EBT Card (Horizon Card) Basic Instructions

Your Utah Horizon EBT card is how you get your food assistance (SNAP) or cash benefits.

  • Getting Your Card: We mail your EBT card when you first apply for benefits or if you ask for a new one. Your benefits won't be on the card until your application is approved. (It can take up to 15 days to receive your card through the mail.)
  • Look Carefully for Your Card: Your EBT card comes in a plain white envelope from Texas. It might look like junk mail, so check all your mail closely!
  • Keep Your Card: Even if your benefits stop for a while, keep your EBT card. If you apply again later, you won't need a new card.

Activating Your Card

As soon as you get your EBT card, you need to activate it by selecting a Personal Identification Number (PIN). There are several places to do this:

  1. ConnectEBT Mobile App: 
  2. ConnectEBT Client Portal: 
  3. Utah Horizon EBT Help Desk: 
    • Call 800-997-4444. You'll need the card number, date of birth, address and SSN of the main person on the account. Click this link for EBT Help Desk Instructions.

NOTE: Your PIN must be 4 unique numbers. Don't use the same number twice (1122), and don't use numbers in a row (1234 or 4321).

Department of Workforce Services and the Utah Horizon EBT Helpdesk will NEVER ask for your PIN.

Managing and Protecting Your EBT Account

EBT Fraud

You can manage your account by logging into the ConnectEBT mobile app, logging into the ConnectEBT Client Portal, or calling the Utah Horizon EBT Helpdesk at 800-997-4444. Here are some of the available options:

  • Lock/Unlock Your Card 
    • You can block or allow spending on your EBT card. When you’re not using your card, lock your card everywhere. Only unlock it when you’re ready to make a purchase. This helps prevent anyone else from using your benefits.  
      • Lock Everywhere: The card is locked in all states for all retailers, including online retailers. This is the best option for protecting your benefits.
      • Locked Outside of State: The card is locked to all retailers outside of Utah. The card remains unlocked for Utah and all online retailers (including online retailers with an out-of-state address).
      • Unlock Everywhere: The card is unlocked in all states and for all retailers. This option is not recommended.

  • Change Your PIN 
    • Change your PIN often to keep your account safe.
    • When you type your PIN, cover the keypad so others or cameras can't see it.
    • Remember, your PIN must be 4 unique numbers, not in order (no 1-2-3-4 or 4-3-2-1).

  • Check Transactions Often 
    • Look at your balance and past purchases regularly. Keeping an eye on your transactions will help you identify potential misuse promptly.
    • If you see an unrecognized transaction, change your PIN immediately and request a replacement card.

  • Report Stolen Cards Right Away 
    • If you have lost your card or suspect your card may have been stolen, change your PIN immediately and report it stolen using the ConnectEBT app, the ConnectEBT Client Portal, by calling the Utah Horizon EBT Helpdesk at 800-997-4444 or calling Workforce Services at 801-526-0950. 
      • Your card will be deactivated immediately and a new card will be mailed out to you. 
      • Watch this https://youtu.be/o9Rgw-dcU-E (en Español) on reporting your card lost or stolen in the ConnectEBT app.

  • Report Errors 
    • If you see unrecognized transactions or other discrepancies, report them immediately by calling Utah Horizon EBT Helpdesk at 800-997-4444.
  • Beware of Scams! 
    • Don't reply to social media posts, emails or texts that ask for your EBT card number and PIN. These are scams!
  • Resources:

EBT Benefit Theft

If you suspect that your benefits were stolen or used without your permission:

  • Change your PIN immediately. 
  • Report your card stolen and ask for a replacement card after changing your PIN: 
    • Request a new card by logging into the ConnectEBT Mobile App, the ConnectEBT Client Portal, by calling Workforce Services at 801-526-0950 or by calling the Utah Horizon EBT Helpdesk at 800-997-4444.

EBT Trafficking (Illegal Trading) 

It is against the law to sell or trade your SNAP benefits or EBT card for cash, ineligible items or services. This is called "trafficking."  

Selling or trading your SNAP benefits or the EBT card could result in the loss of your benefits and state and federal criminal penalties. 

Trafficking is against the law! 

  • Do not sell or trade your EBT card.
  • Do not purchase or trade ineligible items using SNAP or cash benefits. 
  • Do not trade SNAP benefits for services. 
  • Do not sell food items purchased with SNAP benefits. 

Additional Important Information

  • Benefit Expungement: Your benefits will expire 274 days from the date you last used your EBT benefit. Once benefits have expired, they cannot be issued back to you.
  • Report of EBT Misdispensed Funds: If an ATM fails to provide cash during a withdrawal attempt and the funds have been deducted from your balance, notify the Utah Horizon EBT Helpdesk at 800-997-4444.
  • System Errors: If your EBT account was overcharged due to a system issue, you must file a transaction dispute by calling the Utah Horizon EBT Helpdesk at 800-997-4444.
  • Destruction of Food: If food purchased with your current month's SNAP benefit is destroyed due to a household misfortune (such as a house fire), the benefits may be replaced. Contact Workforce Services at 801-526-0950 within 10 days of the event for more information and to determine eligibility. 

How to use SNAP Benefits

How to use Financial or Cash Benefits