How To Check My EBT Food Stamp Balance: A Simple Guide To Staying On Top Of Your Benefits

If you receive food or cash assistance, you likely use an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to access your benefits. An EBT card works much like a debit card, allowing you to pay for groceries and other items at authorized stores. These benefits are part of federal programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), often called food stamps, and sometimes state programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Since June 2004, every state has used the EBT system to deliver SNAP benefits, replacing the paper coupons used in the past. Because this system is entirely electronic, there are several convenient ways to keep track of your funds. Knowing your balance before you go to the store is one of the most important things you can do. It helps you plan your shopping trip, avoid problems at the checkout counter, and stay in control of your budget. This guide provides a complete overview of the simple, secure ways to check your EBT card balance.

The Quick Answer: Four Easy Ways to Check Your EBT Balance

For those who need an answer right away, there are four main ways to check an EBT balance. Each method is free and available to all cardholders.

Call the Toll-Free Number: The fastest way to get your balance without internet is to call the 24/7 customer service number printed on the back of your EBT card.
Go Online: Every state has an official EBT cardholder website where you can log in to see your balance, transaction history, and manage your account.
Use a Mobile App: Most states have an official mobile app that lets you check your balance and manage your card from your smartphone.
Check Your Receipt: Your remaining balance is printed on your receipt after every purchase you make with your EBT card at a grocery store.

A Complete Guide to Checking Your EBT Balance

While the four methods above are simple, knowing the details of each can help you choose the best one for your needs. Here is a more detailed look at each option.

Method 1: By Phone – Calling the Customer Service Helpline

Calling the toll-free customer service number is a reliable way to check your balance, especially if you do not have internet access. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Finding the Number: The number is always printed on the back of your EBT card. It is specific to your state’s EBT program.
Using the Automated System: When you call, you will usually be connected to an Automated Response Unit (ARU). The system will ask you to enter the 16-digit number from the front of your EBT card. Once you enter your card number, the automated voice will typically read your current SNAP and/or cash benefit balance. This automated system is designed to handle the most common questions quickly and efficiently, and many offer information in multiple languages, such as Spanish, Chinese, and Russian.
Other Helpline Features: In addition to checking your balance, the helpline allows you to perform other important tasks, including:
- Hearing a list of your last ten transactions.
- Reporting that your card has been lost, stolen, or damaged.
- Changing your Personal Identification Number (PIN).
- Filing a claim if you believe there was an error with a transaction.

If you do not have your EBT card number or need help with a more complex issue, most automated systems give you an option to hold on the line to speak with a live customer service representative for further assistance.

Method 2: Online – Using Your State’s EBT Cardholder Portal

For a more detailed view of your account, your state’s official EBT cardholder website is an excellent tool. These websites, also known as portals, allow you to see your transaction history, manage your PIN, and check your balance from any computer.

The EBT system is administered by states, but most states hire one of two major government contractors to manage the technology: Fidelity National Information Services (FIS) or Conduent. This is why the online experience is very similar across many different states.

ebtEDGE: This portal, found at www.ebtEDGE.com, is used by a large number of states, including California, New York, Florida, and Arizona.
ConnectEBT: This portal, found at www.ConnectEBT.com, is used by another group of states, including Georgia, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

First-Time Registration: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before you can log in, you must register your card and create an account. The process is similar for both major portals.

Go to the Website: Visit either www.ebtEDGE.com or www.ConnectEBT.com and select your state from the dropdown menu.
Start Registration: Look for a link that says “Register Here” or “Create User Account” and click it.
Create Your Login: You will be asked to create a User ID and a secure password. You will also need to provide basic information like your name and email address.
Link Your EBT Card: This is the most important step. To connect your online account to your benefits, you must provide identifying information. This typically includes your full 16-digit EBT card number, your date of birth (DOB), and your Social Security Number (SSN), or sometimes just the last four digits of your SSN.
Set Up Security: You will be asked to choose several security questions and provide answers. These are used to verify your identity if you ever forget your password.

Once you have completed these steps, you can log in anytime with your User ID and password to see your current balance and review your transaction history, often for the past 6 to 12 months.

Method 3: With a Smartphone – Using a Mobile App

For many, a mobile app is the most convenient way to manage EBT benefits. It allows you to check your balance anywhere, at any time. It is important, however, to understand the difference between official state-contracted apps and other third-party apps available in app stores.

Official State-Contracted Apps: The Safest Choice

Most states endorse a free, official mobile app for managing EBT benefits. These apps are developed by the same companies that run the online portals, so they are secure and directly connected to your state’s EBT system. If you have already registered on the website, your User ID and password will work on the app as well.

ebtEDGE App: This is the official app for states that use the ebtEDGE system (like California, New York, Florida, and dozens of others). It is available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. With the app, you can check your balance, see your transaction history, change your PIN, and find nearby stores that accept EBT.
ConnectEBT App: This is the official app for states that use the ConnectEBT system (like Georgia, Virginia, and Pennsylvania). It offers similar features, including balance checks, transaction history, and PIN management.
State-Specific Apps: A few states, like Texas with its “Your Texas Benefits” app, have developed their own uniquely branded applications that are also official and secure.

Third-Party Apps Like ‘Providers’: More Features, More to Consider

Besides the official apps, you may see other popular apps in your app store, with the most well-known being the Providers app (which used to be called Propel or Fresh EBT). These apps are not made by the government or state EBT contractors.

The Providers app is popular because it offers many features in one place. In addition to checking your EBT balance, it can help you find coupons and deals, search a job board, and even manage other benefits like WIC or Social Security. It is designed to work with EBT cards from all 50 states and territories.

To use an app like Providers, you must enter the User ID and password for your official EBT cardholder portal (ebtEDGE or ConnectEBT). The app then uses that information to log into the official portal on your behalf to retrieve your balance and transaction data. Because of this, some states, including Texas, Oklahoma, and Maryland, officially warn against using any third-party apps, citing potential security and fraud risks.

In recent years, a rise in EBT benefit theft has led to a major focus on security. In response, both official and third-party apps have introduced powerful new safety features. The official ebtEDGE and ConnectEBT apps now allow you to “Freeze” or “Lock” your card instantly, which prevents anyone from using it. The Providers app has also built these same security features, marketing its ability to lock your card and block suspicious transactions to help you fight EBT theft. This means that no matter which app you choose, you should have access to tools that can help keep your benefits safe.

Method 4: At the Grocery Store

If you prefer not to use a phone or computer, you can easily check your balance when you are at an authorized grocery store.

Checking Your Last Receipt

After you make any purchase using your EBT card, the store is required to give you a receipt. By law, this receipt must show certain information, including the store’s name and address, the amount of your purchase, and, most importantly, your remaining SNAP EBT account balance.

For security, the receipt will not print your full name or your full EBT card number. Simply saving your last receipt is one of the easiest ways to keep track of your balance for your next shopping trip. This system is a federally mandated part of the SNAP program, ensuring that everyone has a reliable, low-tech way to monitor their funds.

Performing a Balance Inquiry at the Store

You can also check your balance at the store before you start shopping or checking out. Simply go to a checkout lane and ask the cashier if you can do a “balance inquiry.” In most stores, they will have you swipe your card and enter your PIN at the Point-of-Sale (POS) machine. The machine will not charge you for the items but will instead print a small slip of paper showing your current account balance. This service is free.

Your State’s EBT System: A Full Directory

While the methods for checking your balance are similar everywhere, the specific phone numbers and websites are different for each state and territory. Many states also have a unique name for their EBT card, such as California’s “Golden State Advantage” card or Oregon’s “Oregon Trail Card”. The table below provides the official customer service phone number and cardholder website for every state and territory, making it easy to find the correct information for your EBT account.

State/Territory	EBT Card Name (if applicable)	EBT Customer Service Phone Number	Official Cardholder Website
Alabama	Alabama EBT Card	1-800-997-8888	`https://www.connectebt.com/`
Alaska	Alaska Quest Card	1-888-997-8111	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
Arizona	Arizona Quest Card	1-888-997-9333	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
Arkansas	Arkansas EBT Card	1-800-997-9999	`https://www.connectebt.com/`
California	Golden State Advantage	1-877-328-9677	`https://www.cdss.ca.gov/ebt-card`
Colorado	Colorado Quest Card	1-888-328-2656	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
Connecticut	Connecticut EBT Card	1-888-328-2666	`https://www.connectebt.com/`
Delaware	Delaware EBT Card	1-800-526-9099	`https://www.connectebt.com/`
District of Columbia	DC EBT Card	1-888-304-9167	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
Florida	Florida EBT Card	1-888-356-3281	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
Georgia	Georgia EBT Card	1-888-421-3281	`https://www.connectebt.com/`
Guam	Guam EBT Card	1-866-937-4826	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
Hawaii	Hawaii EBT Card	1-888-328-4292	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
Idaho	Idaho Quest Card	1-888-432-4328	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
Illinois	Illinois Link Card	1-800-678-5465	`http://www.link.illinois.gov`
Indiana	Hoosier Works Card	1-877-768-5098	`https://www.connectebt.com/`
Iowa	Iowa EBT Card	1-800-359-5802	`https://www.connectebt.com/`
Kansas	Kansas Benefits Card	1-800-997-6666	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
Kentucky	Kentucky EBT Card	1-888-979-9949	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
Louisiana	Louisiana Purchase Card	1-888-997-1117	`https://dcfs.louisiana.gov/`
Maine	Pine Tree Advantage Card	1-800-477-7428	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
Maryland	Independence Card	1-800-997-2222	`https://www.connectebt.com/`
Massachusetts	Massachusetts EBT Card	1-800-997-2555	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
Michigan	Bridge Card	1-888-678-8914	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
Minnesota	Minnesota EBT Card	1-888-997-2227	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
Mississippi	Mississippi EBT Card	1-866-512-5087	`https://www.connectebt.com/`
Missouri	Missouri EBT Card	1-800-997-7777	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
Montana	Montana Access Card	1-866-850-1556	`https://www.mybnft.com/`
Nebraska	Nebraska EBT Card	1-877-247-6328	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
Nevada	Nevada EBT Card	1-866-281-2443	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
New Hampshire	New Hampshire EBT Card	1-888-997-9777	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
New Jersey	Families First Card	1-800-997-3333	`https://www.connectebt.com/`
New Mexico	New Mexico EBT Card	1-800-843-8303	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
New York	New York EBT Card	1-888-328-6399	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
North Carolina	North Carolina EBT Card	1-888-622-7328	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
North Dakota	North Dakota EBT Card	1-800-630-4655	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
Ohio	Ohio Direction Card	1-866-386-3071	`https://www.connectebt.com/`
Oklahoma	Oklahoma Access Card	1-888-328-6551	`https://www.connectebt.com/`
Oregon	Oregon Trail Card	1-888-997-4447	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
Pennsylvania	Pennsylvania EBT ACCESS Card	1-888-328-7366	`https://www.connectebt.com/`
Puerto Rico	Tarjeta de la Familia	1-877-467-4832	`http://www.ebtpr.com`
Rhode Island	Rhode Island EBT Card	1-888-979-9939	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
South Carolina	South Carolina EBT Card	1-800-554-5268	`https://www.connectebt.com/`
South Dakota	South Dakota EBT Card	1-800-604-5099	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
Tennessee	Tennessee EBT Card	1-888-997-9444	`https://www.connectebt.com/`
Texas	Lone Star Card	1-800-777-7328	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
Utah	Utah Horizon Card	1-800-997-4444	`https://www.connectebt.com/`
Vermont	Vermont 3SquaresVT Card	1-800-914-8605	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
Virgin Islands	Virgin Islands EBT Card	1-866-884-2868	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
Virginia	Virginia EBT Card	1-866-281-2448	`https://www.connectebt.com/`
Washington	Washington Quest Card	1-888-328-9271	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
West Virginia	West Virginia Mountain State Card	1-866-545-6502	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
Wisconsin	Wisconsin Quest Card	1-877-415-5164	`http://www.ebtedge.com`
Wyoming	Wyoming EBT Card	1-877-290-9401	`http://www.ebtedge.com`

Keeping Your Benefits Safe: A Guide to EBT Security

Your EBT benefits are a valuable resource, and just like cash, they need to be protected from theft. Criminals are increasingly using scams to steal benefits, but there are simple and powerful steps you can take to keep your account secure. Security has shifted from simply reacting to theft to proactively preventing it, and new tools put that power in your hands.

Spotting and Avoiding Common Scams

Phishing Scams: The most common scams involve “phishing,” where criminals try to trick you into giving them your information. They often send text messages or emails that look official, claiming your EBT card has been “locked” or “blocked”. These messages tell you to call a fake phone number or click on a suspicious link, where you will be asked for your EBT card number and PIN. The most important rule to remember is that your state agency will never contact you by text or email to ask for your PIN or full card number. If you receive a message like this, do not reply or click any links. Report it to your local SNAP office and delete the message.
Skimming Devices: Thieves sometimes place illegal “skimming” devices on top of the real card-reading machines at stores. These devices are designed to copy your card information and record your PIN when you make a purchase. Before you swipe your card, take a moment to look at the machine. If the keypad or card slot looks unusually bulky, is loose, or is a different color from the rest of the machine, it could be a skimmer. If anything seems suspicious, do not use the machine and alert a store employee.

Protecting Your Card and PIN

Keep Your PIN Secret: Treat your PIN like the key to your bank account. Never write it on your EBT card or on a piece of paper you keep in your wallet. Do not share it with anyone outside of your household.
Cover the Keypad: When entering your PIN at a store, always use your other hand or your body to shield the keypad from view so that no one, including security cameras, can see the numbers you enter.
Change Your PIN Often: A very effective security habit is to change your PIN regularly. Many experts recommend changing your PIN the day before your benefits are scheduled to be deposited each month. You can change your PIN easily using your state’s EBT app, the online portal, or by calling the customer service number on your card.

Using New Security Tools: Lock and Freeze Your Card

The single best way to protect your benefits from modern theft is to use the new security features available on the official EBT apps and websites.

The Best New Defense: Most official state apps (like ebtEDGE and ConnectEBT) and some third-party apps now include a “Lock” or “Freeze” feature. This is the most powerful tool you have to prevent fraud.
How It Works: When your card is locked, all transactions are blocked. No one can make purchases or check your balance. The process is simple: keep your card locked at all times. When you are at the store and ready to pay, open your app, unlock your card, make your purchase, and then immediately lock it again. This ensures your benefits are only accessible for the few moments you are actively using them.
Other Security Features: Many apps also allow you to block all online purchases or all out-of-state transactions. If you do not shop online or travel outside your state often, enabling these blocks provides another strong layer of protection against fraud.

Conclusion: You’re in Control of Your Benefits

Managing your EBT benefits is straightforward once you know the tools available to you. Whether you prefer calling the number on your card, checking online, using a mobile app, or simply looking at your last store receipt, there is a simple and secure method that works for everyone. By regularly checking your balance and using the powerful new security features like locking your card, you can take full control of your benefits. These tools are designed to give you peace of mind and help you manage your food and cash assistance with confidence.