An Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is a card-based system similar to a debit card that allows recipients of government assistance to pay for eligible items. EBT is used in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam. Recipients of public assistance access their issued benefits with the EBT card, which functions like a prepaid debit card and can be used to purchase eligible food items. EBT cards are issued to eligible citizens on which benefits for programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Cash Assistance are loaded. EBT cards function more like debit cards; each month recipients receive an allotted amount depending on their income and size of household, and their balance decreases with every purchase.

When a participant shops at a SNAP authorized retail store, their SNAP EBT account is debited to reimburse the store for food that was purchased. EBT cards can only be used at certain retailers and for certain goods. SNAP EBT cards can be used at any eligible retailer in any state.

The use of electronic benefits transfer has expanded due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) is one such program used by the federal government to respond to the needs of families impacted by the pandemic that utilizes the convenience of the EBT card. P-EBT provides benefits – very similar to SNAP benefits -- to children that would have received free or reduced price school meals, if not for COVID-related school closures and/or COVID-related reductions in school hours or attendance.

To check the EBT balance, recipients can visit ConnectEBT.com or download the ConnectEBT App available for download in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.