Using Your EBT Card

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 money 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. 

  

 

 

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.

a) 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:

a) You do not need to spend all your SNAP or cash benefits each month. Your balance will

        carry over to the following month(s).

b) 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.

c) If you don’t use it for 9 months or more, you will lose the benefits on your card.

 

 

 

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.

  a) 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.

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

Based on the first initial of your last name, you will receive your benefit(s) on the following dates:

 

 

SNAP money 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. 

 

 

 

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

 

If you do not use your 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. To keep your benefits, make sure to use your EBT card at least once every 9 months.

 

Once SNAP money is removed, they will not be replaced or reinstated.

 

 

 

Check your balance

 

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

 

 

Taking Care of Your EBT Card

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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 SNAP money is taken from a lost or stolen card, we can replace the card, but not the SNAP money or cash benefits. If any SNAP money 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: