86. What is an EBT card, how do I use SNAP benefits, and where can I shop?
SNAP benefits are kept in an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) account for you to use at any grocery or convenience store that is a USDA-approved EBT vendor. 106 C.M.R. §§ 364.900, 364.910.
Getting an EBT card and PIN
Unless you apply in person, the EBT card is usually mailed to you. There are no benefits on your EBT card until your case is approved.
DTA should make sure you have an EBT card in hand by the day your case is approved – either by 7 days from the date of your application, if you are eligible for expedited SNAP, or by 30 days from the date of your application.
If you need a card, you can request one on DTA Connect, by calling the DTA Assistance Line, or by going to pick one up in person at any DTA office. If you urgently need a card and going in person to pick up a card is not a good option for you, ask a DTA supervisor or the DTA Ombuds office about options for overnight mail or other solutions.
Important EBT card tips
- You will get two envelopes – one with the EBT card and another with the PIN. DTA will automatically assign you a PIN. You can change your PIN any time by calling the Massachusetts EBT Customer Service number: (800) 997-2555.
- Before you shop, check your last receipt to find out how much SNAP benefits are in your account through DTA Connect, or call Massachusetts EBT Customer Service at (800) 997-2555 for your balance.
- At check-out, swipe your card and enter your secret PIN on the number pad and then press enter. The cashier should NOT ask to inspect your card or look at your name or any photo on the card. The PIN is your electronic signature. See Question 33 regarding Photo EBT.
- Tell the clerk how much SNAP you want to use to pay for your food, or enter the amount yourself. If there is not enough EBT on your card, the clerk should tell you how much additional cash you need to pay.
- Always check your receipt to be sure that the amount on the EBT receipt is the same as the grocery receipt.
- Your EBT card does not expire, even if your SNAP case closes because you are no longer eligible. You can still use any SNAP benefits left on your card after your case closes, and use the same card if you reapply in the future. See Question 89.
- If you reapply and don’t have your card any more, or your card is defective (for example, the magnetic strip does not work), DTA should issue you a new EBT card. DTA should not charge you a card replacement fee if you have been off of SNAP benefits for over a year or you meet other fee exception rules. See Question 91.
Where to get help with your EBT card:
Call Massachusetts EBT customer service at (800) 997-2555 when:
- you have questions or problems using your card or secret PIN,
- your EBT card is lost or stolen or does not work (report this right away and then DTA will replace the card),
- you want to find out your SNAP account balance, or
- you want to find out where you can use your card.
There is no limit on the number of times per month you can use your EBT card to buy food as long as you have benefits on the card. There is no charge or fee when you use your EBT card to buy food. If you lose your EBT card, see Question 91.
Where to use your SNAP on your EBT card
You can use your SNAP to buy food at all stores that accept EBT including large and small grocery stores, convenience stores. See Question 87 about the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) at farmers markets, CSAs and other locations. You do not need to have a stove or other cooking facilities to get SNAP benefits. You can also buy seeds and vegetables or fruit plants to grow your own food.
You cannot buy the following items with SNAP:
- Hot prepared foods to be eaten on the store premises or immediately, such as pizza or hot rotisserie chickens,.” ,
- Non-food items such as pet food or vitamins, and
- Paper goods, cleaning supplies, and similar items.
SNAP rules on food purchase restrictions: 106 C.M.R. §360.100.
Prepared meals & Restaurant Meal Program
You are allowed to donate some of your SNAP benefit for prepared hot meals at certain locations including domestic violence and homeless shelters, congregate meal sites for elders or home-delivered meals for seniors. However, the agencies can only accept voluntary EBT donations and should not accept a donation of more than $2/meal. It also depends on whether the agency serving the meals is an approved EBT vendor (with equipment to accept SNAP). 106 C.M.R. §360.120.
And if you qualify as age 60+, disabled or are homeless, you can use your SNAP at participating Restaurant Meal Program vendors. See https://www.mass.gov/massachusetts-snap-restaurant-meals-program-rmp
Overcharges/mistakes by EBT grocers
Sometimes the store will make a mistake by overcharging your EBT account, even though you did not get all of your groceries. If this happens, the store must file a “merchant mis-dispense claim” with DTA. It may take several days for your SNAP benefits to get credited back to your account.
You may be able to get your benefits back sooner if you can get the store to contact DTA directly to verify the mistake. Call the EBT Customer Service line for immediate help: 800-997-2555.
DTA Online Guide
See Appendix G for links to the DTA’s BEACON Online Guide for this section. And see DTA’s information about EBT cards: Mass.gov/guides/using-your-ebt-card.