If you use your South Carolina SNAP EBT card to shop online or outside the state, there's an important change that can cause a "declined" message at checkout.

• As of Tuesday, April 28, 2026, South Carolina automatically blocks online transactions and out-of-state transactions for SC EBT cardholders.

• But you can unlock your card in a few minutes using ConnectEBT (app, website, or phone).

Every SC EBT card is now automatically placed in "Block High-Risk Transactions" status, which stops purchases made online or outside of South Carolina until you unlock the card. In-state, in-store purchases continue to work normally. The South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) added this setting to protect SNAP recipients from fraud and stolen benefits. 

Forage can't change the setting for you, but we can help you fix it so everything works as planned.

The 30-second fix: Unlock your card before you shop online or out of state

To allow online and out-of-state purchases, you'll want to unlock your card. This removes the block so you can check out normally.

Option 1 (easiest): Unlock on the ConnectEBT website

1. Go to ConnectEBT and log in with your User ID and Password

   • No account yet? Click Register Now and follow the on-screen steps

2. On the home screen, click the Card tab

3. From the Card menu, choose Lock/Unlock Card

4. Select Unlock My Card, then click Submit

5. Choose an auto re-lock option, then click Submit again

Option 2: Unlock in the ConnectEBT mobile app

1. Open the ConnectEBT mobile app and log in (or select Create User Account)

2. On the home screen, tap Lock/Unlock Card

3. Select Unlock My Card, then tap OK to confirm

4. Choose an auto re-lock option, then tap Submit

Option 3: Unlock by phone (no app needed)

Call the EBT Customer Service line at 1-800-554-5268. From the main menu, press 7 to lock or unlock your card, then follow the prompt to unlock it.

If your online or out-of-state checkout is still declining

Try this quick checklist:

• Step 1: Confirm your card is set to Unlock My Card (in the app or website)

• Step 2: Try checkout again

• Step 3: If it still fails, call 1-800-554-5268 and unlock by phone

• Step 4: If your order is scheduled for pickup or delivery later, keep your card unlocked until it's completed (or extend the auto re-lock window)

A quick safety reminder

• Forage, your retailer, and the state will never ask for your PIN by text.

• Only use the official ConnectEBT app/website or the official customer service number to manage your card settings.

• If you think your card info has been stolen, lock it and contact customer service right away.

Bottom line

If you use South Carolina SNAP benefits for online or out-of-state EBT purchases, you'll need to unlock your card first. Otherwise, your purchases will be declined. This change took effect April 28, 2026. In-state, in-store purchases are not affected.

For full details, visit the South Carolina DSS website or ConnectEBT.com.