Once you are approved for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) benefits, you will receive a reloadable EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card. This card will be mailed to your address on file in a plain, white envelope with a return address of Sioux Falls, SD. Your benefits will be automatically loaded onto this card every month.
EBT Card Details
Contents
Your EBT card will not have an expiration date. If your card does have an expiration date, it will expire on the last day of the month and year shown on the card. If there is no expiration date, the card will only need to be replaced if it is lost, stolen, or damaged.
EBT Card Issuance
- First-time Benefit Recipients: If you are receiving benefits for the first time, an EBT card will be mailed to you along with instructions on how to use it.
- Returning Benefit Recipients: If you received benefits in the past 25 months and still have your EBT card, you can continue to use that card.
- Reapplying for Benefits: If you are reapplying for benefits and no longer have your EBT card, or if your card has expired, you need to contact EBT customer service at 1-888-356-3281 for a replacement. Another EBT card is not automatically mailed to you when your case is approved.
- Card Delivery Time: Your EBT card will arrive within 5 to 7 business days.
- Cancelled or Expired Cards: If your card has been cancelled or expired, it cannot be used and will need to be replaced.
Using Your EBT Card
You can use your EBT card at locations that display the QUEST logo or signs that say “EBT Accepted Here.” Here are some key points to remember when using your card:
- SNAP Benefits: Sales tax cannot be charged on items bought with SNAP benefits.
- Cash Benefits: Cash benefits can be withdrawn at ATMs displaying the QUEST logo. You can withdraw cash without ATM fees at the following locations:
- Bank of America
- Chase
- Citibank
- Bank of the West
- Capital One
- Flagstar Bank
- Presto
- S Bank
- Wells Fargo
You can also purchase items with cash and get cash back where available. However, cash benefits cannot be used outside the State of Florida for more than 30 days. Food assistance can be used in all 50 states.
Checking Your Balance
The best way to know your balance is to refer to your last receipt. You can also obtain your balance by:
- Logging on to the EBT Cardholder Portal: You can check your balance online.
- Calling Customer Service: Call the EBT Customer Service number at 1-888-356-3281. Enter your 16-digit EBT card number to hear your current food assistance or cash account balance(s).
- ATM or POS Machine: Check your balance at an ATM or Point of Sale (POS) machine.
Helpful Hints
- If your benefits have not been deposited into your account, visit ACCESS Florida.
- Benefits are only deposited once a day, by 6 am.
- Unused benefits will rollover each month.
- Accounts without purchases or returns will expire after 274 days.
Card Care Instructions
To ensure your EBT card works properly, follow these card care instructions:
- Do not damage or bend your card.
- Do not write on or scratch the black stripe on the back of your card.
- Do not get your card wet.
- Do not put your card near magnets, TVs, stereos, VCRs, or cell phones.
- Do not leave your card in the sun.
- Do not throw your card away.
EBT Customer Service
The EBT Customer Service number is 1-888-356-3281. Call this number for the following reasons:
- To report your card lost, stolen, damaged, or not received in the mail.
- To know the date your benefits will be available in your account each month.
- To know if your benefits have been deposited into your account and get your account balance.
- To hear your last 10 transactions.
- To file a claim if you question a transaction in your account.
- If you want to select or change your PIN.
- If your card does not work.
- To find the nearest location where you can use your card.
- If you have other questions about or problems with your card.
Conclusion
Managing your MyAccess EBT card is simple when you know what to do. Remember to keep your card safe and check your balance regularly. If you have any issues, EBT customer service is available to help you. Using your EBT card wisely ensures you have access to the benefits you need to support yourself and your family.
