How do food stamps work?

When you use food stamps, you can buy the foods you like to eat. You will get a plastic card that looks like a credit card, called an Electronic Benefits Transfer or EBT card. You can use the card at most grocery stores, convenience stores, markets, and co-ops. Your food stamps are added to your card at the beginning of every month.

When you use your card, the cost of the food is subtracted from your food stamp account. The cash register receipt tells you how much you have left in your food stamp account. You can also call 1-800-914-8605 to find out how much money is left on your card.

If you are 65 or older or get SSI disability benefits, you can get your food stamps deposited directly into a bank account. This gives you complete privacy when you shop because you can use cash or a check to pay for your food. If you do not have a bank account and do not want to open one, you will get your food stamps on an EBT card. You can use the card at stores that accept food stamps. You can also withdraw cash from your card at a bank machine.

If you do not use all of your food stamps in the month, you can still use them the next month.