Your case number is on your approval letter, your EBT card, or your state's online portal — whichever you received first

Your case number is a unique identifier your state assigns when you first receive food stamps. It appears on your approval letter (the document you got when your request was accepted), on your EBT card itself, and in your online account if your state has one. If you have any of these, you can find the number in under a minute. If you do not have them, you can call your state's food stamp office or visit in person with proof of identity.

The number looks different by state — some use six digits, others use eight or more, and some include letters. It does not matter what format it is; what matters is that you have it when you call about your case, when you report a change, or when you need to check your balance.

Key Takeaways

  • Your case number appears on your approval letter, your physical EBT card, and your state's online food stamp portal if you have set up an account.
  • If you lost your approval letter and do not have online access, call your state's food stamp office with your Social Security number and date of birth to get your case number.
  • Your case number stays the same for as long as you receive food stamps, even if your benefits change or you move within the same state.
  • You will need your case number to report changes in income, household size, or address, and to check your current balance.

Check your approval letter first

The easiest place to find your case number is the approval letter you received when your request was accepted. This letter usually arrives by mail within two to four weeks of your request. Look at the top of the letter — the case number is typically printed in the upper right corner or near your name and address.

If you threw away the letter or cannot find it, check your files, your email (if your state sent it electronically), or ask anyone in your household who may have kept it. Many people keep this letter in a folder with other important documents.

Look on your EBT card

Your EBT card (Electronic Benefits Transfer card) is the plastic card you use to buy food. Your case number is printed on the front or back of the card, usually near your name. The number may be labeled "Case #," "Case Number," or simply appear without a label.

If you have not received your EBT card yet, contact your state's food stamp office. If your card is lost or damaged, you can request a replacement and ask the office to tell you your case number while you wait.

Log into your state's online portal

Most states have an online account system where you can view your food stamp information. The name varies by state — it might be called "My Benefits," "SNAP Portal," "EBT Online," or something similar. Search for "[your state name] food stamps online account" to find the login page.

Once you log in with your username and password, your case number usually appears on your dashboard or in a section labeled "My Case" or "Account Information." If you have not set up an online account yet, you can create one using your Social Security number, date of birth, and other identifying information.

Call your state's food stamp office

If you cannot find your case number through any of the above methods, call your state's food stamp office directly. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready. The staff member will look up your case and give you the number over the phone.

You can find your state's phone number by searching "[your state name] SNAP office" or by calling 211, which is a free referral line that connects you to local services. Some states also have a customer service line printed on the back of your EBT card.

Visit your local food stamp office in person

If you prefer to speak to someone face-to-face, you can visit your local food stamp office with a photo ID. Staff can look up your case number and print it for you. This is also a good option if you have other questions about your case or need to report changes.

To find your local office, search "[your county name] food stamp office" or call 211. Many offices now require you to make an appointment, so call ahead before you go.

What to do if your case number has changed

Your case number should stay the same for as long as you receive food stamps. However, if you move to a different state, you will need to request food stamps in your new state and will receive a new case number. If you move within the same state, your case number typically stays the same, but contact your office to confirm.

If you believe your case number has changed or if you are unsure whether you have an active case, call your state's office. They can tell you whether you have an open case and what your current case number is.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if I cannot find my case number anywhere?

Call your state's food stamp office with your Social Security number and date of birth. They will look up your case and give you the number. You can find the phone number by searching "[your state] SNAP office" or by calling 211.

Is my case number the same as my EBT card number?

No. Your case number and your EBT card number are different. Your case number identifies your food stamp case; your EBT card number is the number on the card itself. Both appear on your card, but they are separate numbers.

Do I need my case number to check my food stamp balance?

Not always. You can check your balance by calling the number on the back of your EBT card or by logging into your state's online portal. However, if you call your food stamp office, they will ask for your case number to pull up your information.

What if I moved to a new state — do I keep the same case number?

No. Each state has its own food stamp program. If you move to a new state, you must request food stamps there and will receive a new case number. Your old case number from your previous state will not work in your new state.

Can someone else look up my case number for me?

Yes, if they have your permission. A family member, friend, or advocate can call your state's office on your behalf and ask for your case number. However, the office may ask you to call back yourself to verify your identity before releasing the information.