Food stamps today come as a plastic debit card, not paper vouchers

If you receive food stamps, you will get a card that looks like a standard debit card. It is called an EBT card — short for Electronic Benefits Transfer. The card has your name on it, a 16-digit number, and an expiration date. When you swipe it at a grocery store or farmers market, money comes out of your account, just like a bank card would.

The card itself is issued by your state's food stamp program, which goes by different names depending on where you live. In most states it is called SNAP, which stands for Supplemental Nutrition information Program. In California it is CalFresh. In New York it is SNAP. In Massachusetts it is EAEDC or SNAP depending on your situation. The card works the same way regardless of the state name.

You will receive the card in the mail at the address you provided when you were accepted into the program. It usually arrives within 7 to 10 days. The card comes with a PIN number, which you set yourself the first time you use it. You need the PIN to use the card at a checkout register — you cannot just swipe it without entering the number.

Key Takeaways

  • Food stamps arrive as a plastic EBT card that works like a debit card at checkout, and you set your own PIN when it first arrives.
  • The card can only be used to buy food — fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and other groceries — but not prepared foods, alcohol, or household items.
  • Your monthly benefit amount loads onto the card on a set day each month, and any money you do not spend rolls over to the next month.
  • The card is yours alone to use; you cannot give it to someone else, and sharing your PIN is against program rules.
  • If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can call your state's EBT customer service line to report it and request a replacement.

What you can and cannot buy with the card

Food stamps can only be used to buy food that you will cook or eat at home. This means fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, bread, cereal, rice, beans, nuts, and seeds. You can also buy plants and seeds that produce food — tomato seeds, for example, or a herb plant.

You cannot use the card to buy prepared or hot foods, even if they are sold in a grocery store. This means no rotisserie chicken, no deli sandwiches, no hot pizza from the grocery store bakery. You also cannot buy alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicine, pet food, soap, paper products, or anything else that is not food. Some grocery stores have self-checkout machines that will reject the card if you try to buy a non-food item, so the system catches the mistake before you get to the register.

Farmers markets and some small grocery stores accept EBT cards directly. Some farmers markets also run matching programs where your food stamp dollar is matched with an extra dollar to spend on produce — but this varies by location and by market. Call ahead or ask at the market booth to find out whether matching is available where you shop.

How much money loads each month and when

Your monthly benefit amount is set when you are accepted into the program. The amount depends on your household size, income, and expenses — all of which were reviewed when you applied. The money loads onto your card on a specific day each month, usually between the 1st and the 28th depending on your state and the last digit of your case number.

You can check your balance by swiping the card at any ATM, calling your state's EBT customer service number, or checking online through your state's website. Most states have a website where you can log in with your case number and see your balance, your transaction history, and the date your next deposit will arrive.

Any money you do not spend in one month stays on the card and carries over to the next month. There is no penalty for saving it. However, if you do not use your card for 12 months in a row, some states will close your case. If that happens, you would need to reapply to get the benefits back.

Using the card at checkout and online

At a grocery store or farmers market, you swipe the card at the register like you would a debit card. You enter your PIN on the keypad. The cashier will separate your food items from any non-food items you are buying — the food comes off the EBT card, and you pay for the non-food items with cash or another card.

Some grocery stores now allow you to order groceries online and pay with your EBT card. Amazon Fresh, Walmart, and some regional chains accept EBT for online orders in certain states. You will need to enter your card number and PIN when you check out, just as you would in a store. Delivery fees and tips cannot be paid with EBT — you pay those with another payment method.

The card works at any store that displays the EBT logo. Most supermarkets, many convenience stores, and farmers markets accept it. Some smaller stores do not, so if you are unsure, ask the cashier before you shop.

What happens if your card is lost, stolen, or damaged

If your card is lost or stolen, call your state's EBT customer service line right away. The number is on the back of your card, or you can find it on your state's SNAP website. When you call, tell them your card is missing. They will freeze the card so no one else can use it, and they will send you a replacement card in the mail.

If your card is damaged — cracked, bent, or the magnetic stripe does not work — you can also call customer service and request a replacement. Damaged cards are usually replaced within 7 to 10 days.

If someone used your card without your permission before you reported it missing, call customer service and explain what happened. They will investigate and may be able to reverse the fraudulent transactions and restore the money to your account. This process can take several weeks.

Rules about who can use the card

The EBT card is issued in your name, and only you are supposed to use it. You cannot give the card to someone else to use, even if they are a family member. If someone else uses your card, that is considered fraud, and both you and the person using it could face penalties.

Your PIN is also yours alone. Do not share it with anyone, including family members. If you share your PIN and someone uses the card without your permission, the program may hold you responsible because you gave them access.

If you are a parent or guardian and your child needs to buy food, you can give them cash or take them shopping with you, but you cannot let them use your EBT card independently. Some states allow a second cardholder on the same account if you request it, but this is not automatic — you would need to contact your caseworker to ask.

Checking your balance and transaction history

You can check your EBT balance in three ways. First, you can call the customer service number on the back of your card and speak to a representative. Second, you can swipe your card at any ATM and select "balance inquiry" — this does not cost anything. Third, you can go to your state's SNAP website, log in with your case number, and view your balance and recent transactions online.

Checking your balance online is usually the fastest way. Most state websites show your current balance, the date your next deposit will arrive, and a list of every purchase you made in the past 12 months. This can be helpful if you want to track your spending or if you think there was an error.

If you see a transaction you did not make, or if your balance is lower than you expected, call customer service right away. They can investigate and may be able to reverse the charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my EBT card out of state?

Yes. Your EBT card works at any store that accepts EBT, regardless of which state you are in. If you move to a different state, you will need to reapply for benefits in that state, but while you are traveling or visiting, your card will work at grocery stores and farmers markets anywhere in the country.

What if I forget my PIN?

Call the customer service number on the back of your card and tell them you forgot your PIN. They can reset it and send you a new one in the mail, or they may be able to give you a temporary PIN over the phone. You can also reset your PIN online through your state's SNAP website if your state offers that option.

Can I withdraw cash from my EBT card?

No. EBT cards for food stamps cannot be used to withdraw cash from ATMs or get cash back at a store. The money can only be used to buy food. Some states offer a separate cash information program called TANF, which does come on a card that can withdraw cash, but that is a different program from food stamps.

What if the store says my card was declined?

A card can be declined for several reasons: your balance is too low, you entered the wrong PIN, the card is expired, or there is a technical problem with the store's system. Check your balance first to make sure you have enough money. If your balance is fine, try the transaction again. If it is still declined, call customer service to find out whether there is a problem with your account or your card.

Do I have to report my purchases to anyone?

No. The program does not require you to report what you buy or keep receipts. However, the program does track your purchases to make sure the card is being used for food only. If there is ever a question about your account, you may be asked to provide receipts as proof of what you bought.