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The Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is the
identification card for the SNAP/Food Stamp Program. On the back is a magnetic
strip that works in the machine at the grocery store.
 You
will need to use a secret PIN (Personal Identification Number)
code in order to buy food with your EBT card. You will probably
choose a PIN at the local food stamp office when you first
get the EBT card. If you need to change the PIN on your
account, you can change it at your local food stamp office or call the EBT Customer Service line at 1-800-997-2555.
How does the EBT card work?
When you go through the checkout line, you pass or "swipe"
the EBT card through the machine. Then you enter the PIN
code. The PIN code is four numbers. The cost of the food
is subtracted from your food stamp account automatically
- just like a bankcard.
You can use your EBT card as many times a month as you
want to. There is no charge for using it.
How do you know how much money is in your account?
Each month, SNAP/food stamp benefits are added to your account
(see "Getting Benefits
Each Month"). At the grocery store, the cash register
receipt will tell you how much money is left in your SNAP/food
stamp account. You may also call the EBT Customer Service
line at 1-800-997-2555 to check the account balance.
Can you get cash back at the grocery store from SNAP/food
stamp benefits?
No. You can only receive cash back if you have both cash
welfare (TAFDC)
benefits and SNAP/food stamp benefits on your card. If you want
to use your cash welfare benefits to buy food or get cash
back, you have to swipe your EBT card in the machine a second
time.
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