The Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Card

In the past, food stamps were issued in the form of stamps and paper coupons.

Now you get an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Many states continue to refer to the card as the EBT card. Some states, like California, renamed the EBT card the Golden State Advantage Card. You should check with your state to find out if they have a different name for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits card.

The EBT card works just like a debit card that you get from your bank. Your monthly benefits are automatically put on the card. When you purchase food at the grocery store, you just slide the EBT card through the card reader just like you would a credit or debit card.

There are several advantages to the EBT card over the paper food stamp coupons. Using the EBT is much easier and faster to use than counting out food stamp coupons. The EBT card is much easier to carry than coupons, and it looks like a regular debit or credit card, so it is not obvious to others that you are paying with "food stamps". The EBT card is more secure, because no one else can use your card if it is stolen or lost. The card also reduces problems with abuse or fraud of the food stamp program.

The EBT card is very easy to use. After you select your groceries, and go through the checkout, just slide your EBT card through the card reader. The total amount of your purchase is deducted from your benefit balance. You can use the EBT card at most large and small grocery stores, and even farmer markets. If you are disabled, homeless, or elderly, you may be able to purchase prepared foods from certain restaurants.

It is easy to check and keep track of your EBT balance because it is printed on the bottom of your receipt.

If your EBT card is lost or stolen, no one else can use it. You should contact your local welfare office to cancel your card and to get a new one.

Before you use your EBT card, be sure to understand which food items you can and cannot purchase through the SNAP program. This will save you from getting in the checkout and having to take items back that can't be purchased.

The food stamp, or SNAP benefits are meant to be temporary assistance for low-income individuals or families. The EBT card makes it very easy and fast for you to buy food that you need.