Georgia Blocks Online EBT Purchases by Default
Georgia's EBT cards now block online and out-of-state purchases unless users unlock them, with new replacement cards mailed inactive.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Organic Food
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Since October 2025, Georgia has blocked online EBT purchases and purchases outside Georgia and its five bordering states by default. New and replacement EBT cards are now mailed inactive and must be activated before use.
Why it matters
The changes are designed to cut down on fraud and protect benefits for recipients who use EBT cards in Georgia. Cardholders who shop online or travel will need to unlock their cards before making those purchases.
Georgia EBT cards can be unlocked through the ConnectEBT website or app, or by calling the EBT call center at 1-888-421-3281. The source does not report how many cardholders have been affected by the changes.
The players
Georgia Department of Human Services
The Georgia Department of Human Services administers the state's public assistance programs, including the EBT benefits system that these card rules apply to.
The details
Georgia EBT cards can be locked or unlocked to allow online shopping or use while traveling. All new and replacement EBT cards are now mailed inactive, requiring activation before use.
Timeline
October 2025: Online EBT purchases began being blocked by default in Georgia.
Program Safeguards
Georgia's ConnectEBT lock and unlock system now restricts online and out-of-state EBT purchases by default. Cardholders must actively unlock their cards to use them for online shopping or while traveling outside the six-state region.
Georgia EBT cardholders who shop online or travel outside the six-state region must unlock their cards before making purchases. New and replacement cards will arrive inactive and need to be activated before first use.
The takeaway
Georgia EBT cardholders should unlock their cards through the ConnectEBT website, app, or by calling 1-888-421-3281 before shopping online or traveling. Activating a new or replacement card is required before it can be used.
Further reading
For more on food-related purchasing rules, see Organic Food.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wtoc.
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