How to Check Your EBT Balance

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

In the United States, if you qualify for food stamps or cash assistance (TANF; T emporary A ssistance for N eedy F amilies), you will receive an EBT ( E lectronic B enefits T ransfer) card. Your funds will be loaded onto the card, which you can use like a debit card. To check the balance, you can either call, go online, or look at your most recent receipt.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Finding Your Current Balance

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-1.jpg\/aid8855279-v4-728px-Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":529,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Each state should have a telephone number you can call to check your balance. Search online for “your state” and “EBT balance.” You can also call this number to change your PIN, if necessary. [1]
    • The helpline should run 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
    • If you lost your card, you may order a replacement by calling this number.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1d\/Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1d\/Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-2.jpg\/aid8855279-v4-728px-Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":529,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your state may also have a website you can use to check the balance. About 20 states use the following website: https://www.connectebt.com/ . If your state doesn’t, then search online to find your state’s individual website.
    • You’ll probably need to create a username and password before you can log into your account.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-3.jpg\/aid8855279-v4-728px-Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":529,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The receipt should tell you how much money you still have in your account. Find the receipt and check. [2]
    4. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Using the Card

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b9\/Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b9\/Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-4.jpg\/aid8855279-v4-728px-Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":529,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Many stores advertise that they accept EBT, so look for a sign on the door. If you don’t see anything, then stop in and check before shopping. [3]
    • Some businesses are prohibited from accepting EBT cards. These include liquor or wine stores, casinos, and off-track betting facilities.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-5.jpg\/aid8855279-v4-728px-Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":529,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can only buy certain foods if you’re using SNAP food stamp benefits. If the food item doesn’t qualify, you’ll need to use your cash. Learn the rules before shopping: [4]
    • You can buy food for household consumption, such as fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, breads, and cereals. However, you can’t buy foods that will be eaten in stores.
    • You cannot buy non-food items such as soap, paper products, cleaning supplies, or pet food.
    • You also cannot buy alcohol or cigarettes.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-6.jpg\/aid8855279-v4-728px-Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":529,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [5] Your card works like a credit or debit card, so swipe it where you would swipe a debit card. In some stores, you may need to hand the card to a clerk to swipe.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4f\/Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4f\/Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-7.jpg\/aid8855279-v4-728px-Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":529,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Every card should have a four-digit number, called your PIN. If you can’t remember it, then call the toll-free helpline to change the number. After swiping the card, enter your PIN. Only you should enter it, not the clerk. [6]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/be\/Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/be\/Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-8.jpg\/aid8855279-v4-728px-Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":529,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you receive TANF cash assistance, then some stores will let you get cash back with a purchase. [7] After entering your PIN, you’ll be asked if you want cash back and the amount.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2c\/Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2c\/Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-9.jpg\/aid8855279-v4-728px-Check-Your-EBT-Balance-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":529,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The transaction should be approved provided you have enough money on the card. Check the receipt to make sure you were charged the right amount and keep your receipts in case you need to return an item. [8]
    7. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I see if my snap benefits are on my card now?
    Community Answer
    Call the phone number on the back of your EBT card and listen to the options on the pre-recorded message. There should be an option to check your balance. You will then have to enter your card number, after which you will be told your balance.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 28 Helpful 42
  • Question
    Can I take cash out from my EBT card?
    Community Answer
    Only if you have TAFDC benefits and SNAP benefits on your card.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 24
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      Easy Options to Manage Your Food Stamp (SNAP) Benefits Online
      How to
      Cancel Snap Benefits Online
      How to
      Transfer Food Stamps to Another State
      How to
      Report Food Stamp (SNAP) Fraud
      How to
      Calculate Amount of Food Stamps
      How to
      Apply for the Link Card in Illinois
      How to
      Cancel WIC Benefits
      How to
      Apply for Food Stamps in Florida
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://otda.ny.gov/workingfamilies/ebt/
      2. ↑ http://otda.ny.gov/programs/publications/5004.pdf
      3. ↑ http://otda.ny.gov/programs/publications/5004.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items
      5. ↑ http://otda.ny.gov/workingfamilies/ebt/
      6. ↑ http://otda.ny.gov/workingfamilies/ebt/
      7. ↑ http://otda.ny.gov/workingfamilies/ebt/
      8. ↑ http://otda.ny.gov/workingfamilies/ebt/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 114,838 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement