If you need to obtain a New Jersey EBT Card or if you have questions about its use , you are in the right place. In this complete guide, we will solve all your concerns and provide you with the information you need to understand and make the most of your card, also known as the New Jersey Families First Card.
The New Jersey EBT Card is used to receive benefits such as food stamps (SNAP) and cash assistance. Once you have been approved for food stamps or other programs listed above, you will receive your monthly benefits loaded onto your New Jersey EBT Card.
Here you will find details on how to replace a lost card , how to access your balance online, discounts and benefits available with EBT, as well as which restaurants accept EBT in New Jersey, how to shop for groceries online with your EBT card, and much more. further.
How to apply for the New Jersey EBT Card
There are three ways to apply for the SNAP EBT program in New Jersey:
- The easiest way to apply for food stamps in New Jersey is through the New Jersey NJOneApp portal.
- You can also apply in person at your local Department of Human Services (DHS) County Assistance Office . To find the DHS office closest to you, see our article on offices in New Jersey.
- You can call the New Jersey DHS Information Line at 1-800-687-9512 to have an application mailed to you. Once received, you can complete it and return it to the local DHS County Assistance Department.
Once you activate your EBT Card, by calling the corresponding New Jersey DHS number, you can use it to buy food at authorized supermarkets.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which is in charge of the food stamp program, has established a list of foods that can be purchased with this program . Here we show you the foods you can buy with your SNAP benefits card:
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Meat, fish and poultry
- cold cuts and steak
- Dairy products
- breads and cereals
- Seeds and plants that produce food for the home
- Drinks without alcohol
- Cookies
But there is also a list of foods that you cannot buy:
- Alcoholic beverages
- tobacco products
- Hot meal
- non-food items
- Pet food
- soaps
- Medicines and vitamins
Check the balance of your New Jersey EBT card
Here are some options for checking the balance on your New Jersey Families First Card :
- Check your last receipt:
- The easiest way to check the balance on your New Jersey EBT card is to check your last receipt . This method gives you the fastest way to find the current balance on your card.
- The balance will appear at the bottom of your last store receipt or ATM receipt.
- Check your balance online:
- Another option to check the balance of your New Jersey EBT card is through the ConnectEBT website.
- To access, click here and then enter your user ID and password as prompted. Once you’re logged in, you’ll be able to see your current balance and transaction history.
- Inquiry by phone:
- The last option to check the balance of your New Jersey EBT card is through a phone call. Call the EBT Customer Service number (1-800-997-3333) on the back of your card. Customer service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
After calling, enter the sixteen (16) digits of your EBT card number and listen to your balance.
Replace my lost New Jersey EBT Card
If your New Jersey EBT card has been lost , stolen, or no longer works, here’s how to get a replacement card . The first thing you need to do is call New Jersey EBT Card customer service at 1-800-997-3333.
Instructions for the call:
- When you call customer service, press the 1 key on your phone.
- By reporting it, your EBT card will be deactivated to prevent anyone else from using the benefits.
- You will usually receive your new card in the mail .
Call ASAP:
It is recommended that you call the customer service number as soon as possible to protect your account, especially if you think your card has been stolen. In this way, you will avoid losing the money you have in the account.
- During the call, you will be asked to confirm your mailing address, to ensure that you have the current address on file.
- You will be able to use the same PIN that you used on the old card, unless you decide to select a new one for the new card. Your replacement card will be mailed to you and will arrive within 7-10 business days.
It is important to note that, unlike a replacement credit or debit card, it is not possible to expedite the process or obtain a tracking number for the replacement card request. Also, there is no option to get a replacement EBT card the same day.
It is not possible to use the card while you do not have it. So you won’t be able to manually enter the card number in retail stores or online. Even for online purchases at Amazon, you will need to enter your card’s CVV number to complete the transaction. Therefore, you will need to wait for your card to arrive before you can use the funds in your EBT account.
New Jersey EBT Card Discounts and Benefits
Your New Jersey EBT Card offers several discounts , gifts and benefits that you can take advantage of:
Amazon Prime EBT Discount:
If you have a New Jersey EBT Card, you have the opportunity to sign up for the Amazon Prime EBT Discount and enjoy all the benefits of Prime membership at a reduced cost.
Regular Amazon Prime membership costs $12.99 per month. However, if you have an EBT Card , you can get a Prime membership for $5.99 a month . This represents a discount of more than 50% on the usual price.
The following table shows the comparison between the Amazon Prime EBT discount and other memberships:
Monthly price:
Amazon Prime | $12.99
Amazon Prime EBT | $5.99
Amazon Prime Medicaid| $5.99
This discount gives you access to a wide range of Amazon Prime benefits, including free and fast shipping on millions of products, access to streaming movies, TV shows and music, unlimited photo storage and more.
Lifeline Program:
If you are currently an EBT Cardholder and your income is below a certain level, you may be eligible to access FREE or low-cost home or cell phone services for you through the Federal Lifeline Program . This program serves nearly 13 million Americans.
The Lifeline Program aims to reduce the monthly cost of telephone and Internet service. Eligible customers will receive at least $9.25 off their monthly bill. Please note that you can only use Lifeline for phone or Internet service, not both.
- discount cell phone
Below is a list of cell phone providers that participate in the Lifeline program in the state of New Jersey. These providers offer discounted cell phone services:
| Company Name | Phone |
| Assurance Wireless | 888-898-4888 |
| Safelink Wireless | 800-723-3546 |
- discount home phone
Here is a list of home phone providers that participate in the Lifeline program in the state of New Jersey:
| Company Name | Phone |
| Verizon | 800-924-0585 |
| WVT Communications | 973-764-8080 |
| CenturyLink | 800-407-5411 |
These providers will provide you with additional information on how to apply for and access discounted cell phone services through the Lifeline Program. Be sure to contact them for specific requirements and benefits.
Free entry with the EBT program:
One of the great benefits of the New Jersey EBT card is free or low-cost access to excellent tourist , cultural, educational, and adventure museums, including zoos, aquariums, and many more.
Museum admission can be free or pay up to $3.00 for individuals and families with an EBT card and valid photo identification.
The offer covers up to four people for each EBT card . So if you have a family of 4, you can use your New Jersey EBT card to get the special discount rate or free admission.
We recommend that you call the museum before you go so you can find out what the special rate is for EBT cardholders (either free admission or $3).