Request A Replacement Card
If your card is lost, stolen or damaged call EBT Customer Service at 997-2555 right away.
You can also request a replacement EBT card via the mail by using:
- DTAConnect.com or the DTA Connect mobile app. Under ‘My Info’, click on Request an EBT Card. You can also track the card in the mail on DTA Connect.
- Automated prompts on the DTA Assistance Line 382-2363.
You can also visit one of our local offices to receive an EBT card if you need one more quickly. If you cannot visit an office, talk to our staff about otheroptions.
When you request a new EBT card, it deactivates your old card. DTA cannot reactive an EBT card.
The PIN for your replacement card does not have to be the same as your old one but it will be the same unless you tell us you want a new PIN assigned to you. If you request a new PIN, it will be sent in the mail in a separate envelope from your replacement card. Your replacement card and PIN will arrive within 5-10 business days.
We can replace your card, but cannot replace any benefits taken from it. If benefits were left on your old card they will automatically transfer to your new replacement card.
Expect a fee.
It costs $5 to replace an EBT card. The $5 fee will be taken from your benefits. If you have no benefits available, DTA will take the fee from you later. There’s no $5 fee if:
Learn additional rules.
A Simple Guide To Virginia Snap Benefits
If youre having a hard time affording groceries for yourself or your family, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program may be able to help. SNAP helps people stretch their food budgets and puts healthy foods within reach. Its easy to use! SNAP benefits are placed on an Electronic Benefits Transfer card that can be used like a debit card. Benefits can buy eligible food items from authorized food stores, retailers and farmers markets.
How to Get SNAP Benefits in Virginia
There is an income requirement to receive SNAP benefits. You may be able to get SNAP benefits if you are:
- Elderly or disabled
- Working for low wages or working part-time
Use CommonHelp to apply for SNAP benefits in VA
CommonHelp makes it easy to apply for SNAP and other benefits. You can submit one application to apply for assistance from many Department of Social Services programs. These include SNAP, Medical Assistance, and Energy Assistance. You can also go to CommonHelp and get a Virginia SNAP application to print.
Fast Facts About Virginia SNAP Benefits
Looking for local meal programs or food assistance? Search for FOOD near you on VirginiaNavigator.org.
What Can I Buy with Virginia SNAP Benefits?
SNAP benefits can be used to buy any food for the household, such as:
Food or food products meant to be eaten by people
Vegetable seeds and food-producing plants, roots, and trees for the family to eat
Snack foods
Pet foods
How To Use Ebt Cash Benefits
This post may contain affiliate links. If you complete a purchase using one of our links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more about our editorial and advertising policies.
If you are using EBT cash benefits for the first time, or youre interested in learning more about how to use EBT cash benefits, youve come to the right place!
This article covers the basics about EBT cash benefits, what you can use them for, what they dont cover, and offers some tips on how to make the most of your cash benefits.
As you read this article, its important to note that almost everything about EBT cash benefits can vary by state. If you have specific questions about EBT cash benefits or SNAP administration in your home state, you can use this interactive map to find the contact information for your local benefits office.
Contents:
Also Check: What You Can Buy With Ebt
How Do People Use Snap Benefits To Buy Food In My Store
SNAP households get an EBT card, which operates like a debit card, to buy eligible food at stores authorized to take SNAP benefits.
The customer swipes the card in a Point of Sale device at the store and enters a four-digit Personal Identification Number . The clerk enters the exact amount of the food purchase on the POS. This amount is deducted from the households EBT SNAP account and credited within two banking days to the retailers bank account.
All transactions are electronically processed and recorded. USDA has access to records of all transactions, including the date, time, and dollar amount, on all terminals.
Request To Restore Expired Cash Benefits
In certain circumstances expired cash benefits can be replaced if you request a restoration within 6 months of the date the cash benefits expired. Six months after the expiration date, the cash benefits are permanently unavailable and cannot be restored.
Call your case manager to request to restore your expired cash benefits.
You May Like: How To Get Food Stamps And Cash Assistance
How Do I Check The Balance Of My Ebt Card
One way to check your balance is to call the phone number on the back of your card. Many states offer web portals and mobile apps that allow you to log in and check the balance of your EBT card. You can use these resources to review recent transactions, report your card lost or stolen, and update your PIN. If your state does not offer either of these options, reach out to your local SNAP office to find out more about how to manage your EBT card.
How To Use Snap
The Horizon EBT card is only used for SNAP and Financial or Cash Assistance. It is no longer used for Child Care. Child Care providers are paid direct via direct deposit or via check. If you are homeless or do not have a mailing address, your card will be sent to a post office near you marked as General Delivery.
Your EBT card will arrive in a white envelope with an out of state address once you receive your EBT card you will be able to select a PIN that will protect your account from being used by someone else.
Your PIN is a secret number, which only you know, that allows you to use your EBT card to buy foods that are on the list of allowable food items.
Choose a PIN that is not easily guessed. Keep your PIN secret and do not write it down on the card or card sleeve. Without the PIN, nobody else can use your card. Change your PIN often.
Check your account balance frequently by calling 997-4444 or accessing your account by using the Connect EBT mobile app for android and IOS or by using the website at www.connectebt.com
Keep your Horizon card even if your case closes. If you reapply for help in the future, you won’t have to wait for a new card to be mailed.
Also Check: Can Non Citizens Get Food Stamps
Get Cash Back With A Purchase
Combine your purchase at a store with cashback service. There are no fees. Look for the Quest® decal with the dollar sign and:
Withdraw Cash From A Store
You can withdraw cash from stores displaying the Quest® decal with the dollar sign . There are no fees. You don’t need to make a purchase. Simply:
You May Like: How To Get Cash Back From Ebt Card
Who Can I Call If I Have Other Questions
For questions about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, contact us at 1-877-823-4369 or visit our website at and click on Frequently Asked Questions in the Retailers section. For questions about using the POS and processing transactions, call the Retailer Help line number provided by your processor.
What Is Ebt Weight Debit And Why Does It Appear As A Charge On My Grocery Order
A 10% weight debit surcharge is added to items that are priced by weight when you pay with SNAP and/or EBT Cash. The final price is determined once the item is picked and weighed. If the final price is less than what you paid at checkout, the difference will be refunded to your EBT card, and/or reduce the amount charged on your credit card.
You May Like: How To Apply For Food Stamps In Sc
What Can You Buy With A P
You can use a P-EBT card at any SNAP-authorized retailer to purchase the same foods that can be purchased with SNAP benefits. With its focus on healthy, nutritious food for children and their families, the SNAP program prioritizes items like fresh, canned, or frozen fruits and vegetables, dairy, meats and poultry, bread, cereal, fish, and more.
These benefits also can be used to purchase seeds and plants that a family could plant to produce additional food. In fact, most food items can be purchased with a P-EBT card, except for ready-to-eat hot foods and live animals. P-EBT benefits cannot be used to purchase non-food household items such as cleaning supplies, pet foods, cosmetics, beer, wine, tobacco, or liquor.
Icipate In The Healthy Incentives Program
SNAP recipients are also automatically enrolled in the Healthy Incentives Program .
HIP puts funds back on your EBT card when you use SNAP to buy healthy, local fruits and vegetables from HIP farm vendors , so you can extend your food budget each month.
You can spend your HIP benefits on fruits and vegetables at approved HIP vendors which include farmer’s markets, farm stands, mobile markets, and community supported agriculture farm share programs. Find HIP vendors near you here.
Recommended Reading: How To Check Food Stamp Application Status
How Can You Make The Most Of Your Ebt Food Stamp Card
There are a few things you should know about how to use your EBT food stamp card in order to make the most of it. First of all, you can use your card at any store that accepts SNAP benefits. This includes most major grocery stores, as well as many smaller ones. You can also use your card to buy food online, as long as the store youre using accepts EBT payments.
When youre using your card, youll need to swipe it or insert it into the reader, and then enter your PIN. Once youve done that, you can start shopping! Youll be able to purchase any food item that is allowed under the SNAP program. This includes things like bread, milk, fruit, vegetables, meat, and more. Just remember that you cannot use your SNAP benefits to purchase things like alcohol, tobacco, or pet food.
Once youre done shopping, the amount of SNAP benefits you have left will be printed on your receipt. Be sure to keep track of this so that you know how much money you have left to spend. If you have any questions about using your EBT card, feel free to ask a store employee for help.
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 ConnectEBT mobile app or at ConnectEBT.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 ConnectEBT.com User ID and password, youre ready to use the same ID and password for the ConnectEBT Mobile App.
Read Also: How Do I Check On My Food Stamp Application
What Can Ebt Cash Benefits Be Used For
The great thing about EBT cash benefits is that they can be used to purchase almost anything. Many individuals and families use EBT cash benefits to help pay for:
- Rent or housing
- Household necessities
- Food not covered by SNAP
- Recreational and enrichment activities for children
EBT cash benefits are loaded onto your EBT card. You can use the card like a debit card, or to withdraw cash from participating ATMs. Once you have cash on hand, it can be used to purchase anything you want or need.
Bonus tip: Check out our article on some lesser known things your EBT card can do for you!
What Are Some Tips For Using Your Ebt Food Stamp Card
Here are some tips for using your EBT food stamp card:
-Be sure to keep your card in a safe and secure place. You dont want to lose it or have it stolen.-Check your balance regularly so you know how much money you have to spend.-Only use your card at authorized retailers. If you use it anywhere else, you could be subject to fraud charges.-Be mindful of expiration dates on food items. You dont want to purchase something that will go bad before you can use it. Plan your meals in advance so you know exactly what you need to buy and can stick to your budget.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Food Stamps In Denver Colorado
How Do You Manage Refunds When There Are Multiple Payment Types Used To Pay For My Order
If youre not happy with any item, you may request a refund. If SNAP EBT is used as a payment type, well follow guidelines from the USDA on how to process SNAP eligible refunds. If your item to be refunded is SNAP eligible and you used SNAP to pay for your order, we will refund the payment back to SNAP. When all SNAP funds have been refunded, we will refund the remaining payment types used in the order. For non-SNAP eligible refunds, we will process refunds according to the EBT Cash and/or other payment card amounts you used to pay for your order.
Can I Make An Edit After Placing My Order With Snap Ebt/ebt Cash
Yes, within a certain time frame after placing your order. Sign in and click “Orders” in the drop-down next to your name at the top of the page to edit or cancel your order. Items in your order and updating your delivery or pickup date and time may only be edited on the same day your order is placed.
Read Also: How To Know If I Qualify For Food Stamps
How Do I Get Pos Equipment For My Store
First, you must be authorized by USDA, FNS to take SNAP benefits. Once your location is authorized under your ownership, you may:
- Use existing or commercially available credit/debit card POS equipment that allows stores to process both EBT and commercial debit/credit transactions on the same device. The EBT Processor for your state can provide more information on where to obtain equipment and services. If you already have equipment, talk to your current processor about programming your current equipment and to obtain cost information.
- Use a special POS device that only processes EBT transactions. The EBT Processor for your state will let you know whether they offer such equipment to all types of retailers. Be aware that most retailers are required to pay for their EBT equipment and services, whether they obtain it from their state processor or a third party. Some stores are exempt from this requirement and are eligible for free state-supplied POS equipment. Exempt retailers include farmers markets, direct marketing farmers, military commissaries, non-profit food buying cooperatives and community meal services and programs. You must sign an agreement to cover the use of the equipment and supply banking information to the company that handles the processing for this equipment before you can receive the device.
Designating A Representative To Act On Your Behalf
A spouse, adult member of your household, trusted friend, relative or neighbor can be designated representative. This person may:
- Apply for SNAP for your household
- Receive a Virginia EBT Card that can access your SNAP account
- Use your SNAP benefits for you at the grocery store
- Receive copies of your SNAP notices and correspondence
If you want to designate an authorized representative you may do so your application or by writing a note for that person to take to the local social services department. The note will need to include:
- The name, address and phone number of the person you designating
- The duties you want that person to perform on your behalf
- Your signature and the date
Don’t Miss: Can I Order Food Online With Food Stamps
What Is A P
A Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer card, or P-EBT card, is a direct result of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act . The card functions much like a traditional EBT card for food stamps benefits.
This benefit is designed to ensure that children who qualify for free and reduced-price school meals under the National School Lunch Act or for food benefits under SNAP still have access to nutritious food, even if schools and child care centers are closed for reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic. With a P-EBT card, temporary emergency assistance funds are loaded onto a card that can be used at participating retailers to buy food, much like a debit card.
The P-EBT program was developed early in the COVID-19 response, in March of 2020, and originally allowed states to provide roughly $250 to $450 per child in grocery benefits on P-EBT cards to make up for childrens missed meals. The program has since continued and expanded.
In January of 2021, the U.S. Department of Agriculture increased the P-EBT amount by 15 percent, providing additional funds for millions of children who were missing meals they would normally receive at school. This increase is extended for 2022 as well.
Retailers are required by law to accept and treat P-EBT benefits and households the same as they would SNAP benefits, which also are delivered via a debit card. The P-EBT program is administered separately by each state that participates in the program.
