MyFloridaBenefits
Home > EBT

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)

EBT is the system used to deliver SNAP, TCA, and other benefits to eligible Florida residents.

Check EBT Balance About Your EBT Card

What is EBT?

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is an electronic system that allows Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) to issue benefits via a magnetically encoded payment card, similar to a credit or debit card. EBT is used to distribute benefits for the following programs:

  • SNAP (Food Assistance): Benefits that can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers
  • Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA): Cash benefits for families with children
  • Refugee Cash Assistance: Cash benefits for eligible refugees

Florida EBT Transaction Volume by Month (2023)

Your Florida EBT Card

The Florida EBT card, also known as the Florida ACCESS card, is a plastic card that looks and works like a debit or credit card. It is used to access your benefits at authorized retailers and ATMs (for cash benefits only).

Your EBT card is secure and convenient. Benefits are automatically loaded onto your card each month on your scheduled date, eliminating the need for paper checks or food stamp coupons.

Key Features of Your EBT Card

  • Protected by a Personal Identification Number (PIN)
  • Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Accepted at most grocery stores and many farmers markets
  • Allows you to check your balance online or by phone
  • Tracks your purchases and withdrawals
  • Unused benefits roll over from month to month

How to Use Your EBT Card

For Food Purchases (SNAP Benefits)

  1. Look for stores that display the QUEST logo or a sign saying they accept EBT.
  2. Select your eligible food items and proceed to checkout.
  3. Swipe your EBT card through the point-of-sale (POS) terminal or hand it to the cashier.
  4. Enter your four-digit PIN on the keypad.
  5. The cashier or the machine will enter the purchase amount.
  6. Review the amount and approve the transaction.
  7. Keep your receipt, which will show your remaining balance.

For Cash Benefits (TCA)

  1. You can use your EBT card to make purchases at stores that accept EBT cash benefits.
  2. You can also withdraw cash at ATMs that display the QUEST logo.
  3. To withdraw cash, insert or swipe your card at the ATM.
  4. Enter your four-digit PIN.
  5. Select "Withdrawal from Checking" and enter the amount you want to withdraw.
  6. Take your cash, card, and receipt.

ATM Fees

Some ATMs may charge a fee for cash withdrawals. To avoid fees:

  • Use ATMs at banks that don't charge a fee for EBT transactions
  • Get cash back when making a purchase at a store
  • Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimize fees

Checking Your EBT Balance

It's important to know your balance before using your EBT card. You can check your balance in several ways:

Online

Visit the ebtEDGE Cardholder Portal.

Check Online

Mobile App

Download the ebtEDGE mobile app.

Learn More

Phone

Call the EBT Customer Service number.

1-888-356-3281

What You Can Buy with SNAP Benefits

Eligible Items

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Meat, poultry, and fish
  • Dairy products
  • Breads and cereals
  • Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat

Non-Eligible Items

  • Alcoholic beverages and tobacco
  • Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
  • Live animals (except shellfish, fish removed from water)
  • Hot foods or foods ready to eat in the store
  • Non-food items (pet food, cleaning supplies, hygiene items, etc.)
  • Ornamental plants and seeds

Hot Food Waiver During Emergencies

During certain emergency situations, such as hurricanes or other natural disasters, Florida may receive a waiver from the USDA to allow SNAP recipients to purchase hot foods and prepared foods with their EBT cards. These waivers are temporary and are announced through official channels when they are in effect.

Protecting Your EBT Card and Benefits

Card Security

  • Keep your card in a safe place, like you would a credit card or cash.
  • Do not share your PIN with anyone who doesn't need to use your benefits.
  • If someone knows your PIN and uses your card without your permission, those benefits will not be replaced.
  • If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, call EBT Customer Service immediately at 1-888-356-3281 to report it and request a replacement.

Avoiding EBT Scams

Be aware of common EBT scams and how to protect yourself:

  • Never share your PIN or card information over the phone, by text, or by email.
  • DCF and EBT Customer Service will never call or text you asking for your card number or PIN.
  • Be suspicious of any message claiming there's a problem with your EBT account that needs immediate attention.
  • If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email, report it to EBT Customer Service.

Reporting EBT Card Issues

If you experience any of the following issues with your EBT card, call EBT Customer Service at 1-888-356-3281:

  • Lost, stolen, or damaged card
  • Forgotten PIN
  • Card not working properly
  • Unauthorized transactions
  • Questions about your balance or benefits

Benefit Issuance Schedule

SNAP benefits are deposited into your EBT account once a month. The day your benefits become available depends on the last two digits of your case number:

Last Two Digits of Case Number Day Benefits Are Available
00-03 1st of the month
04-06 2nd of the month
07-10 3rd of the month
11-13 4th of the month
14-17 5th of the month
18-20 6th of the month
21-24 7th of the month
25-27 8th of the month
28-31 9th of the month
32-34 10th of the month
35-38 11th of the month
39-41 12th of the month
42-45 13th of the month
46-49 14th of the month
50-53 15th of the month
54-57 16th of the month
58-60 17th of the month
61-64 18th of the month
65-67 19th of the month
68-71 20th of the month
72-74 21st of the month
75-78 22nd of the month
79-81 23rd of the month
82-85 24th of the month
86-88 25th of the month
89-92 26th of the month
93-95 27th of the month
96-99 28th of the month

Quick Links

Common Questions

How do I check my EBT balance?

You can check your balance online at the ebtEDGE Cardholder Portal, through the ebtEDGE mobile app, by calling the EBT Customer Service number on the back of your card, or by checking your last receipt.

Do unused SNAP benefits roll over?

Yes, unused SNAP benefits roll over from month to month. However, if you do not use your EBT card for 365 consecutive days, any remaining benefits will be removed and cannot be replaced.

Can I get hot food with EBT in Florida?

Generally, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase hot foods or foods that are ready to be eaten in the store. However, during certain emergency situations, this restriction may be temporarily lifted.

View All EBT FAQs →

EBT Customer Service

For issues with your EBT card or questions about your benefits, contact EBT Customer Service.

Phone:
1-888-356-3281
Available:

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Need to Check Your EBT Balance?

Access your account information quickly and securely.

Check Online Call EBT Customer Service