An EBT card, which stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer card, is a system used in the United States to electronically deliver government benefits to eligible recipients. It looks and works like a debit card. People who qualify for programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, or cash assistance programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) receive an EBT card. The card allows users to access their benefits, which may include food benefits and cash benefits. Food benefits can only be used to buy eligible food items like groceries at authorized retailers, including some farmers markets. Cash benefits can be used to purchase any items or to withdraw cash from ATMs at participating locations. The benefits are electronically deposited into the recipient’s EBT account on a monthly basis, and users access the funds by entering their personal identification number (PIN) when making purchases or withdrawals. The system eliminates the need for paper food stamps and reduces stigma by functioning like a regular payment card. In summary:

• EBT is an electronic system for distributing government benefits.
• The card functions like a debit card.
• It is used to purchase food items under SNAP or to access cash benefits.
• Benefits are deposited monthly to the card account.
• The card is accepted at participating stores and authorized retailers.

This method provides convenient and efficient access to nutrition and cash assistance benefits for eligible individuals and families. If you want to check your EBT balance or get more details, there are websites and mobile apps available to manage your card. This explanation is based on multiple reliable sources including government websites and informational resources about EBT and SNAP programs.