How to Use Your Food Stamp Ohio EBT Card

Get the most out of your food stamp benefits by learning how to use your EBT card.

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Introduction

This guide provides an overview of how to use your Ohio EBT card to purchase food and other necessities. The Ohio EBT card is a plastic card that resembles a credit or debit card. It can be used at any retail establishment that accepts EBT cards, including grocery stores, convenience stores, and some farmers markets.

To use your Ohio EBT card, simply swipe it at the point of sale and enter your PIN. You will then be able to select the items you wish to purchase. Once you have finished shopping, the total amount of your purchase will be deducted from your food stamp balance.

If you need help using your Ohio EBT card, call the customer service number on the back of your card. Customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you.

What is an EBT card?

Your EBT card is like a debit card. When you get your food assistance benefits, they are deposited onto your card. You can use your EBT card to buy food at stores that accept it.
To use your EBT card, just swipe it at the store like you would a debit card. You may need to enter your PIN number. The amount of your purchase will be deducted from your benefits balance.

How to use your EBT card

It is easy to use your Ohio EBT card. You can use it like a debit card to buy food at any store that accepts EBT. Just swipe your card at the register and enter your PIN number.

To find out if a store accepts EBT, look for the Quest logo or ask the store manager. You can use your EBT card at most farmers markets, too.

You can also use your EBT card to withdraw cash from your account balance at ATM machines. Just look for the Quest logo on the ATM machine.

What can you buy with your EBT card?

Your EBT card can be used like a debit card to buy eligible food items at participating grocery stores and farmers markets. You can also use your EBT card to buy seeds and plants to grow your own food.

Some things you CANNOT buy with your EBT card include:
-alcohol
-tobacco
-non-food items (e.g., pet food, paper products, soap, cleaning supplies)
-hot foods or foods that can be eaten in the store

Where can you use your EBT card?

Your Ohio EBT card can be used at any retail location that accepts SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. This includes most grocery stores, farmers markets, and some convenience stores. You can also use your EBT card to purchase seeds and plants to grow food.

How to check your EBT card balance

It’s important to keep track of your EBT card balance so you don’t run out of food stamp benefits. There are a few different ways to check your balance:

-Log in to the Ohio EBT website: https://ebt.oh.gov/ebtcards/Pages/default.aspx
-Check your balance at an ATM: You can use your EBT card at any ATM that displays the Quest logo. There is usually a surcharge for using an ATM, so it’s best to use one that is part of your bank or credit union’s network.
-Call the customer service number on the back of your card: 1-866-386-3071

What to do if you lose your EBT card

If you lose your card or someone uses it without your permission, call the Ohio Direction Card Customer Service number at 1-866-386-3071 to report the card as lost or stolen. You will be issued a replacement card.

Frequently asked questions about EBT cards

Below are some frequently asked questions about EBT cards in Ohio:

What is an EBT card?
An EBT card is a card that is used to access food stamp benefits. It is similar to a debit or credit card and can be used at any store that accepts EBT payments.

How do I get an EBT card?
If you are eligible for food stamp benefits, you will be issued an EBT card automatically. You will receive a letter in the mail with instructions on how to activate your card and start using it.

How do I use my EBT card?
You can use your EBT card at any store that accepts EBT payments. When you are at the checkout, simply swipe your card and enter your PIN number. The amount of your purchase will be deducted from your food stamp balance.

Can I use my EBT card anywhere?
No, not all stores accept EBT payments. You should check with the store before making a purchase to see if they accept EBT cards. Some stores may have special requirements for using an EBT card, so it is important to check beforehand.

What if I forget my PIN number?
If you forget your PIN number, you can call the customer service number on the back of your card to have it reset.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has been helpful in explaining how to use your food stamp Ohio EBT card. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your caseworker or the customer service number on the back of your card.

Resources

There are a few options for how to use your EBT card in Ohio. You can use it to purchase food from grocery stores or other approved retailers, or you can use it to withdraw cash from an ATM. You can also use it to purchase food online, though there are some restrictions on what you can buy.

If you need help finding a retailer that accepts EBT cards, you can use the Ohio Direction Card website (link below) to search for locations by county. You can also call the Customer Service number on the back of your card for assistance.

When shopping with your EBT card, you will need to present it to the cashier and tell them how much money you want to spend. The cashier will then swipe your card and give you the amount of food stamps (or cash) that you requested. You can then use these food stamps to purchase eligible food items.

Some retailers may have special checkout lanes for EBT customers, while others may require all customers to use the same lanes. If you have any questions about how to use your EBT card, ask a store associate or call customer service for assistance.

Additional resources:
-Ohio Direction Card website: https://odc.ohio.gov/wps/portal/odc/EBT%20and%20Cash/Locate%20an%20EBT%20Retailer/!ut/p/z1/04_Sj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfIjo8zizQMDA3MfQwMjEw8DBxNDA3MPMnH0MQEyckJ-AJKG4EMkwgfOrUvFxd7fgZ-G4GYln4iqY667gV-gC6IqUgyo2UzQDymlGSHo00WAhWEqwMoU6RoBGo7OJPm5_MKqccIqUU!/dz/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/?ef_page=1583:1&ef_change_state=Oh