Using Your EBT Card

Find out where you can use your EBT card and what you can buy with it.

How to use your EBT card

Making a SNAP or cash purchase with your EBT card

At the register, all eligible SNAP items will be deducted from your EBT card once you swipe and enter your PIN. For any ineligible items, such as toiletries and house supplies, you can use your cash benefits by swiping the card again, selecting "EBT Cash", and entering the PIN for those items.  

To find out the balance on your EBT card, log in to DTA Connect at DTAConnect.com or on the DTA Connect mobile app, or call 1-800-997-2555 and follow the instructions to hear your balance(s).

Buying things with your EBT card

What you can buy with SNAP benefits

You can buy any food item except alcohol or prepared meals sold hot and ready to eat. You can even buy seeds or plants for growing food. Find out more about eligible food items.

You can't use SNAP benefits to pay for:

• Non-food items
• Prepared food 
• Restaurant food
• Pet food
• Alcohol (Beer, wine, liquor) 

• Marijuana/Marijuana Products

What you can buy with cash benefits

• Anything you need including
• Rent
• Utility bills
• Money orders
• Food

What you can't buy with cash benefits

• Alcoholic beverages
• Court-ordered fees, fines, bail or bail bonds
• Firearms and ammunition
• Gambling
• Lottery tickets
• Jewelry
• Adult-oriented entertainment material
• Marijuana/marijuana products
• Tobacco/tobacco products

Where you can't use your EBT card

• Adult book stores/shops
• Firearm dealers
• Casinos
• Cruise ships
• Jewelry stores  
• Liquor or marijuana stores
• Tattoo parlors
• Nail salons
• Cash transmittal agencies
• Smoke shops

Accessing cash benefits

Get cash

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: 

1. Get your balance by looking at your receipt, or call 1-800-997-2555.
2. Swipe your card.
3. Enter your secret PIN on the number pad, then press "Enter".
4. Tell the clerk how much money to enter or enter the amount yourself.
5. Check to make sure the amount on the receipt is the same as the amount of cash you received.
   
   NOTE: You cannot redeem SNAP benefits for cash.

Withdraw cash from an ATM.

Find an ATM with the NYCE logo or Quest® logo. There may be fees. 

Simply: 

1. Make sure it’s safe. Only use ATMs in clean, well-lit places.
2. Know your balance.
3. Follow the directions on the ATM screen.
4. Insert your EBT card.
5. Enter your secret PIN.
6. Press "Withdrawal".
7. Press "Checking".
8. Enter the dollar amount you want.
9. Watch for fees.
10. Take your cash from the machine.
11. Wait for your card and receipt.
12. Check the receipt to make sure it is the same as the amount you got.
13. Store your cash before you walk away from the machine.

Get cash back with a purchase.

Combine your purchase at a store with cashback service. There are no fees. Look for the Quest® decal and:

1. At check-out, swipe your EBT card.
2. Enter your secret PIN on the number pad, then press "Enter".
3. Tell the cashier how much money to enter for the purchase and your cashback amount or enter the amounts yourself. 
4. Check your receipt to make sure that the amount on the EBT receipt is the same as the receipt for your groceries and the amount or cash you received.

Avoid cash fees

Sign up for direct deposit.

If you have your TAFDC or EAEDC benefits directly deposited into a checking or savings account,

• You can use your ATM card instead of an EBT card for cash.
• You may not have to pay fees for ATM withdrawals at your bank or other banks within that ATM network.
• Complete a Direct Deposit form and send the form to DTA to request direct deposit.
• Visit the BasicBanking.org website for information on no- and low-cost checking and savings accounts. 

Withdraw or use cashback service in a store.

  There is no fee when you use your EBT card in a store to:

•  Withdraw cash 
•  Get cashback with a purchase

Some stores will allow a cash withdrawal without a purchase. Some stores will let you get cash back above the cost of your purchase. Check with the store for the withdrawal rules and the maximum cashback amount. 

Use fee-free ATMs.

It costs you 75 cents each time you make 4 or more EBT cash withdrawals in a month from an ATM. To save money, try to make only 3 withdrawals each month.

Most banks charge another fee just for using their ATM. You will not pay the bank fee if you withdraw your cash benefits from an ATM that offers free EBT cash withdrawals. Always check the fee notices at the ATM before making a withdrawal.

No matter who operates the ATM, you will still pay the 75-cent fee if it is your fourth or more withdrawal in the month.

There are no fees for ATM balance inquiries.

Know when your benefits are available

• If you receive SNAP, you will receive it once a month
• If you receive TAFDC/EAEDC (cash assistance), you will receive your monthly benefit in 2 payments.
• You will receive your cash and/or SNAP on the same day(s) every month when your case is active.
• Your benefits will be deposited into your EBT or bank account (for cash) based on the last number of your Social Security number (SSN), or the number that DTA assigns to you.
• If the date occurs on a holiday or a Sunday, you will receive the benefits on the previous business day.

For Example:

If your Social Security Number ends in a 0 (xxx-xx-xxx0)

• You will receive your SNAP benefits on the 1^st of the month.
• If you are receiving cash benefits, you will receive your monthly benefit in 2 payments. You will receive it on the 1^st and the 16^th of the month.

SSN Ending In	Cash/SNAP Benefits	Cash Benefits
0	1st	16th
1	2nd	17th
2	4th	19th
3	5th	20th
4	7th	22nd
5	8th	23rd
6	10th	25th
7	11th	26th
8	13th	28th
9	14th	29th

If you have a bank account, you may get your cash benefits by Direct Deposit on these dates and use your EBT card to get your SNAP benefits only.

Understand who can use your card

Even though your EBT card may have your photo on it, other household members who are receiving benefits as part of your case can use the card if they know your PIN.

Alert: Anyone who has your EBT card (or card number) and your PIN can access your benefits without your permission. You may not get them back. Change your PIN frequently.

Recognize where your card can be used

You can use your card to get your benefits where you see these logos:

For Cash and SNAP Benefits.

For Cash Benefits only.

You may also see signage like the picture above, noting the ability to use SNAP.

Request an authorized representative

Authorized representative for SNAP benefits

You designate this person to shop for you with your SNAP benefits. An EBT card is issued in this person's name.

Authorized payee for economic assistance

You designate this person to get cash or shop for you with your economic assistance benefits. An EBT card is issued in this person's name.

Authorized representative agency for SNAP

You designate this agency to have a person shop for you with your SNAP benefits. An EBT card is issued in the name of the agency they work for.

Misuse of DTA benefits

• It is a crime to sell your card, PIN, or benefits to others. Misuse of your DTA Benefits and EBT Card may result in investigation by state and/or federal authorities.
• Repeated loss and replacement of your card may result in a special investigation of your case. To report misuse, call 1-800-372-8399. Documented violations will result in penalties including but not limited to: Disqualification from assistance programs, recovery or recoupment of any improperly accessed benefits, and/or referral for criminal prosecution.
• For further facts on misuse of your EBT card and other important information please call 1-800-372-8399.

Protecting your EBT benefits from fraud or skimming

• Keep your EBT card locked at all times. Only unlock it when you are about to use it.
• Never let anyone see you enter your PIN. Do not write your PIN on the card or other documents kept with the card. Do not bend or cut your card. Change your EBT card PIN monthly before each benefit issuance.
• Never provide your personal information, EBT card number, or Personal Identification Number (PIN) to unidentified callers, or to a link provided via text or email.
• Visit Mass.gov/ProtectYourEBT for more information

When should you call EBT card customer service

1-800-997-2555- You can call customer service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Call right away if you think your card is lost or stolen. For case questions or changes, call DTA. 
• If you think a system error has reduced your account incorrectly, you may file a claim for an account adjustment by calling customer service at 1-800-997-2555. You have 90 days from the date of the suspected transaction error to file your claim and must call to do so.  
• Be sure to have your EBT card number, date of birth, and last 4 digits of your Social Security Number or Assigned Social Security Number when calling. 

Other important information

• You can download DTA Connect on your smart phone or tablet. You can also access your account online to keep up to date on your case information.
• If need to speak with a DTA case manager, call 877-382-2363.
• Need help or other resources? Call 211. 

EBT card tips

• Keep your card in a safe place when you are not using it.
• Do not damage or bend your card.
• Do not write on or scratch the black stripe on the back of your card.
• Do not put your card near magnets, TVs, stereos, DVD players, or even the magnetic clasp on a purse.
• Save your receipts to check your balances.