How EBT works: the ultimate beginner's guide

SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is a government safety-net program. It gives people benefits to buy groceries. About 42 million people in the United States, or 13% of the population, use SNAP benefits.

“The purpose of SNAP is to fight hunger,” says Dave Guarino, a SNAP expert at Propel, an app to help you manage benefits. “SNAP exists to ensure that everyone has at least some money to buy food each month, and it does so by supplementing low-income households’ budgets.”

“The U.S. is the top economy in the world,” says Jagdish Khubchandani, Ph.D., a professor of public health at New Mexico State University who studies food insecurity and its impact.

“Despite this wealth and economic strength,” he adds, “ more than a tenth of U.S. households are food insecure at any given point of time.”

This article will cover what you need to know about SNAP and EBT.

We’ll explore

• How SNAP (foods stamps) began
• How SNAP (foods stamps) works now
• Who can get SNAP
• How to apply
• How to manage your card
• Helpful EBT tips
• Common questions
• And much more

Understanding EBT

SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. EBT stands for electronic benefits transfer. Your EBT card is where your SNAP benefits are deposited and what you use to buy eligible food items. It works like a prepaid debit card.

What do SNAP and EBT mean?

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps
• Electronic benefits transfer (EBT), your card for accessing your benefits

A brief look at the history of the program

The original Food Stamp Program started near the end of the Great Depression in 1939. The government wanted to share extra food from crops with people who needed it. Back then, people could buy orange food stamps for $1. When they bought an orange stamp, they also got a blue stamp worth $0.50. They could buy any food with orange stamps. With the blue stamps, they could buy foods from crops that were in surplus.

This program ended in 1943. By 1946, the government had created a longer-term Food Stamp Program. Instead of stamps, people could buy coupons for food. Eligibility varied across states. The program experienced many changes over the next several decades, and people stopped having to buy benefits. In 2008, the government renamed the program SNAP as part of the Farm Bill.

“We should not have people going hungry or remaining uncertain about their next meal,” Khubchandani says. “Investing in food benefit programs is cost-effective,” he adds, “because it improves people’s health, reduces the risk of chronic diseases, and may help reduce premature mortality. Interestingly, federally funded programs like SNAP also help local economies, as $1 spent may result in economic activity of more than $1.”

For example, each SNAP dollar creates a ripple effect in our economy, generating income for those involved in food production and distribution. That income is then spent on other goods and services.

How SNAP and EBT work today

EBT cards and SNAP benefits work together in today’s food assistance system in the United States.

“EBT cards are how SNAP benefits are delivered and used by people,” Guarino says. “EBT cards replaced the physical stamps that gave the program its original name, ‘food stamps.’”

The cards look like debit and credit cards, making their use less noticeable in stores. SNAP recipients no longer need to tear out paper stamps at checkout. The card method can help reduce stigma and self-consciousness when using SNAP benefits.

Applying for EBT

To get food stamps, you need to apply to the program in your state. Each state decides who can get benefits and issues them. Food stamps are also available in Washington, D.C., Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Puerto Rico has its own version, the Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP). Applying for SNAP takes three steps.

3-step application process

1. Fill out and sign the application form
2. Complete an in-person or phone interview
3. Submit required verification documents

Filling out and signing your application

There are several ways to file an application.

Your options to apply

• Apply online through your state’s benefits platform.
• Apply by phone.
• Apply in person at your local office.
• Apply through a community organization partner or application assister.
• Submit a paper application through the mail.

Know your rights

• Right to assistance. You can get free help filling out your SNAP application. You can get help from family or friends, community organizations or advocacy groups, legal aid groups, or SNAP office employees. Usually, you or your representative must sign and submit your application. In some states, eligibility assisters can submit for you with your signed or verbal consent.
• Right to choose a representative. You can pick someone to help you with the entire SNAP process. This includes applying for benefits, doing the interview, and using your EBT card to buy food for you.
• Right to language access. You can access an online application in the language you speak. You also have the right to get any written materials in your language.
• Right to accommodations for disabilities. If you have a disability, you can request help to apply for SNAP.
• Right to apply without discrimination. Discrimination during this process is illegal. You can’t be treated unfairly based on your sex, gender identity, race, color, age, disability, religion, national origin, or political beliefs. To report discrimination, call (202) 720-5964.

What happens after you submit your SNAP application?

After you submit your application, you’ll find out if you can get benefits within 30 days.

Your local agency has up to 30 days to review your application. They’ll ask for documents to prove the information on your application. They’ll also complete the benefits determination interview. You’ll find out if you qualify for SNAP benefits after this process.

You can learn more about the interview process here. In general, the benefits agency will ask questions to confirm your income and other household details.

The agency will then ask you to share proof of your information. States might ask for some information right away or let you provide other details later.

Once you’re approved, you’ll get an EBT card. Your benefits will go onto your card each month. Some people may be able to get benefits within a week of applying. While the federal government says the process should take no more than seven days in these cases, some states might be even quicker.

You may be able to get benefits within seven days of applying if:

• Your total income before taxes this month is less than $150, AND you have less than $100 in cash in the bank.
• The money you have coming in this month, plus any cash or money in the bank, is less than what you owe for housing and utilities this month.
• Someone in your household is a migrant or seasonal farm worker who has less than $100 in cash or money in the bank.

Annual renewals and periodic reporting to keep your benefits

You’ll have to recertify your eligibility and report household circumstances for SNAP periodically. Once you’re approved for SNAP, you’ll be told what to report and how often. Depending on your state, you might report quarterly or every six months. Some may require more frequent reporting.

Make sure to follow your state’s recertification and reporting rules and meet the deadlines. Missing deadlines is one of the most common reasons that people become ineligible and lose their benefits.

A note about fraud or misuse of EBT

Most people who get SNAP use their benefits appropriately. But two types of fraud sometimes occur. They can result in penalties, including the loss of your benefits.

• Recipient fraud. When SNAP recipients lie about their income or sell their benefits for cash.
• Retailer fraud. When a retailer exchanges SNAP benefits for cash or accepts EBT funds for items that don’t qualify.

SNAP recipients who break program rules may temporarily or permanently lose their benefits. They’ll have to repay benefits and may face criminal charges. If someone accuses you of fraud, reach out to a free legal aid service in your state.

Eligibility and resources

SNAP eligibility is complex. Your age, income, immigration status, work status, and more can all affect your eligibility. We’ll cover the basics, but you can find more information through these resources.

Check out these resources to learn more about eligibility

• Find your state’s program rules in our Propel EBT guides.
• Read the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s SNAP eligibility guide.
• Check out the SNAP policy on non-citizen eligibility.
• Understand SNAP work requirements.
• Review SNAP income and resource limits.

Household Composition

Your household composition involves who you buy and prepare food with. It includes married couples living together and children under the age of 22 living with their parent(s) or guardian(s). This applies even if they buy and prepare meals separately.

Citizenship and immigration status

In general, U.S. citizens and certain groups of lawfully present non-citizens can get SNAP if they meet other eligibility requirements. Below are common categories of non-citizens whose immigration status may qualify. This page can help you figure out if you qualify.

Eligible non-citizen groups:

• Legal permanent residents (who have lived in the country for five years)
• People granted refugee or asylee status
• Victims of trafficking
• Children under 18 with an eligible non-citizen status

Non-citizen eligibility (must meet one)

• You’ve lived in the United States for five years.
• You get disability benefits.
• You have children under 18.

Income and asset limits

SNAP is a program for low-income households. Your household’s gross monthly income and in some states, your assets, are considered when deciding if you qualify for benefits.

Income eligibility rules are similar in most states, though they’re higher in Alaska and Hawaii. Your state agency will look at your income compared to the federal poverty level. Note that the federal poverty level changes every year.

Most households must meet gross and net monthly income tests. Gross monthly income is all the earned and unearned money coming into your households before taxes or other deductions. The net monthly income for a household is based on specific SNAP deductions. These include how many people are in your group, if you are self-employed, or if you pay for childcare or out-of-pocket medical expenses, among others. It’s not your take-home pay.

Households with seniors (age 60 or older) or with persons with disabilities don’t have to meet the gross monthly income test, but they must meet the net income test and have an asset limit.

Your state or county SNAP office will decide whether you meet requirements.

The three main types of eligibility tests

• Is your gross monthly income at or below 130% of the poverty line? (Some states use 200%.)
• Is your net income at or below 100% of the poverty line?
• Only 13 states have asset tests. If you live in one of those states, the asset limit is $2,750 or less. See what counts as an asset.

Eligibility requirements are different if someone in your home is age 60 or older or has a disability. For example, these households do not have to meet the gross monthly income test, but they may have an asset limit of $4,250 or less.

Work requirements

You may need to meet certain work requirements. In most states, those between the ages of 18 and 52 who are able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) must meet work requirements to get benefits. If someone can’t meet the work rules, they might only be able to get SNAP benefits for a certain time limit. States can request waivers for the ABAWD work requirements in areas with high unemployment.

People who don’t meet the work requirements for SNAP can still get benefits if they meet the other eligibility rules. However, they’d only get benefits for three months in a three-year timeframe. In certain cases, states can get ABAWD time-limit waivers to extend the number of months someone can get benefits.

What are the work requirements?

Most eligible applicants must:

• Register for work
• Not quit or intentionally reduce your hours
• Take a job that has been offered
• Join employment training (if your state requires)

Some people, including seniors and pregnant people, don’t need to meet these requirements.

College Students and SNAP

You may be able to get SNAP as a college student if you meet the other eligibility requirements and at least one exemption. The exemptions include participating in federal work study, working at least 20 hours a week, and more.

EBT card management

Once you get your EBT card, you may be wondering how it works, where you can use it, what you can buy with it, and whether you can shop online. Plus, you may want to know how to check your balance, change your PIN, or replace a lost or stolen card.

What to do when you receive your card

Your EBT card will arrive in a plain white envelope. You’ll get it within seven business days after you’re approved for benefits. You’ll need to choose a personal identifying number (PIN). Choose one that isn’t easy to guess and that doesn’t use repeated or consecutive numbers.

Using your EBT card

Your EBT card works like a prepaid debit card. Each month that you’re eligible, your state will deposit a monthly amount that you can spend on groceries at participating retailers. Every state has a different deposit schedule. Funds are typically deposited on the same day each month.

If you don’t use all your available benefits in a given month, you can use leftover benefits the next month. The benefits from the unused month will be used first before the current month.

Unused benefits eventually expire after a certain period of time, so check the rules in your state.

You can only use SNAP EBT for food items. If you’re buying non-food items, you can choose to pay using some EBT funds plus another method, such as cash or a different card. To do this, ask the cashier to ring up items that aren’t SNAP eligible separately. Find a list of retailers in your area by using the SNAP Retailer Locator. You can also buy food with EBT at farmers markets. For a list of online retailers that accept EBT, select your location using this map.

Step-by-step instructions for using EBT

• Swipe your card like you would any other card at checkout.
• On the point-of-sale terminal, enter your PIN number.
• Either tell the cashier or enter the amount of benefits you want to use.

You can use your benefits to buy

• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat, poultry, fish
• Dairy products
• Bread, cereal, pasta, grains, etc.
• Snack foods
• Nonalcoholic beverages
• Plants and seeds that produce food

Not included on EBT

• Alcohol or tobacco
• Vitamins, supplements, or medication
• Live animals (except shellfish or fish)
• Foods that are hot when purchased (unless part of the Restaurant Meals Program)
• Non-food items

Managing your account

Managing your EBT card is like managing a debit card. You can check your balance, change your PIN, or get a replacement for a lost or stolen card.

You can find out your EBT balance in a few different ways

• Many retailers will print your EBT balance on your receipt.
• Your state may give you online account access.
• You can call your state’s EBT customer service line.
• You can call the toll-free number on the back of your card.
• You can use a mobile app.

Apps like Propel can also help you manage your card. “The Propel app makes it incredibly easy to check your EBT card balance, review your spending history, and do lots more,” Guarino says.

“Instead of having to call a phone number and punch in a bunch of digits,” he adds, “the Propel app lets you check your balance with one tap of the phone. Our team works very hard to make it the easiest, best way to check your EBT balance.”

How to change your PIN. Call your state’s EBT customer service line. A representative will ask you a few questions to confirm your identity and then help you change your PIN.

How to report a lost or stolen EBT card. Call your state’s EBT customer service line if you need to report a lost or stolen card and need a replacement. Call the number right away when you notice your card is missing.

Unfortunately, SNAP benefits recipients have been targeted by various scams and theft. There are ways to protect your EBT card. Check your balance often to make sure you don’t have any unauthorized charges. Also, change your PIN regularly, and don’t share your PIN with anyone who isn’t authorized to use your card. SNAP agency workers will never text, call, or email you to ask for your PIN. If you get a call or message asking for your PIN, don’t share it. Avoid writing down your PIN on anything you keep in your wallet or bag, and cover your hand when entering your PIN on a keypad.

Finally, when you’re about to swipe your card, check the card terminal at grocery stores, gas stations, etc. Sometimes thieves mess with card readers to steal your info. Look for anything that seems fishy, such as glue, damaged or loose parts, crooked or hard-to-read keypads, and more. If anything looks strange, report the issue to a store manager.

Propel and other apps can also help you guard against theft. Propel has built-in security features, such as blocking out-of-state transactions, monitoring for suspicious transactions, card locking (in California only), and protecting your sensitive information.

Helpful tips

Keep these strategies in mind to help you make the most out of your benefits.

Check for ‘double-up’ programs

“Look up if there is a ‘double up’ program in your area,” Guarino says. “It gives you 50% off fruits and veggies at some farmers markets and stores.” Check here if your state offers Double Up Food Bucks or Market Match and find participating locations.

Use pickup or delivery if desired

If you want to save time and energy, you can use scheduled pickup or delivery options with EBT. You may have to pay delivery fees with another method. “We also have some special discounts for online EBT purchasing in the Propel app,” Guarino says.

Grow some of your own food

You can use your EBT benefits to buy plants and seeds for growing your own food.

“Of course it’s work,” Guarino says, “but it can also be super cost effective. On average, a dollar spent on seeds and fertilizer can grow about $25 worth of food. We love tracking these kinds of tips and deals, and have a lot more in the Propel app.”

Search for discounts

You can use coupons along with your EBT card to help stretch your benefits, Khubchandani says. He also recommends searching for additional benefit programs from state and local agencies.

Plan what you need

Some additional ways to save money and help maximize your benefits include creating grocery lists, buying some items in bulk, and making cost comparisons, Khubchandani says.

Creating a list before you shop helps you determine what items you need. You’re less likely to double up on something you already have. A list also helps you avoid the impulse buys that are easy to fall for while shopping.

Filling an online cart, even if you’re planning to shop in person, can also help you see exactly how much the items you plan to buy cost, including taxes. You can then remove or add items as needed according to your budget.

Get free or discounted admission

If you’re eligible for SNAP, you may be able to get free admission to some types of entertainment. Through a program called Museums for All, SNAP recipients can get free or discounted admission to more than 1,300 museums across the nation.

Many theme parks, zoos, and aquariums also offer free or discounted admission to EBT cardholders. The Card to Culture program in Massachusetts is one example.

FAQ

What is the difference between EBT, SNAP, food stamps, WIC, cash assistance, and TANF?

SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Cash assistance is when someone receives EBT cash benefits, meaning they can pay for qualifying non-food items with their EBT cards. TANF stands for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. This is the most common form of cash assistance.

TANF provides financial assistance to people with dependent children when the family is struggling to pay for housing, utilities, and more.

EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer and is the transaction method for benefits like SNAP or TANF. Your EBT card contains your benefits and works like a prepaid debit card.

WIC stands for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. People eligible for WIC will get a WIC card. It does not have a dollar amount. Instead, WIC recipients can use their card to buy approved items at grocery stores or WIC retailers.

What is the highest income to qualify for SNAP?

Eligibility requirements consider the number of people in your household and factors related to your income. Some states have higher income limits. Contact your local SNAP agency for more information.

How much can I get in SNAP benefits on my EBT?

Monthly SNAP benefit amounts consider the number of people in your household and whether you have income. See this list of the maximum monthly allotments by household size.

What can you buy with EBT?

You can buy food, nonalcoholic beverages, and plants and seeds that produce food with EBT.

Takeaway

No one should go hungry or miss out on the nutritious foods they need to stay healthy. SNAP is an important safety-net program to help families meet their food needs to make it through the month. EBT cards work like prepaid debit cards, and you can use them to buy groceries.

To get benefits, you must apply to the program and meet eligibility requirements. The tips above can help you make the most of your benefits, manage your card, and make buying food easier.