An EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card in the United States is an electronic card used to distribute benefits from social assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These cards are issued by the federal government and allow low-income people to access funds to purchase food at authorized supermarkets. EBT cards work similar to a debit card , in that recipients can use them to make purchases using the available balance in their account.
The EBT card is used primarily in two welfare programs in the United States. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the most common and provides benefits for the purchase of food. It is also used in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program , which provides financial support to low-income families. Also, some states use the EBT card for other assistance programs, such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP ).
With an EBT card, you can buy foods including fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, and canned goods. However, non-food items such as alcohol, tobacco, cleaning supplies, non-prescription drugs, and personal care items may not be purchased.