The First Food Stamp Program started in 1939. President Johnson requested Congress to pass legislation to make the Food Stamp Act permanent in 1964. However, the Electronic Benefits Transfer system was created over a long period from 1988 to 2004. Today, we use EBT cards.
What is an EBT card?
An EBT card is a debit card allowing you to buy groceries and other store items as a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participant.
EBT, or Electronic Benefits Transfer, is monitored and supervised by the United States Welfare State Department to provide assistance packages through a magnetically encoded card. The average EBT payment is about $125 per family member and is currently operated throughout the country. The government offers different categories of EBT benefits, including food and cash compensation. The federal body authorizes food packages that are comprised of food and cold edible items, excluding nonalcoholic beverages.
They are distributed and apportioned through the SNAP program, previously identified as food stamps. The magnetically coded cards behave similarly to the debit cards and can be used again at any retailer. In addition, they can be used to withdraw cash at any retail establishment that typically accepts cash. EBT is a federally funded payment alternative accepted at stores and establishments participating in the program. Through EBT cards, residents can enjoy SNAP purchases and other government assistance using a PIN.
How to track an EBT card?
To track your EBT card in the mail, you need to call the EBT customer care line number. The phone number for each state is presented in the Table below. Additionally, you can track in some States, like Massachusetts, using an online DTA Connect EBT card tracking portal.
State in the US | EBT Customer Service Number | SNAP Hotline |
---|---|---|
Alabama | 800-997-8888 | 334-242-1700 |
Alaska | 888-997-8111 | 907-465-3347 |
Arizona | 888-997-9333 | 855-777-8590 |
Arkansas | 800-997-9999 | 800-482-8988 |
California | 877-328-9677 | 877-847-3663 |
Colorado | 888-328-2656 | 800-536-5298 |
Connecticut | 888-328-2666 | 855-626-6632 |
Delaware | 800-526-9099 | 800-372-2022 |
District of Columbia | 888-304-9167 | 202-724-5506 |
Florida | 888-356-3281 | 866-762-2237 |
Georgia | 888-421-3281 | 877-423-4746 |
Guam | 866-937-4826 | 671-735-7245 |
Hawaii | 888-328-4292 | 855-643-1643 |
Idaho | 888-432-4328 | 877-456-1233 |
Illinois | 800-678-5465 | 800-843-6154 |
Indiana | 877-768-5098 | 800-403-0864 |
Iowa | 800-359-5802 | 877-347-5678 |
Kansas | 800-997-6666 | 888-369-4777 |
Kentucky | 888-979-9949 | 855-306-8959 |
Louisiana | 888-997-1117 | 888-524-3578 |
Maine | 800-477-7428 | 800-442-6003 |
Maryland | 800-997-2222 | 800-332-6347 |
Massachusetts | 800-997-2555 | 877-382-2363 |
Michigan | 888-678-8914 | 855-275-6424 |
Minnesota | 888-997-2227 | 800-657-3698 |
Mississippi | 866-512-5087 | 800-948-3050 |
Missouri | 800-997-7777 | 855-373-4636 |
Montana | 866-850-1556 | 888-706-1535 |
Nebraska | 877-247-6328 | 800-383-4278 |
Nevada | 866-281-2443 | 800-992-0900 |
New Hampshire | 888-997-9777 | 603-271-9700 |
New Jersey | 800-997-3333 | 800-687-9512 |
New Mexico | 800-843-8303 | 800-283-4465 |
New York | 888-328-6399 | 800-342-3009 |
North Carolina | 888-622-7328 | 800-662-7030 |
North Dakota | 800-630-4655 | 800-755-2716 |
Ohio | 866-386-3071 | 866-244-0071 |
Oklahoma | 888-328-6551 | 855-880-8003 |
Oregon | 888-997-4447 | 503-945-5600 |
Pennsylvania | 888-328-7366 | 800-692-7462 |
Puerto Rico | 877-467-4832 | 787-289-7600 |
Rhode Island | 888-979-9939 | 855-697-4347 |
South Carolina | 800-554-5268 | 800-616-1309 |
South Dakota | 800-604-5099 | 877-999-5612 |
Tennessee | 888-997-9444 | 866-311-4287 |
Texas | 800-777-7328 | 877-541-7905 |
Utah | 800-997-4444 | 866-526-3663 |
Vermont | 800-914-8605 | 800-479-6151 |
Virgin Islands | 866-884-2868 | 340-774-2399 |
Virginia | 866-281-2448 | 800-552-3431 |
Washington | 888-328-9271 | 877-501-2233 |
West Virginia | 866-545-6502 | 800-642-8589 |
Wisconsin | 877-415-5164 | 800-362-3002 |
Wyoming | 877-290-9401 | 307-777-5846 |
An example of tracking the EBT portal is :
How do I track my food stamp card?
To track your EBT food stamp card, call the EBT customer care line in the Table above. Unfortunately, you can not track your temporary EBT card.
Low-income families are granted the opportunity to acquire food-based programs and cash benefits through EBT. The temporary assistance and monthly household food benefits are credited to the EBT card, which can be used at any cash register or ATM to save cash. They can purchase clothes, utilities, and other domestic supplies. If you are fortunate enough to have been registered and approved for the SNAP program but have not yet received the EBT card in the mail, then there are a few protocols you could follow to keep track of your application involving the current status of your EBT card.
How long does an EBT card take to arrive?
When will I get my EBT card in the mail?
You must wait for your EBT card to arrive in the mail for seven to ten days. However, if you are in a hurry and can not wait for a card to be sent, go to a DTA office (Department of Transitional Assistance Locations ) to have one printed for you.
The Social Security Service administers the application process to ascertain entitlement and render SNAP application results 30 days after submission, including necessary correspondence and additional documents. It may take up to 30 days for the department to process it; however, if you still have not heard back from the department and have not received the EBT card, then you should start inquiring about the status of the EBT card and check whether you have been granted approval or denial based on individual standing, financial situation, and documentation. You can begin by locating your SNAP benefit approval letter and looking for your case manager’s information. If you have difficulty finding the case manager’s information, contact the SNAP department at any Human Services Agency.
Connecting directly with the social services agency for personal information may require substantial evidence such as full name, date of birth, social security number, or a driver’s license to accommodate security reasons. Contacting the case manager for the personal inquiry will require preparing documents and evidence. An EBT card has a personalized number that should not be revealed without consent. If another individual misuses the EBT card, replacing the EBT is not an alternative. After establishing contact with the respective case manager, you can investigate the current status and estimated arrival date of your EBT card through the mail. Depending on the caseload, your case manager will return your call or recorded voice message sent on your behalf after two to three working days.
Depending on the jurisdiction and state policies, you can also inquire about the EBT status by calling their customer care line. The customer care line number can be received through the Department of Agriculture. You can also try contacting the case manager and human services official page for the number.
There are two ways to receive an EBT card:
- Receive EBT card through the mail
You can receive the card in 7-10 business days unless there is a scheduled in-person interview. However, if you want it earlier, you can visit the DTA office and get it printed.
- Receive EBT card in person.
You can also apply for economic welfare and SNAP benefits in person. If you use it in person, you can leave the office with an EBT card and set up the PIN. If you are eligible for benefits, the card is handed over to you; without completing the scrutiny, the card will not be given.
It would help if you also choose a four-digit PIN for the machine. The PIN will be emailed to you separately within 7 to 10 days. If you forget your PIN or need to change it, you can call the customer service line for further assistance. You must contact the customer service representative if your card is stolen or misplaced. You can also request an alternative card through DTAconnect.com. You can also use the automated prompts on the DTA assistance line.
The DTA will mail the new card with the same PIN as the previous one, provided you mention a unique PIN to the agent, who will proceed with the modification if you request a new PIN sent to you through the mail. However, it is better to safely secure your EBT as you must pay $5 to get a new EBT card. This amount will most probably be deducted from the benefits. However, this fee is waived if you find the EBT card defective, lose the card, and have changed your name or social security number. Other family members have the authority to use the EBT card even though there is a photo of only one member. They can use the card with consent and provide it if they know the PIN.
Since this federally funded program is directed toward low-income families, you will be asked to collect proof of income, financial papers, and other documents to process eligibility. Last year’s paycheck stubs and tax returns can be primarily used depending on the state’s policies to verify your financial standing.
In addition to the financial papers, you would also require personal documents such as a birth certificate, social security number, and proof of residency, including lease papers. You would also need to attend the eligibility interview, followed by a determination letter to determine the application’s approval or denial. Depending on the state’s policies, applicants would be asked to submit information and the total number of members.
FAQ
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Alabama)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Alabama by calling the EBT customer phone number at 800-997-8888 or the SNAP hotline at 334-242-1700.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Alaska)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Alaska by calling the EBT customer phone number at 888-997-8111 or the SNAP hotline at 907-465-3347.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Arizona)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Arizona by calling the EBT customer phone number at 888-997-9333 or the SNAP hotline at 855-777-8590.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Arkansas)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Arkansas by calling the EBT customer phone number at 800-997-9999 or the SNAP hotline at 800-482-8988.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (California)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of California if you call the EBT customer phone number at 877-328-9677 or the SNAP hotline at 877-847-3663.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Colorado)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Colorado by calling the EBT customer phone number at 888-328-2656 or the SNAP hotline at 800-536-5298.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Connecticut)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Connecticut by calling the EBT customer phone number at 888-328-2666 or the SNAP hotline at 855-626-6632.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Delaware)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Delaware by calling the EBT customer phone number at 800-526-9099 or the SNAP hotline at 800-372-2022.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (District of Columbia)?
You can track your EBT card in the State of the District of Columbia mail if you call the EBT customer phone number 888-304-9167 or the SNAP hotline 202-724-5506.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Florida)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Florida by calling the EBT customer phone number at 888-356-3281 or the SNAP hotline at 866-762-2237.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Georgia)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Georgia by calling the EBT customer phone number at 888-421-3281 or the SNAP hotline at 877-423-4746.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Guam)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Guam by calling the EBT customer phone number at 866-937-4826 or the SNAP hotline at 671-735-7245.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Hawaii)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Hawaii by calling the EBT customer phone number at 888-328-4292 or the SNAP hotline at 855-643-1643.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Idaho)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Idaho if you call the EBT customer phone number at 888-432-4328 or the SNAP hotline at 877-456-1233.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Illinois)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Illinois by calling the EBT customer phone number 800-678-5465 or the SNAP hotline at 800-843-6154.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Indiana)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Indiana by calling the EBT customer phone number at 877-768-5098 or the SNAP hotline at 800-403-0864.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Iowa)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Iowa by calling the EBT customer phone number at 800-359-5802 or the SNAP hotline at 877-347-5678.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Kansas)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Kansas by calling the EBT customer phone number at 800-997-6666 or the SNAP hotline at 888-369-4777.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Kentucky)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Kentucky if you call the EBT customer phone number at 888-979-9949 or the SNAP hotline at 855-306-8959.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Louisiana)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Louisiana if you call the EBT customer phone number at 888-997-1117 or the SNAP hotline at 888-524-3578.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Maine)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Maine by calling the EBT customer phone number at 800-477-7428 or the SNAP hotline at 800-442-6003.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Maryland)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Maryland by calling the EBT customer phone number at 800-997-2222 or the SNAP hotline at 800-332-6347.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Massachusetts)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Massachusetts by calling the EBT customer phone number at 800-997-2555 or the SNAP hotline at 877-382-2363.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Michigan)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Michigan by calling the EBT customer phone number at 888-678-8914 or the SNAP hotline at 855-275-6424.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Minnesota)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Minnesota if you call the EBT customer phone number at 888-997-2227 or the SNAP hotline at 800-657-3698.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Mississippi)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Mississippi by calling the EBT customer phone number at 866-512-5087 or the SNAP hotline at 800-948-3050.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Missouri)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Missouri by calling the EBT customer phone number at 800-997-7777 or the SNAP hotline at 855-373-4636.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Montana)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in Montana by calling the EBT customer phone number at 866-850-1556 or the SNAP hotline at 888-706-1535.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Nebraska)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Nebraska by calling the EBT customer phone number at 877-247-6328 or the SNAP hotline at 800-383-4278.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Nevada)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Nevada by calling the EBT customer phone number 866-281-2443 or the SNAP hotline at 800-992-0900.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (New Hampshire)?
You can track your EBT card in the State of New Hampshire mail by calling the EBT customer phone number at 888-997-9777 or the SNAP hotline at 603-271-9700.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (New Jersey)?
You can track your EBT card in the State of New Jersey mail by calling the EBT customer phone number at 800-997-3333 or the SNAP hotline at 800-687-9512.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (New Mexico)?
You can track your EBT card in the State of New Mexico mail by calling the EBT customer phone number at 800-843-8303 or the SNAP hotline at 800-283-4465.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (New York)?
You can track your EBT card in the State of New York mail if you call the EBT customer phone number at 888-328-6399 or the SNAP hotline at 800-342-3009.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (North Carolina)?
You can track your EBT card in the State of North Carolina mail if you call the EBT customer phone number at 888-622-7328 or the SNAP hotline at 800-662-7030.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (North Dakota)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of North Dakota by calling the EBT customer phone number 800-630-4655 or the SNAP hotline at 800-755-2716.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Ohio)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Ohio by calling the EBT customer phone number at 866-386-3071 or the SNAP hotline at 866-244-0071.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Oklahoma)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Oklahoma by calling the EBT customer phone number 888-328-6551 or the SNAP hotline at 855-880-8003.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Oregon)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Oregon by calling the EBT customer phone number at 888-997-4447 or the SNAP hotline at 503-945-5600.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Pennsylvania)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Pennsylvania by calling the EBT customer phone number 888-328-7366 or the SNAP hotline at 800-692-7462.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Puerto Rico)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Puerto Rico by calling the EBT customer phone number at 877-467-4832 or the SNAP hotline at 787-289-7600.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Rhode Island)?
You can track your EBT card in the State of Rhode Island mail if you call the EBT customer phone number at 888-979-9939 or the SNAP hotline at 855-697-4347.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (South Carolina)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of South Carolina by calling the EBT customer phone number 800-554-5268 or the SNAP hotline 800-616-1309.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (South Dakota)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of South Dakota by calling the EBT customer phone number at 800-604-5099 or the SNAP hotline at 877-999-5612.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Tennessee)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Tennessee if you call the EBT customer phone number at 888-997-9444 or the SNAP hotline at 866-311-4287.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Texas)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Texas by calling the EBT customer phone number at 800-777-7328 or the SNAP hotline at 877-541-7905.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Utah)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Utah if you call the EBT customer phone number at 800-997-4444 or the SNAP hotline at 866-526-3663.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Vermont)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Vermont by calling the EBT customer phone number 800-914-8605 or the SNAP hotline at 800-479-6151.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Virgin Islands)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Virgin Islands by calling the EBT customer phone number 866-884-2868 or the SNAP hotline 340-774-2399.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Virginia)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Virginia by calling the EBT customer phone number 866-281-2448 or the SNAP hotline at 800-552-3431.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Washington)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Washington if you call the EBT customer phone number at 888-328-9271 or the SNAP hotline at 877-501-2233.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (West Virginia)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in West Virginia by calling the EBT customer phone number 866-545-6502 or the SNAP hotline at 800-642-8589.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Wisconsin)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Wisconsin by calling the EBT customer phone number at 877-415-5164 or the SNAP hotline at 800-362-3002.
How do I track my EBT card in the mail (Wyoming)?
You can track your EBT card in the mail in the State of Wyoming if you call the EBT customer phone number 877-290-9401 or the SNAP hotline 307-777-5846.