NOTICE:

Connecticut passed new legislation requiring DSS to spread out SNAP benefit issuance dates throughout the month rather than concentrating them in the first few days. Read up on the changes that start March 1.

DSS benefits have changed due to the federal budget reconciliation bill (H.R.1). Find out how it will impact you on our website, which answers questions about work requirements and exemptions for SNAP and HUSKY (Medicaid).

Using Your EBT Card

Article
Read time: 6 minutes

Overview

 

An Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card looks and works like a debit card. You can use your EBT card to buy things where EBT cards are accepted. You can also take out your cash benefits from an ATM. You won’t be charged a fee if you use an ATM with the NYCE or QUEST sign. Most big banks and credit unions in Connecticut don’t charge EBT card users a fee, either. You can only take out money for free two times a month. After that, each time you take out money will cost 45 cents.

 

You cannot use your EBT card to buy things or take out money at liquor stores, casinos, off-track betting places, or adult entertainment venues where people perform without clothes. If you use your card at these places, you may have to pay fines, and you could lose your cash benefits.

 

The SNAP benefits on your EBT card must be used to shop for food. See what you can buy with SNAP. SNAP transactions are free. You do not need to spend a certain amount to use your EBT card. 

 

View the full EBT Card Brochure here. 



About your EBT card:

  1. If this is your first EBT card, we’ll mail your card within 30 days after you apply. If you qualify for emergency processing, you will get your card within 7 days.
    1. If you already have an EBT card, we’ll add SNAP or cash benefits to the existing card unless you request a new one.
  2. If you are approved, you will get a letter saying when we will add SNAP or cash benefits to your card every month. Make sure to renew your benefits to continue getting them.
  3. You can use your EBT card at any store that takes EBT: most grocery stores, some online stores, farmers markets.
  4. Keep using your EBT card:
    1. You do not need to spend all your SNAP or cash benefits each month. Your balance will carry over to the following month(s).
    2. There is no limit to the number of times you can use your EBT card each month, as long as there is still money on the card.
    3. If you don’t use your SNAP benefits for 274 days or more, we will take them back. 
    4. If you don’t use your Cash benefits for 365 days or more, we will take them back. 

 

Activating your EBT card:

  1. Call 1-888-328-2666 - the phone number on the back of the card.
  2. Select 1 for English or 2 for Spanish.
  3. Enter the 18-digit card number on the front of the card.

  4. Enter the Date of Birth of the person whose name is on the front of the card using 2-digit for month, 2-digit for day, and 4-digit for year.
    1. Example: October 3, 1998 = 10031998
  5. Enter the last four digits of their Social Security Number (SSN) of the person whose name is on the front of the card.

    6. OR

  6. If the person whose name is on the front of the card does not have an (SSN), enter four zeroes (0000) in place of the SSN.
  7. Select a 4-digit PIN.
  8. You will need to enter the 4-digit PIN two times.

    To use your EBT card, you must enter your 4-digit PIN into the store card reader.

 

  

When your benefits will be available

 

SNAP and cash benefits get added to your EBT card on the same day every month.

 

Beginning March 1, 2026:
  • Cash benefits will be issued on the 1st of the month only.
  • SNAP benefits will be issued over the first 8 days of the month. 
Last 2 digits of Client ID Benefit Issuance Day
00-12 1st of the month
13-24 2nd of the month
25-37 3rd of the month
38-49 4th of the month
50-62 5th of the month
63-74 6th of the month
75-87 7th of the month
88-99 8th of the month


SNAP benefits can only be accessed using the EBT card.  If you are currently receiving cash from us by check or direct deposit, you may continue to do so. If you get cash benefits and would like to enroll in direct deposit, call our Benefits Center at 1-855-626-6632.

     

    What happens when I don’t use my EBT card?

     

    If you do not use your SNAP benefits on your EBT card for 274 days, or 9 months, we will take them back. Some cash benefits will be taken back as soon as 270 if you do not use your card. Other cash benefits will not be taken back until up to 365 days if you do not use your card. To keep your benefits, make sure to use your EBT card at least once every 9 months.

     

    Once benefits are removed, they will not be replaced or reinstated.

     

     

    Check your balance

     

    You can check the balance on your EBT card many ways:

     

    • Call 1-888-328-2666 to hear the last ten (10) transactions on your account

    • Save your store receipt to keep track of your SNAP balance

     

     

    Taking Care of Your EBT Card

     

    • Keep your card in a safe place when you are not using it.

    • Never write your PIN on your card.

    • Do not damage or bend your card.

    • Do not write on or scratch the black stripe on the back of your card.

    • Do not put your card near magnets, TVs, stereos, VCRs, or even the magnetic clasp on a purse.

     

     

    Protecting your PIN

     

    PIN stands for Personal Identification Number. Your PIN is your electronic signature. It is like a key; it gives you access to your benefits.

     

    • Keep your PIN a secret.

    • Never write your PIN on your card.

    • Never let anyone see you enter your PIN at the store.

    • Never give anyone your card or PIN. If a person has your card and knows your PIN, they can spend all of your benefits.

    • If someone else steals your PIN and physical card, your benefits cannot be replaced.

     

     

    Protecting your EBT card benefits

     

    There are new features available on MyDSS that allow you to manage your EBT card access.

     

    You can lock and unlock your EBT card, as well as block and unblock out-of-state transactions. 

     

    To learn more, visit: Protect Your EBT Card Benefits.

     

     

    Replacing your EBT card

     

    If your EBT card is lost, stolen or damaged, there are 3 ways you can get a new one.

     

    Choose one of the steps below:

    1. Call the CT DSS Benefit Center at 1-855-626-6632
    2. Contact EBT customer service 1-888-328-2666
    3. Visit any of the local 12 DSS Resource Centers

    When you ask for a new EBT card, it deactivates your old card so that no one else can use it.

     

    You will need to select a new PIN for your new EBT card.

     

    If benefits are taken from a lost or stolen card, we can replace the card, but not the SNAP or cash benefits. If any SNAP or cash benefits are left on your old EBT card, it will automatically transfer to your new EBT card.

     

     

    What happens if I misuse my EBT card

     

    It is a crime to defraud the system or to sell your card and PIN to others. Repeated loss and replacement of your card may result in a special investigation of your case.

     

    Misuse or abuse of your card will result in investigation by State and/or Federal authorities. Documented violations will result in negative actions including:

     

    • Removal from the program

    • Taking back money you owe by reducing your monthly SNAP money or you paying us back

    • And/or referral for criminal action

     

     

    Buy food online using SNAP

     

    You can use your SNAP to buy food online for delivery and in-store pickup.

     

    Federal rules do not allow any SNAP benefits to be used for shipping, delivery or service fees. If you are buying things that are not food or items that are not SNAP approved, you must use another way to pay.

     

    Only SNAP benefits on EBT cards can be used for online purchases. If you get cash on your EBT card, it cannot be used for any part of online shopping, including shipping, delivery, or service fees.

     

    Online stores that accept SNAP in CT:

     

    Learn more about becoming a store that accepts SNAP EBT online.

     

    Using SNAP at Farmers Markets

     

    Many Farmers' Markets and Farms throughout Connecticut accept SNAP. You can buy locally grown fruits, vegetables and other items allowed by SNAP.

     

    Bring your EBT card to the table with the sign that says "SNAP/EBT accepted here" at participating Farmers' Markets and Farm Stands. The Market Manager will swipe your card for the amount that you want and give you Market Tokens that can be used at all the stands at that market. Some farmers markets will “double the value” of your SNAP, meaning that for every $1 of SNAP benefits you have, they will give you $2 to spend at the farmers market.

     

    See list for participating CT Farmers markets and Farm Stands

      

     

    Learn more about using SNAP at Farmers Markets

     

    Video: SNAP at Farmers’ Markets English Version Versión en Español

     

    Video: Double the Value!

     

    For up-to-date information on Farmers' Markets, please also visit the Farmers' Market page at the Department of Agriculture's website

     

    For more information on Farmers Markets, please visit Farmer/Producer | Food and Nutrition Service (usda.gov).

     

    If you are Farmers Market or Farm Stand who wants to accept EBT:

    Contact Kristin Krawetzky, EBT Supervisor, (860) 424-5756

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