With an aim to reduce hunger and increase food security, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) introduced the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the Great Depression. The program intends to alleviate hunger and malnutrition by supporting the low-income households to get access to a more nutritious diet. The Electronic Benefit Card was introduced in the year 2004 and today the program is carried out through this card. The EBT Card changed the overall system of how the food assistance program used to work. The cards helped to reduce programme fraud, ensure programme participants’ ease of use of food benefits, and reduce the stigma associated with using food stamps for purchases.
Besides the SNAP, several other benefits the government introduced through different schemes that can be accessed through the Electronic Benefit Transfer Card. You can access the food and nutritional assistance like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and get economic assistance through Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) or Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC). The card allows you to spend the benefits in a simple and secure way.
The EBT Card is just like a debit or credit card and looks the same. When you purchase groceries or other items at stores that allow the use of an EBT card, you need to use the card for the transaction. This card is also known as Common Benefit Identification Card (CBIT).
Who can Apply for the EBT Card
There are no eligibility criteria for an EBT card. If you qualify for any of the food and economic assistance programs, you will get an EBT card. Once you qualify for the program, and your account is verified, you will receive the EBT card. For verification, you need to provide your social security number only.
One can apply for the EBT Card online on the state government’s official website. It is the most convenient way to apply for one. You will receive the EBT Card in your mail. After it is approved, you can expect the card to be dispatched in 3-5 days. You can track the card progress on DTAConnect.com or mobile app. In case of emergency, you can visit the local office in your state and apply for the card. You will get it immediately or in a day or two.
However, once you get the card after applying for an emergency, you will not be able to enjoy any of the benefits. You would be able to access the benefits after it has been verified that you will receive the benefits.
Know the Benefits of EBT Card
The Electronic Benefit Transfer Card is a simple and secure method of enjoying the economic and social benefits. Besides, many hesitate to use food coupons. There is a stigma associated with food stamps for which people tend to avoid. So, instead of providing the food coupons at your neighborhood grocery, you can simply use the EBT Card for transactions.
The EBT Card can be used across the nation at stores registered with the scheme. For example, a beneficiary of the EBT Card in Utah can use the card at a market in Arkansas. Most retail stores and farmers’ markets in the United States accept the EBT Card. Some businesses do not allow you to use an EBT Card on your purchase with them. This happens mostly on tribal lands and in a few states with certain restrictions. Stores that accept EBT cards usually have a Quest logo at the store.
You can also withdraw cash from the stores with the Quest logo. The procedure is the same as withdrawing money from the ATM. Instead of withdrawing money at the store, you can withdraw cash from the ATM as well. Look for the Quest logo with the dollar ($) sign, or with the NYCE logo. However, a small fee will be applied at the ATM. Make sure you check the applicable fee before you withdraw cash from an ATM. Try to visit ATMs that offer free EBT cash withdrawal and limit your withdrawal to three times a month. You will have to pay 75 cent fee if the withdrawal exceeds three times in one month. This applies to all ATMs.
Several stores also offer cashback upon using an EBT Card. You can redeem the cash at any store where an EBT Card is accepted. Several stores allow you to withdraw the cash amount you want. There is no fee for withdrawing cash or redeeming cashback at the stores.
The EBT Card to Culture program allows all EBT cardholders to get discounted rates on tickets to Museums, Educational and Cultural institutions. Just show your card at the entrance to enjoy either discounted or free entry. Most Commonwealth’s Museums and Cultural Organizations participate in the EBT program.
The best way to manage and monitor the balance of the EBT Card is to download the ConnectEBT app. The app is available for both Android and iOS. You can track the transactions, check deposits, and available balances at any time of the day.
Restrictions on the Card
There are certain restrictions that limit the use of the EBT Card. You cannot use the card at liquor stores or any entertainment facilities. In any case, if you attempt to make a purchase of any of the restricted products, you will have to pay a penalty. So, it’s best to avoid falling on the wrong side of the law.
You will receive the cash in your account on the same day every month. You will lose the cash if you do not use it within 90 days. There is customer assistance that you can reach out to if you require any help, in case, you receive lesser or higher than the amount you were supposed to receive.
How to Contact EBT Customer Support
The USDA headquarters is located at 1400 Independence Ave., S.W. Washington, DC 20250. You can reach the helpline on 202-720-2791 and 1-800-221-5689 for SNAP.
For EBT Card customer service across key regions, here are the contacts: 800-997-8888 (Alabama), 888-997-9333 (Arizona), 877-328-9677 (California), 888-328-2656 (Colorado), 888-328-2666 (Connecticut), 800-526-9099 (Delaware), 888-304-9167 (Dist. of Columbia), 888-356-3281 (Florida), 888-421-3281 (Georgia), 888-432-4328 (Idaho), 800-678-5465 (Illinois), 877-768-5098 (Indiana), 800-359-5802 (Iowa), 800-997-6666 (Kansas), 888-979-9949 (Kentucky), 888-997-1117 (Louisiana), 800-477-7428 (Maine), 800-997-2222 (Maryland), 800-997-2555 (Massachusetts), 888-678-8914 (Michigan), 888-997-2227 (Minnesota), 866-512-5087 (Mississippi), 800-997-7777 (Missouri), 877-247-6328 (Nebraska), 866-281-2443 (Nevada), 800-997-3333 (New Jersey), 800-843-8303 (New Mexico), 888-328-6399 (New York), 888-622-7328 (North Carolina), 866-386-3071 (Ohio), 888-328-6551 (Oklahoma), 888-328-7366 (Pennsylvania), 800-554-5268 (South Carolina), 800-604-5099 (South Dakota), 888-997-9444 (Tennessee), 800-777-7328 (Texas), 800-997-4444 (Utah), 866-281-2448 (Virginia), 888-328-9271 (Washington), 877-415-5164 (Wisconsin) and 877-290-9401 (Wyoming).
You can reach out to the support for any kind of assistance. Whether you are looking for assistance to apply for a new EBT Card or figuring out the application process, the website as well has a wealth of information to guide you. Once you get a hold of your EBT Card, there is a whole new world of benefits that can save a lot on your monthly expenses.
