What does EBT stand for?
EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer. Think of EBT like a special bank account for any government benefits you get, like SNAP (also called food stamps) or TANF (also called welfare or cash EBT). An EBT card is just how you spend those benefits, it works like a debit card.
When you have an EBT card, your benefits are transferred to your account each month and then you can use your card to spend them on eligible items. EBT is basically a modern version of older government food and cash assistance programs that used physical food stamps coupons and vouchers. Today, everyone who gets SNAP, TANF, or WIC has an EBT card.
Since EBT is an electronic system, you can digitally access your history, account balance, and make changes, like resetting your PIN.
How do EBT cards work?
EBT cards work like debit cards. If you get any government benefits that use EBT, money will be transferred to your card each month, like direct deposit.
You can use your EBT card in person or online at participating stores. When you pay for something in person using EBT, you swipe the card and enter your PIN, just like a debit card.
When you’re using your EBT card online, you enter your card number and PIN to verify transactions. Unlike debit cards, you can only use EBT cards for eligible items. These items vary by program, but SNAP, for example, can only be used on eligible grocery items.
If you try to use your EBT card to buy items that aren’t eligible, like if you’re on SNAP and you try to swipe your EBT card to buy a household item that’s not covered, like paper towels, your purchase won't go through.
Is EBT the same as food stamps?
Yes and no—some people use the word EBT when they are talking about food stamps, but they aren’t exactly the same thing. EBT is a technology, not a specific program like SNAP, which is usually what people mean when they say food stamps.
There are a few government benefits programs that use EBT, including SNAP, TANF, and WIC, and you can get benefits from more than one at a time. It’s important to track your benefits when you use an EBT card—the Propel app can help you check your EBT balance and track your spending.
What does SNAP stand for?
SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP helps people afford groceries with benefits that can be spent on things like produce, meat, dairy, and eggs.
When SNAP was first created in 1939, it was called the Food Stamp Program—it became SNAP in 2008, but lots of people still refer to SNAP benefits as food stamps.
What does TANF stand for?
TANF stands for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. TANF provides financial support to low-income families with children, and it can be used on a range of day-to-day expenses, like food, rent, and childcare.
When it was first created in 1996, TANF was called Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). TANF benefits are sometimes called welfare or cash EBT, and like SNAP, they’re delivered monthly on an EBT card.
What does WIC stand for?
WIC stands for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. WIC helps low-income pregnant or breastfeeding people as well as parents and caretakers of children up to age five by providing benefits that can be used on food and certain baby supplies, like formula, as well as access to services like breastfeeding support.
