When paying for groceries, the FNS customer's card is run through an electronic reader or a point of sale terminal (POS), and the recipient enters the PIN to access the account. If there are benefits in the account, the recipient's account is debited for the amount of the purchase. The store receipt shows the amount of benefits remaining in the recipient's account.
What is Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT)
The Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) program helps families purchase food for children whose access to free or reduced-priced meals at school has been impacted by COVID-19. The purpose of P-EBT program is to provide a food assistance benefit for North Carolina (NC) households with students that are always not attending school in a brick-and-mortar building. Families do not need to apply for P-EBT. Eligibility for P-EBT will be determined through student and learning circumstances during the 2020 – 2021 school year. For more information about P-EBT and who is eligible to receive this benefit please visit www.ncdhhs.gov/pebt.
EBT Issuance Information
Your EBT benefits will be available on the same day each month according to the last digit of your social security number, even if that day is on weekend or holiday.
Benefits are available on the 3rd day of every month if you do not have a Social Security Number.
Remember to check your balance before you shop.
Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) are not issued following the same timeframe as regular FNS benefits on an EBT card. For more information on P-EBT and when benefits will be issued, please visit www.ncdhhs.gov/pebt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if my card is lost or stolen?
If your card is lost or stolen report it immediately by calling 1-888-622-7328. You can speak or press your answers such as yes, no or card number into the telephone. Say each number separately. For example: 30 is “three zero”; 57 is “five seven”.
How do I change my PIN?
To change your PIN, call the toll-free number on the back of your EBT card. Follow the automated instructions to change the PIN. Assistance is available from a customer service representative 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
What if I forgot my PIN?
If you forget your PIN, you must call 1-888-622-7328 to get a new PIN. If you try to use the wrong PIN four times in a row, you will be required to select a new PIN or wait until after 12:01 a.m. the next day to try again.
How can I check my balance?
There are several ways to check FNS balances 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Using your card number, you can:
- Call 1-888-622-7328.
- Visit www.ebtedge.com. Click on More Information under EBT Cardholders.
- Download the ebtEDGE mobile app. The app is available as a free download on the Apple Store and Google Play.
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SNAP recipients in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
We are working with the USDA to expand our coverage to other areas. Walmart currently accepts SNAP online. Walmart stores also accepts SNAP benefits in stores.
Once you qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or cash benefits (Temporary Assistance) you receive an EBT card, also known as a Common Benefit Identification Card (CBIC). The EBT card looks like a debit card. The EBT card allows you to buy groceries and other items with your cash benefits at participating stores and other locations.
Get the ConnectEBT Mobile App
The ConnectEBT app is the fast and easy way to monitor your EBT Card’s available balance, deposits, and transaction activity. ConnectEBT.com is always available 24-hours a day. The ConnectEBT App is available for download in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
It’s the easy and free way to manage your EBT Card
- Check your available balance anytime, anywhere
- Review up to 12 months of transaction history
- Confirm your last deposit
- Change your PIN
First Time Mobile App and Website Users
You must register your EBT Card account and select your User ID and password by using either the ConnectEBT mobile app or at ConnectEBT.com for access. Registering on either one also registers you on the other. Have your EBT Card handy when registering.
If you already have your ConnectEBT.com User ID and password, you’re ready to use the same ID and password for the ConnectEBT Mobile App.
How do I use and access my cash and SNAP benefits?
New York recipients may access their cash and SNAP benefits at participating EBT locations anywhere within New York State. Cash benefits may also be accessed at participating ATM and authorized retail store locations.
Your EBT card and Personal Identification Number (PIN) are used at authorized retail stores with your cash or SNAP benefits. Many retail stores also provide cash back with your purchase. Check with the store for their cash back policy.
- Swipe the card.
- Enter your PIN in the machine at the checkout line.
- Only you should enter your PIN.
- Always check and keep your receipts for your EBT purchases.
For more information:
You can use your EBT card at:
Cash Purchases
- Any item may be purchased using your cash benefit account where EBT cards are accepted.
- Please be advised that certain types of businesses are not allowed to let you use your EBT cash benefit to purchase items or to withdraw cash on their premises. This restriction applies whether the business is located in New York, in another state, or on Tribal lands.
- Businesses are not allowed to let you use your EBT card, nor should you use your card, at:
- Liquor stores
- Wine stores
- Beer/beverage centers
- Race tracks
- Casinos
- Video lottery facilities
- Off-track betting facilities
- Commercial bingo facilities; and
- Places that provide adult oriented entertainment in which performers take off their clothes or perform without clothes
- Businesses are not allowed to let you use your EBT card, nor should you use your card, at:
Toll-Free Customer Service Helpline
The toll-free number 1-888-328-6399 - is available in Arabic, Chinese, English, Haitian-Creole, Italian, Korean, Russian, and Spanish to recipients 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
You may use the helpline to:
- Check your SNAP or cash account balance information.
- Hear your last ten transactions.
- Request a printed 2-month statement of your account history.
- File a claim if you suspect that a transaction error occurred.
- Change your PIN.
- Report damaged, lost, or stolen cards, and request a replacement card be mailed to you.
EBT Account Website
EBT cardholders can obtain information in English and Spanish about their accounts by going to //www.connectebt.com.
- Login using your most recent active card number and PIN.
- Create an account ID and password.
Once you sign in with a valid card number and PIN, the following are some of the available functions: