Formerly called food stamps, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps millions of low-income Americans put food on the table. The average monthly SNAP benefit for seniors living alone is $188—an amount that can mean the difference between eating well and going without.1

Snap benefits are dispersed on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card.

What is an electronic benefits card (or EBT card)?

Once you're approved to receive SNAP benefits, the government will issue your funds via an electronic benefits card (or EBT card). An EBT card looks and works like a prepaid debit card. It can be used at stores as your payment method to buy foods that are SNAP-eligible.

Each month, your benefit amount is deposited onto your EBT card. Since your EBT card is the only way to get your SNAP benefits, we recommend keeping it in a safe place. 

Do SNAP benefits run out each month? And do they stay on your EBT card?

Your SNAP dollars don't expire if you don't spend them all in the same month. Any leftover SNAP dollars will be kept on your EBT card and will be there until you're ready to spend them. But if you don't use them for a period of up to 9 months, the SNAP funds will be removed permanently from your EBT account.

Even if you stop getting SNAP benefits, you can still spend any funds left on your EBT card after your SNAP case closes.

How do I use my EBT card?

Here is how to use your EBT card at a store:

1. Check your balance before you go to the store to see how much money you have left on your EBT card.

You can do this by:

  • Looking at the balance printed on your most recent grocery store receipt.
  • Checking your balance through your online SNAP account if you have one (not all states provide your information in a SNAP account online).
  • Calling the EBT customer service number for your state (you can find that info here).
  • Calling the toll-free number on the back of your EBT card.

2. Go to the checkout lane with your groceries. In some stores, the register will automatically separate out SNAP-approved items so you only have to do one transaction. In smaller stores, you or the cashier may have to separate the items by hand. This may require you to check out and buy SNAP-approved items in a separate transaction.

3. Swipe or insert your EBT card in the payment terminal. Type in your PIN on the number pad. Then press the button to accept your PIN. Sometimes the button says "ENTER" or "OK" or "YES." Other times, the button is simply colored green.

4. Tell the cashier how many SNAP dollars you want to use to pay for your food or enter the amount yourself. If the amount is correct, press the button to accept the amount. If there are not enough funds on your EBT card, the cashier should tell you how much more you will need to pay.

5. Get a printed receipt after your visit. Be sure to keep this receipt, so you can check your balance before you shop again. 

In many states, large retailers like Walmart also allow you to use your EBT card online to pay for grocery pickup and delivery orders.

Who can use my EBT card to buy food?

You and anyone who lives with you can use your EBT card. A trusted caregiver who does your grocery shopping for you can also use your card.

In either case, you simply need to tell them your personal identification number (PIN). Your PIN protects your benefits, so only share it with people you trust who are shopping for your household.

Some states put your photo on the EBT card to prevent fraud, but stores must still let all household members use it.

How do I apply for SNAP so I can use an EBT card to buy groceries?

You can find out more about SNAP, including how to apply, right here on this website. Click here and enter your ZIP code. 

If you need help, see if there is an NCOA Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC) near you. BECs are community organizations that can help you find and enroll in all the benefits programs you may qualify for. If there is one where you live, call and make an appointment to get help with your SNAP application. 

Source

1. USDA. Characteristics of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Households: Fiscal Year 2023. April 2025. Found on the internet at https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/snap-FY23-Characteristics-Report.pdf