So, you’ve decided to apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)? With the world still under a pandemic, securing access to healthy foods comes as a top priority to most households. Fortunately, with SNAP, eligible families can claim for financial support to purchase nutritious foods.
If you’re interested in becoming a part of this program, it’s important to know how you can get an EBT card first. After all, it’s no secret that SNAP benefits are delivered to EBT accounts. Generally, these cards serve as the identification card for the SNAP/Food Stamp Program and work similar to typical debit cards.
Here, we have prepared a brief guide that will let you discover how you can get an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Read on to know more about how you can claim it and how it works. Check them out below.
What is EBT Card?
To start with, Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card serves as an electronic system that enables a recipient to transfer their government benefits from a federal account to a retailer account to purchase a product. To date, the card works as the channel through which benefits are distributed to eligible participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Since EBT cards work as debit cards, they can be used by recipients to purchase food with their benefits at participating stores and other locations.
Similar to bank cards, you will need a secret PIN (Personal Identification Number) code to use an EBT card. This means that when purchasing an item at any authorized store, you’ll need to swipe the EBT card through the checkout machine, enter the PIN code, and wait for the cost to be subtracted from your SNAP account.
How to get an EBT Card?
Once you qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), you will receive an EBT card.
Generally, eligibility requirements vary by state. However, the common rules include having a Social Security number, working or participating in an employment and training program referred by the SNAP office (for able-bodied adults between 16-60 years of age), and having $2,250 in countable resources.
To start your application, you may simply contact or visit the nearest SNAP office in your area. You can also check the USDA SNAP state directory and ask for an application form. Once you’re done completing the document, you can turn it in and wait for the SNAP office to contact you for an interview.
If you do qualify, the office will explain how much your SNAP benefit will be. You will then receive your EBT card, usually via mail, along with your Personal Identification Number (PIN).
The Bottom Line
Is the pandemic starting to take toll on your ability to purchase healthy affordable foods? With SNAP, you can now claim for the assistance you need to get food on your table.
To know more, contact your local SNAP office today. Simply check the USDA website to get information about SNAP and how it applies on your state.
