Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Card
Once approved for SNAP and/or TANF benefits, your re-loadable EBT card will be mailed to your mailing address on file and will look like this:
The card will be mailed in a plain, white envelope with a return address of Sioux Falls, SD. This card will be automatically reloaded with your benefit amount every month.
Your EBT card will no longer have an expiration date. If there is an expiration date on your card, the card will expire on the last day of the month/year that is shown. If there is no expiration date on the front of your EBT card, your EBT Card will only need replacement if lost, stolen, or damaged.
EBT Card Issuance
- First time benefit recipients will be mailed an EBT card with instructions on use.
- If you received benefits in the past 25 months and still have your EBT card, you can still use that card.
- If you are reapplying for benefits and no longer have your EBT card or your card has expired, please contact EBT customer service at 1-888-356-3281 for a replacement. You may call EBT Customer Service at any time. Another EBT card is not automatically mailed to you when your case is approved.
- Your EBT Card will arrive in 5 – 7 business days
- If your card has been cancelled or has expired it cannot be used and will need to be replaced.
Using your Card
- You can use your EBT card at locations that display the QUEST logo and supported remarks such as “EBT Accepted Here”
- Sales tax cannot be charged on items bought with SNAP benefits.
- Cash benefits can be withdrawn at ATM’s displaying the Quest Logo
- Cash Benefits can be withdrawn with no ATM fees at the below locations:
• Bank of America
• Chase
• Citibank
• Bank of West
• Capital One
• Flagstar Bank
• Presto
• S Bank
• Wells Fargo - Items can be purchased with cash and cash back with a purchase is allowed where available.
- Cash benefits cannot be used outside of the State of Florida for more than 30 days
- Food Assistance can be used in all 50 states
Acceptable EBT Purchases
What You Can Buy & Where
Your EBT card can be used to buy breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, poultry, dairy, and plants and seeds to grow food for your household to eat.
It cannot be used for food assistance benefits to buy nonfood items such as pet foods, soaps, paper products, household supplies, grooming items, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, food to eat in the store, or hot foods.
PIN Instructions
A PIN (personal identification number) is a secret numeric password shared between a user and the EBT system.
To select your PIN code call the EBT Customer Service at 1-888-356-3281. You have to have a PIN before you can use your card.
It is important to keep your PIN number secret, don’t write your PIN on your card, or on anything you keep with your card and/or share your PIN with anyone else.
If someone takes your card and knows your PIN, they can use ALL your benefits. These benefits cannot be replaced.
- You have 3 attempts to enter your PIN correctly. After the third try, you will not be able to use your card until the next day.
- If you cannot remember your PIN, or if someone knows your PIN, call EBT Customer Service immediately and select a new PIN.
- If you need to update your DOB or SSN, you can do so by logging on to the ESS self service portal.
Account Adjustments
Adjustments to Your EBT Account
Errors on your EBT account do not happen often, but can occur. If you notice an error in your account, call EBT Customer Service at 1-888-356-3281 to report the problem. You have 90 days from the date of the suspected error to report and file a claim on your account.
If a system error causes you to receive funds to which you were not entitled or causes your account to not be charged for a transaction you did, an adjustment may be completed to reclaim the funds or settle the transaction. If you disagree with the action taken, you may request a fair hearing within 90 days of the date of the adjustment.
For information about your hearing rights or to request a fair hearing, please contact your local Department of Children and Families office or call 850-300-4323.
Checking Your Balance
The best way to know your balance(s) is to refer to your last receipt. You may also obtain your balance by logging on to the EBT Cardholder Portal.
Or by calling the EBT Customer Service number (1-888-356-3281) on the back of your card. After you enter you sixteen (16) digit EBT card number you will hear your current food assistance or cash account balance(s).
You can also check at an ATM or POS machine.
Helpful hints:
- If your benefits have not been deposited into your account please go to www.myflorida.com/accessflorida.
- 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
- 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, TV's, stereos, VCR, or cell phone
- DO NOT leave your card in the sun
- DO NOT throw your card away
Customer Service
EBT Customer Service
1-888-356-3281
Call:
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To report your card lost, stolen, damaged, or not received in the mail.
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To know the date your benefits will be available in your account each month.
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To know if your benefits have been deposited into your account and get your account balance.
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To hear your last 10 transactions.
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To file a claim if you question a transaction in your account.
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If you want to select or change your PIN.
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If your card does not work.
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To find the nearest location where you can use your card.
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If you have other questions about or problems with your card.
Report Restricted Locations Accepting EBT Cards
Florida Law prohibits the use of EBT cards at Liquor Stores, Package Stores, Bars, Adult Entertainment establishments, pari-mutuel facilities, Slot Machine facilities, Commercial Bingo, Casinos, and Gambling facilities.
If you know of any location that accepts the Florida EBT card for payment as described above, please report it!
Report Restricted Locations Accepting EBT Cards
Trafficking in Benefits is ILLEGAL!
If you are convicted of trafficking in food assistance benefits of $500 or more, you will be disqualified permanently. Trafficking of food assistance includes:
- Buying, selling, stealing, or exchanging benefits for cash;
- Exchanging firearms, ammunition, explosives, or illegal drugs for benefits;
- Buying sodas, water, or other items in a container to get the cash deposit;
- Buying an item with food assistance and then purposely selling the item for cash; and
- Trading cash for items paid for with food assistance benefits. If you are convicted of these acts, depending on the severity, you may be fined up to $250,000, imprisoned for up to 20 years, or both.