EBT Card (Horizon Card) Basic Instructions

Utah Horizon EBT 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.

Turning On (Activating) Your Card

As soon as you get your EBT card, you need to turn it on by picking a secret Personal Identification Number (PIN). You can do this by:

Calling the Horizon Card Helpdesk: Call (800) 997-4444. You'll need your card number, the birthday of the main person on the account, and your mailing zip code. Click this link for EBT Help Desk Instructions.

You will need your card number, the date of birth of the primary account holder and your mailing zip code.

Choosing Your PIN: Your PIN must be 4 different numbers. Don't use the same number twice (like 1122), and don't use numbers in a row (like 1234 or 4321).
Going Online: Go to connectebt.com and create an account. Click this link for Instructions for creating a ConnectEBT Account
Using the Mobile App: Download the "ConnectEBT" app on your phone and create an account. Click this link for Instructions for using the ConnectEBT mobile app.

Important: Once you pick a PIN, you won't need to do it again for future cards. Any new cards you get will use the same PIN.

Managing and Protecting Your EBT Account

EBT Fraud

It's important to check your EBT account often to keep your benefits safe.

Lock/Unlock Your Card: You can stop or allow spending on your EBT card.

Here is a resource to explain the process:

1. 1. Lock and Unlock Spending on your EBT Card | ¡Bloquee y Desbloquee los Gastos en su Tarjeta EBT!

Protect Yourself from Benefit Theft: Learn how to keep your EBT benefits safe from dishonest people.

Here is a resource to explain more:

1. 1. Protect Yourself from EBT Fraud | Protejase contra el fraude de EBT

Access Your Account: You can manage your account 24/7 by calling the Horizon Card Help Desk (800-997-4444), going to connectebt.com, or using the ConnectEBT mobile app.Protect your EBT account by checking your balance and transaction history regularly. This is the best way to protect your benefits and spot any problems right away.

Ways to Keep Your Account Safe

Don't Share: Do NOT give your card, card number or PIN to anyone unless you want them to use your benefits.
Hide Your PIN: When you type your PIN, cover the keypad so others or cameras can't see it.
Lock your EBT Card: When you’re not using your card, lock it. Only unlock it to make a purchase. This helps prevent anyone else from using your benefits. For more information, please click here.
Check Often: Look at your balance and past purchases regularly.
Report Stolen Cards Right Away: If you see any purchases you didn't make, first change your pin, then report your card as stolen immediately by calling the Horizon Card Helpdesk or using the ConnectEBT website or app. This will cancel your old card, and a new one will be mailed. You will need to pick a new PIN for the replacement card.
Change Your PIN: Change your PIN often to keep your account safe. Remember, your PIN must be 4 unique numbers, not in order (no 1-2-3-4 or 4-3-2-1).
Report Errors: If you were charged twice for something or see other mistakes, report them.
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!

What Workforce Services and the Horizon Help Desk WILL NOT Do:

NEVER ask for your PIN or your full card number.
NEVER send you texts or emails asking for your EBT account details.
If we need to contact you, you will only get official mail through the postal service or electronically through your "myCase" account.
Your EBT money can only be put on your EBT card by Workforce Services.

EBT Benefit Theft

If your benefits are stolen or used without your permission, there are steps you can take. (You can find more info here: What do I do if my benefits were stolen?).

Avoid EBT Trafficking (Illegal Trading)

It is against the law to sell or trade your SNAP benefits or EBT card for cash, items you're not allowed to buy 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 criminal penalties.

REMEMBER:

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

How to use SNAP Benefits How to use Financial or Cash Benefits