Your SNAP case number is on your approval letter, your EBT card statement, or through your state's SNAP portal

Your SNAP case number is a unique identifier your state assigns when you first receive SNAP benefits. You will need it to check your balance, report changes to your household, replace a lost card, or speak with your caseworker. The fastest way to find it is to look at the approval letter you received in the mail when your benefits started — the case number appears near the top, usually labeled "Case Number" or "Client ID."

If you no longer have that letter, your case number also appears on your EBT card statement, which your state mails monthly. You can also log into your state's SNAP portal online using your name and date of birth, and your case number will display in your account dashboard. A third option is to call your state's SNAP hotline or local SNAP office directly and provide your name and Social Security number; they will give you the number over the phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Your SNAP case number appears on your approval letter, your monthly EBT statement, and in your state's online SNAP portal.
  • If you have lost all paper documents, you can call your state SNAP office or hotline and provide your name and Social Security number to retrieve it.
  • Each state runs its own SNAP program, so the name of the portal and the phone number vary by location.
  • Your case number stays the same as long as you remain on SNAP, even if your benefits amount changes.

Check your approval letter or EBT statement first

When your state approves you for SNAP, they send a letter in the mail within a few days. This letter lists your case number prominently, usually in a box at the top or in the header section. Keep this letter in a safe place — it also contains your benefit amount and the date your benefits begin. If you have moved since you received it, check your mail forwarding or contact your local SNAP office to request a replacement.

Your monthly EBT statement also includes your case number. This statement arrives by mail and shows your current balance, recent transactions, and account details. The case number typically appears at the top or bottom of the page. If you have not received a statement, you can request one by calling your state SNAP office.

Log into your state's online SNAP portal

Most states offer an online portal where you can view your SNAP account, check your balance, and report changes without calling. The portal name and web address vary by state — common names include "MyBenefits," "SNAP Online," or your state's name plus "SNAP Portal." To find the correct link, search "[your state] SNAP portal" or visit your state's Department of Human Services or Department of Social Services website.

Once you log in with your name and date of birth (or Social Security number, depending on your state), your case number will appear on your account dashboard or profile page. If you do not remember your password, most portals offer a "Forgot Password" option. If you have never created an account, you can usually set one up using your EBT card number or the information from your approval letter.

Call your state SNAP office or hotline

If you cannot locate your case number through mail or online, call your state SNAP office directly. Have your name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready. The caseworker will verify your identity and provide your case number over the phone. They can also answer questions about your benefits or help you report a change in your household.

To find your state's SNAP phone number, search "[your state] SNAP office phone number" or visit your state's Department of Human Services website. Some states also operate a general benefits hotline that handles SNAP calls. Wait times can be long during peak hours, so calling early in the morning or mid-week may be faster.

What to do if your case number has changed

In most cases, your case number remains the same for as long as you receive SNAP. However, if you move to a different state, your case closes in the old state and a new case opens in the new state, which means you will receive a new case number. You do not need to do anything — your new state will contact you with the new number once your case is set up.

If you believe your case number has changed but you have not moved, contact your state SNAP office to confirm. A caseworker can review your account and explain what happened. Do not assume your old case number is still active if you have not received benefits for several months, as inactive cases may be closed.

Keep your case number in a safe place

Once you have found your case number, write it down and store it somewhere you can access quickly — a notebook, your phone, or a document on your computer. You will need it frequently: to check your balance, report changes, replace a lost EBT card, or speak with your caseworker. Having it readily available saves time and reduces the need to call your SNAP office repeatedly.

If you share a household with others who also receive SNAP, each person has their own case number. Do not confuse them. If you are the household representative (the person responsible for the case), keep track of all case numbers in your household in case you need to report changes or resolve issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your EBT card number is printed on the front of your card and is used to access your benefits at stores and ATMs. Your case number is separate and is used to manage your account with your state SNAP office. Both appear on your EBT statement.

What if I have been denied for SNAP — do I still have a case number?

No. A case number is only assigned after your state approves you for benefits. If you were denied, you do not have a case number. You can request a hearing to appeal the denial, and if approved on appeal, your state will assign you a case number at that time.

Can I use someone else's case number to check their balance?

No. Case numbers are tied to individual accounts and are protected information. You can only access an account using the case number if you are the account holder or an authorized representative. If you are a caregiver or family member, ask the account holder to add you as an authorized user through the state portal or SNAP office.

What happens to my case number if I stop receiving SNAP and then reapply later?

If your case closes because you no longer meet the income or household requirements, and you reapply later, your state may reopen your old case or create a new one. Either way, you will receive a case number — it may be the same or different depending on your state's procedures. Your state will notify you of the number when your new or reopened case is active.