Here’s how to activate your card or create/change your PIN for the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) EBT program via ConnectEBT (for NY):
✅ What you can do
You’ll receive an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card once eligible for benefits like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or cash assistance in New York.
Your card must be activated and you’ll need a Personal Identification Number (PIN) in order to use it.
There is a phone helpline: 1‑888‑328‑6399 for NY EBT cardholders
🔧 How to activate / set PIN
Once you get the card in the mail, often the PIN is mailed separately for security.
To activate or select a PIN, call 1‑888‑328‑6399.
You’ll be asked to enter your card number.
Then you may be asked for last 4 digits of the cardholder’s Social Security Number (or other identifying info) or for the cardholder’s birthday when required.
Then choose a 4‑digit PIN. Don’t use simple sequences like “1234” or repeating digits.
After you’ve set the PIN, you should be able to use the card at authorized stores and ATMs (if cash benefits apply) in New York.
⚠️ What you should not rely on
This process is largely by phone (for NY). There is no guarantee that you can fully activate the card online via the “www.mybenefits.ny.gov” portal alone. Some sources say activation must be done via the helpline.
Be sure you’re using the official numbers and portal to avoid scams.
- You cannot activate your benefits card or create a new PIN directly on the myBenefits (www.mybenefits.ny.gov) website. The myBenefits website is used for applying, recertifying, reporting changes, and viewing your case details.
On the www.mybenefits.ny.gov homepage, look for the EBT Balance section, which directs you to the services you need:
Action | Where to Go |
| Check Your EBT Balance | Click Check Your EBT Balance (under the “EBT Balance” header) |
| Change Your PIN | Click Change Your PIN (under the “EBT Balance” header) |
| Report Card Lost or Damaged | Click Report Card Lost or Damaged (under the “EBT Balance” header) |
You will be transferred to the secure EBT vendor’s website or prompted to call the customer service phone line.
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