How to use food stamps when shopping.
After June 2009, physical stamps will expire and all benefits will be issued and used through the current EBT card system.
So you’ve been approved to receive food stamp benefits through the SNAP program or your local government office. You are now able to use food stamps to purchase various foods for you and your family.
This article briefly explains how to properly use your food stamp benefits and a brief overview of what you can and can’t buy with food stamps.
First of, you may have noticed that you don’t actually get actual food stamps anymore. If you happen to be holding on to paper food stamps be aware that they all expire June 17th 2009. After that date no paper food stamps will be issued or accepted.
Instead of actual paper certificates and stamps, eligible individuals receive an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card which at the beginning of each month will be credited with your month’s worth of food stamp money.
Besides ease of use and security, many people appreciate that they can use their benefits in a discrete manner as it works just like a debit card would at the checkout.
This card will also include a PIN number, similar to an ATM or debit card. Those with an EBT card should protect it just as they would cash or bank card and should memorize their PIN number.
The card is swiped at the checkout similar to a debit card. Many card readers will have an option for EBT cards, you’ll want to select that option if you are swiping your benefits card yourself.
The system is set up to automatically debit money from your food stamp account for eligible purchases. Items that aren’t eligible for purchase with this money will not be charged to the EBT card.
You can use your food stamp benefits EBT card at nearly all food and grocery stores. Many stores will also include a sign or sticker on the door or at the checkout that indicates if they accept food stamps and the card.
Items you can’t purchase with your food stamp benefits card.
Non-food items obviously can’t be purchased with food stamps or the EBT card. This includes all household items such as cleaners and non-edible items. Also things such as tobacco and alcohol can not be purchased with your food stamp benefits.
Hot or cooked food can not be purchased with food stamps either. Many grocery stores sell hot ready to eat food in-store, these items are meant to be consumed in-store and can not be purchased with food stamp money.
You can purchase nearly every other form of food including fresh and frozen uncooked meats, canned goods, snacks, and so on. You can also purchase seeds to use to grow some of your own food.
Remember to treat your EBT food stamp benefits card like cash and protect it. You may be asked to present ID when purchasing items with your card as well. Memorize your PIN number and keep track of how much money is remaining on your card after a purchase.
Reference:
- www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/EBT/
- www.associatedcontent.com/article/1369678/what_food_can_you_buy_with_food_stamps.html
