To replace your New Jersey EBT card online, log into NJFamiliesFirst.com or open the ConnectEBT mobile app, select the replacement option, and confirm the request. The first two replacements are free; the third and any after cost $2.00, deducted from your benefit account.1Legal Information Institute. New Jersey Administrative Code 10:88-5.2 – Replacement of Lost or Stolen EBT Cards Speed matters: the state only covers unauthorized transactions that happen after you report the card lost or stolen, not before.2eCFR. 7 CFR 274.6 – Replacement and Disposition of EBT Cards
Requesting a Replacement on NJFamiliesFirst.com
NJFamiliesFirst.com is the official portal for managing your Families First card. Sign in with your User ID and password. If you’ve never used the site, you’ll need to create an account first, which requires your card number and basic identifying information.3New Jersey Department of Human Services. NJ SNAP – Check Your Balance
Once you’re in, find the replacement card option. The system asks why you need a new card. Choosing “lost” or “stolen” immediately blocks the old card so no one else can use your benefits. After you confirm, the old card is permanently deactivated and a new one is mailed to the address your County Social Services Agency has on file.
If you’ve moved recently, update your address with your local county office before you file the request. Otherwise, the new card will go to your old address.
Requesting a Replacement Through the ConnectEBT App
ConnectEBT is the only official mobile app for New Jersey Families First cards. It uses the same login as NJFamiliesFirst.com and handles the replacement request, balance checks, transaction history, and PIN changes from your phone.3New Jersey Department of Human Services. NJ SNAP – Check Your Balance
The app is worth installing before you need a replacement, because it also includes the card lock feature described below. Freezing a compromised card through the app is faster than waiting on hold.
If You Can’t Use the Online Options
Call EBT Customer Service at 1-800-997-3333. The automated system runs around the clock and can process a replacement without a live agent.4State of New Jersey. Work First New Jersey – Using Your Benefits
You can also go to your local County Social Services Agency in person. This is the better route if your account has an administrative hold, an address discrepancy, or another complication the online system can’t fix. A caseworker can correct the record and initiate the replacement while you’re there. County office locations are on the NJ Department of Human Services website.5New Jersey Department of Human Services. NJ SNAP
Replacement Fees and Waivers
Every cardholder gets two free replacements. Starting with the third, the state charges $2.00, pulled automatically from your SNAP account. If your SNAP balance is too low, the fee comes out of your cash assistance account. If neither has enough, the system holds the charge and takes it from your next deposit.1Legal Information Institute. New Jersey Administrative Code 10:88-5.2 – Replacement of Lost or Stolen EBT Cards
The fee is waived in a few situations, even after your first two free replacements:
- You file a police report documenting that the card was stolen.
- The card is the first one issued after your case is reopened.
- Your County Social Services Agency grants an individual waiver based on incapacity or impairment.
Locking Your Card Instead of Replacing It
New Jersey launched a card lock feature in April 2025. Locking is different from reporting the card lost or stolen: the card stays active, but all transactions are blocked until you unlock it. This is a strong defense against skimming and cloning.6State of New Jersey. Human Services Launches New Lock Feature on EBT Cards
To lock, log into NJFamiliesFirst.com or the ConnectEBT app, open the “Card” menu, select “Lock/Unlock Card,” choose “Lock My Card Everywhere,” and submit. To unlock, use the app, the website, or call 1-800-997-3333. One limit: customer service can unlock a card by phone, but locking is only available online or in the app.
If you’ve simply misplaced your card at home, locking it while you look buys you time without using one of your free replacements.
When the New Card Arrives
Federal rules require the state to mail your replacement within two business days of receiving the request.2eCFR. 7 CFR 274.6 – Replacement and Disposition of EBT Cards Delivery typically takes about five to ten days depending on postal service speed. The card goes to the mailing address your county office has on record.
Activate the new card and set a PIN by calling 1-800-997-3333 or through NJFamiliesFirst.com.7New Jersey Department of Human Services. New Jersey Families First EBT Card Your balance carries over automatically, because benefits are tied to your account rather than the physical card. The old card was deactivated the moment you requested the replacement, so both cards can’t be used at once.
Keep your PIN private. Don’t write it on the card, and don’t keep it in your wallet. If someone drains your account using your card number and PIN, those benefits will not be replaced.7New Jersey Department of Human Services. New Jersey Families First EBT Card
Stolen Benefits Are No Longer Reimbursed
The federal program that replaced SNAP benefits stolen through skimming or cloning expired on December 20, 2024. New Jersey cannot use federal or state funds to restore SNAP or WFNJ cash assistance stolen after that date.6State of New Jersey. Human Services Launches New Lock Feature on EBT Cards
That changes the math on how you use the tools above. If you see unauthorized transactions, call 1-800-997-3333 right away. The state only covers withdrawals made after you report the problem.2eCFR. 7 CFR 274.6 – Replacement and Disposition of EBT Cards Locking the card between purchases and changing your PIN periodically are the two habits most likely to protect your balance.