If you're in financial difficulty and you can't provide for your family, the government has an option that you can apply for. The EBT card is a great way for you to relieve some of the pressure that you may experience from financial hardship.
The card is available for application through a government program. You can apply for both the program and the card as you continue to improve your quality of life.
If you're interested in learning more about the EBT card and what it does to help secure your finances, check out the guide below for more information.
What is an EBT Card and How Does It Work?
An EBT or Electronic Benefits Transfer card is a prepaid card that functions very similar to a debit card.
The government program called Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, provides you with a monthly budget to use in partner stores, grocery stores, and farmer's markets all over the country.
You receive a monthly budget depending on your income and use it to buy eligible items for you and your family.
The SNAP benefits on your EBT card do not expire, so you can still use it after the month has passed, and a new balance is added to your card until you are out of the program.
What You Can Buy Using Your EBT Card
You can buy a lot of things with your EBT card. Most of the time, it is primarily focused on food items such as fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, and poultry.
You can also buy dairy products, bread cereals, and even snacks using the card. Many people have also been known to purchase seeds and plants to grow in their gardens with an EBT card.
On the other hand, you cannot use the card to purchase alcohol or tobacco products, as well as supplements and prepared hot food, like rotisserie chicken.
How to Use Your EBT Card
Using your EBT card is very easy. Since it functions very similar to your debit or credit card, the EBT card can be used the same way.
Here are the steps on how to use your EBT card.
Checking Your Balance
The very first thing that you need to do when you have an EBT card is to check your balance. You can do this by checking the receipt from your most recent purchase using the card.
You can find your remaining balance at the bottom of the receipt. You can also check your online SNAP account to see how many funds are left.
Another way is to call the EBT customer service hotline or the toll-free number in your area.
Check Out
Now that you already know the remaining balance of your EBT card, you can use it in partner establishments and grocery stores all over the US.
Purchase the eligible items only, and if you have to include some of the ineligible items on your cart, you may have to pay for them separately.
Head over to the checkout section and give your card to the cashier. You can also use the card and swipe it in self-checkout counters.
Telling the Cashier
You will also need to tell the cashier the amount of funds that you want to spend on eligible food items using your EBT card.
If you don't have enough funds to cover all of the items in your cart, the cashier will tell you that you will need to have more funds to check out everything.
You can either return the items, or you will need to pay the rest with your money.
Get the Receipt
After checking everything out, the cashier will provide you with a receipt with the updated remaining balance on your account.
Check the balance and see if it matches the entire bill before you leave the store.
How to Be Eligible for an EBT Card
To become eligible for an EBT card, you must qualify for the list of requirements set by your state.
Each state will have its own set of requirements, but there are general eligibility requirements that are universal in every state.
You must be 18 years old and above and must be resident in the US and in your state to qualify. You must also be below the poverty line, or you must meet a certain income threshold before you can apply for the benefits.
You can also be a legal immigrant to be eligible for the benefits of the EBT card.
Applying for an EBT Card
To apply for an EBT card, you can reach out to any social services office in your area. You can also check online and use your state's directory to find the exact website that can help you with your application.
You will need to prepare several documents based on the requirements for the benefits of each state. It is best that you talk to a social service worker to learn more about these documents, as they can vary from state to state.
Submit all of the documents, including the application form, and wait for their call. They will also conduct an in-person interview or a phone interview before they offer you the benefits, which include an EBT card.
Purchase Limits and Restrictions
Apart from the food item restrictions, there are also limits as to what you can do with your EBT card.
This ensures that cardholders will only use the card for its specific purpose, which is to help bring food to you and your family.
EBT cards often have a daily purchase limit, so it is advised that you plan your budget ahead of time.
This is based on the state's maximum benefit amount, so you will need to have better planning with your benefits.
Protecting Your EBT Card
There will be a lot of challenges that you can expect when it comes to your EBT card. Many people might want to steal your card information and use your funds for themselves.
It is important that you know how to protect your EBT card. Do not share any EBT card information; not even your family members should know the password. Be careful when you hand the card to the cashier, especially for any suspicious activity.
Always check your EBT card balance regularly to see any suspicious transactions that might happen. Lastly, never give out any personal information to people that you don't know.
Conclusion
Having an EBT card is a life-changing benefit for you and your family. Not only will you be able to afford food on the table, but it can also help you repair your finances and be able to live off a stable income while you're still trying to get back on your feet.
If you think that you're eligible for the EBT card, go ahead and apply for one today.
