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Glossary

EBT card

A debit card that receives your monthly benefits from SNAP, WIC, and other government assistance programs so you can buy food and other allowed items.

An EBT card (Electronic Benefits Transfer card) works like a debit card. The government loads your monthly benefits onto it, and you use it to pay at stores that accept it.

EBT cards are used for:

  • SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps) — to buy food like fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy and bread
  • WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) — to buy specific healthy foods for pregnant women, new mothers, infants and young children
  • Other programs in some states

You can use your EBT card at grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers markets and other authorized retailers. Each program has rules about what you can buy. For example, SNAP benefits can't be used for hot foods, alcohol or household supplies.

If you think you may qualify for SNAP or WIC, applying is free, and only the agency decides if you're eligible.

Programs where this matters

SNAPUSDA Food and Nutrition ServiceSNAP gives monthly benefits on an EBT card to help households with low income buy food.WICUSDA Food and Nutrition ServiceWIC gives healthy foods, nutrition education and breastfeeding support to pregnant women, new mothers, infants and young children with low income.School MealsUSDA Food and Nutrition ServiceFree and reduced-price school meals help children eat well at school, and Summer EBT helps families buy food for children in the summer.