An EBT card is a debit card that lets you spend benefits from food and cash assistance programs at stores and ATMs
An EBT card (Electronic Benefits Transfer card) works like a debit card connected to your government benefits account. When you swipe it at a store, the money comes directly from your benefits balance. The card itself is just plastic — the real value is the account behind it, which holds either food benefits, cash assistance, or both depending on which programs you're enrolled in.
Most states issue one card that can hold multiple benefit types at once. You use the same card for groceries and for cash withdrawals, but the money in each account is separate and can only be spent on what that program allows. The card has a PIN number you set, and you need it to make purchases or withdraw cash.
Key Takeaways
- EBT cards can hold food benefits (SNAP) and cash assistance (TANF or general assistance) in separate accounts on the same card.
- Food benefits can only be used for groceries and plants or seeds you'll eat — not prepared foods, alcohol, tobacco, or household items.
- Cash benefits can be spent on almost anything, including rent, utilities, clothing, and transportation.
- You can withdraw cash from ATMs using the cash portion of your card, though some ATMs charge a fee.
- Your card works at any store that accepts EBT, and you can check your balance online, by phone, or at any ATM.
What you can buy with food benefits on your EBT card
Food benefits (SNAP, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) can only be spent on food you will prepare and eat at home. This includes fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, dairy, bread, cereals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages. You can also buy seeds or plants that produce food you'll eat.
You cannot use food benefits for hot or prepared foods, even from a grocery store deli. Alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicine, pet food, soap, paper products, and anything else that isn't food for human consumption will be rejected at checkout. If you try to buy a mix of may be able to access and ineligible items, the cashier will ring up only the food and deduct that amount from your card.
Some grocery stores and farmers markets accept EBT, and most large chains do. You can use your card at any store that displays the EBT logo. A few states also run programs that let you use SNAP benefits at farmers markets or to buy from local farms.
What you can buy with cash benefits on your EBT card
Cash benefits (usually from TANF — Temporary Assistance for Needy Families — or a state general assistance program) have no restrictions on what you buy. You can spend cash benefits on rent, utilities, transportation, clothing, childcare, medical costs, or anything else you need. The money works exactly like cash from your paycheck.
You can withdraw cash from any ATM that accepts your card's network (usually Visa or MasterCard). Some ATMs charge a fee of $1 to $3 per withdrawal, though many grocery stores and banks offer free withdrawals. Your state's EBT program website lists ATMs that don't charge fees in your area.
If you don't have a PIN set up for your cash benefits, you can usually set one online through your state's EBT portal, by phone, or at an ATM. You'll need your card number and some personal information to create it.
How to check your balance and see what you've spent
You can check your EBT balance in three ways: online through your state's EBT website, by calling the customer service number on the back of your card, or at any ATM. Most states let you set up an online account where you can see your balance, recent transactions, and benefits that are coming.
When you check your balance, you'll see the food account and cash account separately. Some states show them on one screen; others require you to switch between them. The balance updates within a day or two of each purchase, so you'll know how much you have left before you shop.
If you lose your card or it stops working, call the number on the back immediately. Your state will issue a replacement, usually within 5 to 10 business days. In the meantime, you can still access your benefits by calling customer service and asking for an emergency cash advance or emergency food replacement.
When your benefits are added to your card each month
Benefits are deposited on a set day each month, which varies by state and sometimes by the last digit of your Social Security number. Your state's EBT website or the back of your card will tell you your deposit date. Most states deposit between the 1st and the 20th of each month.
Food benefits and cash benefits may arrive on different days. Some states deposit them together; others stagger them. Check your state's EBT portal or call the number on your card to confirm your specific deposit dates.
If your benefits don't arrive on the expected day, wait until the next business day before calling. If they still haven't shown up after that, contact customer service with your card number and Social Security number. They can check whether the deposit was processed and, if there's a delay, may be able to issue an emergency advance.
What happens if you use your card wrong or lose it
If you enter your PIN wrong three times in a row, your card will lock for 24 hours as a security measure. After 24 hours, you can try again. If you forget your PIN, you can reset it online, by phone, or at an ATM without waiting.
If your card is lost or stolen, call the number on the back right away. Your state will freeze the card so no one else can use it, and will mail you a replacement. Any money that was spent after you reported it lost may be refunded, depending on your state's policy — call to ask.
If you use your food benefits on ineligible items by mistake (for example, if a cashier rings up a prepared food as regular food), you won't get the money back. The transaction is final. If you believe an error was made, you can contact your state's EBT customer service to dispute it, but reversals are rare.
How EBT cards work differently across states
Every state runs its own EBT system, so the card design, customer service number, online portal, and some rules vary. The basic function is the same everywhere — food benefits for groceries, cash benefits for anything — but the details of how you check your balance, reset your PIN, or report a lost card depend on your state.
Some states allow you to use SNAP benefits at certain restaurants if you're elderly, disabled, or homeless. A few states let you buy hot food at farmers markets with SNAP. These programs are state-specific, so check your state's EBT website to see what's available where you live.
If you move to a new state, your benefits don't automatically transfer. You'll need to reapply in your new state, and you'll get a new EBT card. Contact your new state's benefits office as soon as you arrive to start the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my EBT card online or for delivery?
Some states allow SNAP purchases through Amazon, Walmart, and other online retailers, but not all. Check your state's EBT website to see if online shopping is available where you live. If it is, you'll need to set up an account and link your EBT card. Delivery fees and tips cannot be paid with SNAP benefits — only the food itself.
What happens to money left on my card at the end of the month?
Food benefits that you don't spend roll over to the next month and stay in your account. You never lose unused SNAP money. Cash benefits vary by state — some roll over, and some are forfeited if you don't spend them. Check your state's rules or call customer service to find out.
Can someone else use my EBT card?
Technically, no — the card is issued to you and you're responsible for it. In practice, many people let family members use their card, but if money goes missing or is used on ineligible items, you're the one who has to report it and deal with the consequences. Keep your PIN private.
Do I have to pay taxes on EBT benefits?
No. EBT benefits are not considered income, so you don't report them on your tax return and you don't owe taxes on them. They're a transfer of government funds, not wages or other taxable income.
What if my EBT card is declined at the store?
Your card might be declined if your balance is too low, your PIN is wrong, the store's machine isn't working, or your card has expired. Ask the cashier to try again or use a different register. If it keeps failing, call the number on the back of your card to check your balance and make sure your card is active. If the store's system is down, you can come back later or try a different store.