Important Info for SNAP/EBT Cardholders

Via Hunger Solutions New York

New York State switched to a new Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system vendor, ebtEDGE, on May 19. EBT cards that were locked using the lock/unlock feature—now called freeze/unfreeze—before the changeover will remain locked until cardholders log in to the new portal and unlock or unfreeze their card.

To unfreeze an EBT card:

1. Open www.ebtEDGE.com or download the ebtEDGE app on your mobile device (available on the: Google Play Store and Apple App Store).
2. Create an account. If you already have an account, log in.
3. Tap the new Freeze/Unfreeze Card icon on the home screen.
4. Select the option to unfreeze your card. 

The freeze/unfreeze card feature in the ebtEDGE app helps SNAP households secure their EBT card and protect their benefits from theft by blocking purchases, balance inquiries, and transactions. Before purchasing food, cardholders can unfreeze their card with the ebtEDGE app and freeze it again after checkout. 

The Food Bank's SNAP Outreach team is available to assist with questions.