How to Use and Protect Your NJ Families First EBT Card

How to Use and Protect Your New Jersey Families First EBT Card

New Jersey uses the Families First EBT card to provide both NJ SNAP food benefits and Work First New Jersey cash assistance.

If you receive both programs, the benefits are kept in separate balances on the same card. You can use SNAP benefits for eligible groceries and use WFNJ cash benefits for other permitted purchases or cash withdrawals.

The card also includes tools that can help you check your balance, change your PIN, review transactions, replace a lost card, and protect your benefits from theft.

Families First EBT Card at a Glance

How SNAP and Cash Benefits Work on the Card

SNAP benefits

Your SNAP balance can be used for eligible food at SNAP-authorized stores.

This includes foods such as:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products
• Bread, rice, cereal, and pasta
• Frozen and canned foods
• Snacks and nonalcoholic beverages
• Seeds and plants that produce food

SNAP cannot normally be used for nonfood products, alcohol, tobacco, medicine, or hot prepared foods.

WFNJ cash benefits

If you receive Work First New Jersey cash assistance, your cash balance is also available through the Families First card.

Cash benefits can generally be:

• Used like a debit card for permitted purchases
• Withdrawn from an ATM displaying the Quest logo

Federal law prohibits using EBT cash benefits at certain locations, including liquor stores, casinos or gaming establishments, and adult-entertainment businesses.

New for 2026: Chip and Tap-to-Pay Cards

New Jersey began mailing new Families First EBT cards with improved security features in summer 2026.

The new cards include:

• An encrypted chip
• Tap-to-pay technology
• A three-digit security code on the back
• The existing lock/unlock feature

When you receive a new chip card, activate it as soon as possible through NJFamiliesFirst.gov, the ConnectEBT app, or EBT Customer Service at 1-800-997-3333.

Your existing SNAP or WFNJ balance automatically transfers to the new card.

Once you activate the new card, your old card stops working.

At checkout, use tap or insert the chip first. Swipe the card only if the store cannot process the chip or tap payment.

How to Check Your EBT Balance

You can check your balance through:

• NJFamiliesFirst.gov
• The ConnectEBT app
• EBT Customer Service at 1-800-997-3333

The ConnectEBT app is the only official mobile app for New Jersey SNAP and WFNJ benefits.

The website and app also allow you to:

• Confirm your most recent benefit deposit
• Review your transaction history
• Check for purchases you do not recognize
• Change your PIN
• Lock or unlock your card

ConnectEBT can display up to 12 months of transaction history.

Quick Tip: Check your transaction history regularly. Finding an unfamiliar purchase quickly gives you a chance to change your PIN and secure the card before additional benefits are taken.

How to Change Your PIN

Your PIN is the four-digit number used to approve purchases and withdrawals.

You can change it through:

• NJFamiliesFirst.gov
• ConnectEBT
• EBT Customer Service at 1-800-997-3333

New Jersey recommends changing your PIN at least once a month, shortly before your benefits are deposited.

Choose a number that is difficult for someone else to guess.

Do not:

• Write the PIN on your card
• Keep the PIN in your wallet next to the card
• Share your PIN by phone or text
• Give the PIN to someone claiming to be a government employee

If you think someone knows your PIN, change it immediately.

Lock Your Card When You Are Not Using It

One of the best ways to protect your benefits is to lock your Families First card whenever you are not using it.

You can lock and unlock the card through NJFamiliesFirst.gov or the ConnectEBT app.

On NJFamiliesFirst.gov

1. Sign in to your account.
2. Select Lock/Unlock Card.
3. Choose Lock Card Everywhere.
4. Submit the change.

In ConnectEBT

1. Sign in to the app.
2. Select Lock/Unlock Card.
3. Choose Lock My Card Everywhere.
4. Confirm the change.

When you are ready to make a purchase, unlock the card. After the transaction is complete, lock it again.

Lock Card Everywhere provides stronger protection than only blocking transactions outside New Jersey. The out-of-state option does not block every type of transaction, including some online activity.

Your SNAP or WFNJ benefits will still be deposited while the card is locked.

What If Your Card Is Lost or Stolen?

Report it immediately.

You can report a lost, stolen, or damaged card through:

• NJFamiliesFirst.gov
• ConnectEBT
• EBT Customer Service at 1-800-997-3333
• Your County Social Service Agency

Reporting the card stops it from being used.

You can also request a replacement through the EBT website or ConnectEBT. Your County Social Service Agency can help with replacement-card issues as well.

When you receive a replacement card, create a new PIN. Your old PIN does not automatically transfer to a replacement card.

What If Someone Stole Benefits From Your Account?

Electronic benefit theft can happen even when you still physically have your card.

Common methods include:

• Skimming: A device placed on a card reader captures your card information and PIN.
• Cloning: Someone copies stolen card information onto another card.
• Phishing or scamming: Someone sends a fake call, text, or message asking for your EBT information.

If you notice an unauthorized transaction:

1. Change your PIN immediately.
2. Lock the card.
3. Report the card as lost or stolen and request a replacement if necessary.
4. Review your transaction history for other unauthorized purchases.
5. Contact your County Social Service Agency and report the stolen benefits or suspicious activity.

Can Stolen Benefits Be Replaced?

This is an important current rule.

As of August 2026, New Jersey states that SNAP and WFNJ benefits stolen electronically on or after December 21, 2024 are not eligible for replacement because federal authority to replace those benefits was not extended.

You should still report the theft.

Reporting it allows you to secure the card, replace it if necessary, and help prevent additional benefits from being stolen.

Because federal rules can change, check New Jersey's current electronically stolen benefits guidance if theft occurs.

Other Ways to Protect Your Benefits

A few habits can make your EBT account much safer:

• Keep your card locked when you are not using it.
• Change your PIN shortly before each month's benefits arrive.
• Never share your PIN.
• Check transactions regularly.
• Use chip or tap instead of swiping when your new card supports it.
• Do not respond to texts or calls asking for your card number or PIN.
• Make sure the website or app you use is official.

Remember that ConnectEBT is New Jersey's only official EBT mobile app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can SNAP and cash benefits be on the same card?

Yes. Families First can hold both NJ SNAP food benefits and WFNJ cash assistance, but the benefits remain in separate balances.

Does locking my card stop my next benefit deposit?

No. Benefits can still be deposited while your card is locked.

What if my card is locked when I try to pay?

Unlock it through NJFamiliesFirst.gov or ConnectEBT and try the transaction again.

Can I withdraw SNAP benefits from an ATM?

No. ATM withdrawals are for WFNJ cash assistance, not SNAP food benefits.

What if I see a purchase I did not make?

Change your PIN immediately, lock the card, review your transaction history, and contact your County Social Service Agency to report the suspicious activity.

What number do I call for EBT card problems?

Call EBT Customer Service at 1-800-997-3333 for card activation, PIN changes, balances, lost or stolen cards, replacements, and other account assistance.

Source:https://www.pdffiller.com/s/ddeBU354g