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

Your SNAP case number is a unique identifier your state assigns when you first receive SNAP benefits. You need it to check your balance, report changes, or speak with your caseworker. The fastest way to find it depends on what documents you have access to right now.

If you have received any mail from your state's SNAP program, your case number appears on that letter — usually near the top or bottom. If you have your EBT card, the number is printed on the front. If you have neither, you can log into your state's benefits portal online or call your local SNAP office and give them your name and date of birth to retrieve it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your SNAP case number is printed on your approval letter, your EBT card, and in your state's online benefits portal.
  • Each state runs its own SNAP program and uses its own portal website, so you will need to search for your state's name plus "SNAP benefits portal" or "food information portal".
  • If you call your local SNAP office, have your name, date of birth, and address ready so they can pull up your account.
  • Your case number stays the same as long as your benefits continue, even if your address or household changes.

Check your approval letter or renewal notice

When your state first approved you for SNAP, they mailed you a letter. That letter contains your case number, usually printed in the upper right corner or on the first page. The same number appears on any renewal notices or notices of changes you receive in the mail.

If you have moved since you received that letter, check your current address — your state may have sent a more recent notice there. If you cannot find the original letter, any official mail from your state's SNAP program will have the same case number on it.

Look at the front of your EBT card

Your EBT card (Electronic Benefits Transfer card) is the plastic card you use to buy food. Your SNAP case number is printed on the front of the card, usually below your name or in the lower right corner. The exact placement varies by state, but it is always on the card itself.

If your card has expired or been replaced, the new card will have the same case number. If you have lost your card and have not received a replacement yet, use one of the other methods below to find your number while you wait for the new card to arrive.

Log into your state's online benefits portal

Every state runs an online portal where you can view your SNAP account, check your balance, and report changes. Your case number is displayed in your account dashboard or profile section. To find your state's portal, search online for your state's name plus "SNAP benefits portal" or "food information portal."

Common portal names include COMPASS (North Carolina), MyBenefits (California), BEACON (Kentucky), and ACCESS (Michigan), but each state uses different names and websites. Once you log in with your username and password, your case number will be visible on your account page. If you have not created an online account yet, you can do so using your Social Security number and other identifying information.

Call your local SNAP office

If you cannot find your case number through mail, your card, or online, you can call your local SNAP office directly. Have your full name, date of birth, and current address ready. The caseworker will look up your account and give you your case number over the phone.

To find your local office number, search online for your state's name plus "SNAP office" or "food information office," or call your state's main benefits hotline. Wait times vary, but calling early in the morning or mid-week often means shorter hold times. You can also visit your local office in person if you prefer to speak with someone face-to-face.

What to do if you cannot locate your case number

If you have searched all these places and still cannot find your number, contact your state's SNAP program directly. Explain that you have lost access to your case number and need it to complete a task — such as reporting a change or checking your balance. They will verify your identity and provide the number.

You do not need your case number to explore for SNAP in the first place, but once you are approved, the state will assign one and send it to you. If you are in the middle of an process and have not yet received approval, you do not have a case number yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my SNAP case number the same as my Social Security number?

No. Your SNAP case number is a separate identifier created by your state when you are approved for benefits. It is different from your Social Security number, your EBT card number, and your driver's license number. You will need your Social Security number to explore for SNAP, but once approved, you use your case number to manage your account.

Can I use my EBT card number instead of my case number?

No. Your EBT card number and your SNAP case number are different. Some tasks — like checking your balance or reporting changes — require your case number specifically. If you are asked for your case number and only have your card number, contact your state's SNAP office to get the correct number.

What if I moved to a different state?

Your SNAP case number is specific to the state that issued it and does not transfer. If you move to a new state, you will need to explore for SNAP in that state, and you will receive a new case number. Contact your new state's SNAP office to start the process, and they will guide you through what documents you need.

Do I need my case number to check my EBT balance?

It depends on your state's system. Some states let you check your balance using just your EBT card number and PIN. Others require your case number. Check your state's online portal or call your local office to see which method works for your state.