OTDA Home Resources for Working Families Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Card
Overview
Once you qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or cash benefits (Temporary Assistance) you receive an EBT card, also known as a Common Benefit Identification Card (CBIC). The EBT card looks like a debit card. The EBT card allows you to buy groceries and other items with your cash benefits at participating stores and other locations.
Effective December 1, 2024, all new or replaced EBT cards for Temporary Assistance recipients will no longer include a photo image and/or signature of the client. Clients requesting a photo ID should reach out to the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) or to their local Department of Social Services office for other available resources.
EBT Card Freeze
Use the new freeze/unfreeze card feature to help you secure your EBT card and protect your benefits from scam-related theft.
Check Your EBT Balance
You can check your EBT balance by visiting www.ebtEDGE.com or by downloading the ebtEDGE App available for download in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
It's the easy and free way to manage your EBT Card
- Check your available balance anytime, anywhere
- Review up to 6 months of transaction history
- Confirm your last deposit
- Select or Change your PIN
- Report damaged, lost, or stolen cards, and request a replacement card be mailed to you
First Time Mobile App and Website Users
You must register your EBT Card account and select your User ID and password by using either the ebtEDGE app or at www.ebtEDGE.com for access. Registering on either one also registers you on the other. Have your EBT Card handy when registering.
If you already have your www.ebtEDGE.com User ID and password, you're ready to use the same ID and password for the ebtEDGE App.
For more information:
Access Your Cash and SNAP Benefits
New York recipients may access their cash and SNAP benefits at participating EBT locations anywhere within New York State and nationwide. Cash benefits may also be accessed at participating ATM and authorized retail store locations.
Your EBT card and Personal Identification Number (PIN) are used at authorized retail stores with your cash or SNAP benefits. Many retail stores also provide cash back with your purchase. Check with the store for their cash back policy.
- Swipe the card
- Enter your PIN in the machine at the checkout line
- Only you should enter your PIN
- Always check and keep your receipts for your EBT purchases
You can use your EBT card at:
Cash Purchases
Any item may be purchased using your cash benefit account where EBT cards are accepted.
Please be advised that certain types of businesses are not allowed to let you use your EBT cash benefit to purchase items or to withdraw cash on their premises. This restriction applies whether the business is located in New York, in another state, or on Tribal lands.
Businesses that are not allowed to let you use your EBT card, nor should you use your card:
- Liquor stores
- Wine stores
- Beer/beverage centers
- Racetracks
- Casinos
- Video lottery facilities
- Off-track betting facilities
- Commercial bingo facilities; and
- Places that provide adult oriented entertainment in which performers take off their clothes or perform without clothes
For more information:
Toll-Free Customer Service Helpline
The toll-free number 1-888-328-6399 - is available in Arabic, Chinese, English, Haitian-Creole, Italian, Korean, Russian, and Spanish to recipients 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
You may use the helpline to:
- Check your SNAP or cash account balance information
- Hear your last ten transactions
- Request a printed 2-month statement of your account history
- File a claim if you suspect that a transaction error occurred
- Change your PIN
- Report damaged, lost, or stolen cards, and request a replacement card be mailed to you