PIN
By Phone: DHS’ EBT Recipient Hotline is available at 1-888-EBT-PENN (1-888-328-7366) and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Online: Users can change their PIN online through DHS’ EBT contractor, Conduent, via their Connect EBT website.
Via Mobile App: Users can also change their PIN on- line through two separate apps:
Conduent’s secure ConnectEBT app is available for free on Apple and GooglePlay app stores.
DHS’ myCOMPASS PA mobile app, Pennsylvania’s official, safe, and secure mobile app, is available for free on Apple and GooglePlay app stores. SNAP recipients can also monitor their SNAP benefits and transactions regularly through the myCOMPASS PA mobile app.
DHS has implemented enhanced EBT card PIN security in response to these skimming incidents, such as prohibiting simple passwords like 1234. DHS is working with its EBT contractor and the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to evaluate options to further enhance EBT security, including allowing users to lock their cards via the ConnectEBT app.
Report Stolen Benefits and Request a New EBT Card
If SNAP benefits are stolen from an EBT card, that theft should be immediately reported to local law enLayout 1
forcement and to OSIG by calling 1-800-932-0582.
If an individual’s benefits are stolen, they should request a replacement EBT card as soon as possible from DHS’ EBT contractor, Conduent, at 888-328-7366 or by contacting their local County Assistance Office. Card replacement fees are waived when electronic theft is reported.
Due to the end of Congressional authorization of funds to replace stolen benefits, benefits stolen after December 20, 2024, cannot be reissued by DHS.
Find Immediate Food Assistance
SNAP benefits are issued onto EBT cards monthly. For immediate food needs, Pennsylvanians can call 211 or visit www.pa211.org to connect with various local food resources, and can also visit www.feedingpa.org to find local food banks and other food assistance pro- grams. Individuals in need can also visit pa-navigate.org/ for help finding food and other resources and assistance.
DHS has more information about skimming on our scams page, and the federal USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service also has additional information on its webpage.
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