How to Check an EBT Balance

Keep aware of your EBT balance to avoid overspending.

An EBT card (Electronic Benefits Transfer card) is similar to a regular credit or debit card in size and shape. It is designed to be used with food merchants that participate in the food assistance program sponsored by your state. There are many ways to check the balance of an EBT card to budget your benefits more effectively. Checking your EBT balances online is a common way to view your transaction history, and a toll-free number is available to check the remaining balance of your card.

Things You'll Need

• Last food purchase receipt

Instructions

1. Use the Internet to register for an account with JPMorganChase's special EBT user account access (see the Resource list). Either create a special account with a unique user name and password or simply log in with your EBT card number and unique PIN number.

2. Follow the prompts through the JPMorganChase EBT website to gain access to your available balance amounts and transaction history. Log out of the web page when you are done.

3. Look on the back of your EBT card for the special toll-free number and dial the number from a touch-tone telephone. Enter in your PIN number when asked and choose the appropriate menu choices with your telephone key pad to gain access to your EBT balance amounts.

4. Look at your last food purchase receipt. The bottom portion of the sales slip should display the amount left on your EBT card.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your EBT card and PIN number separate in case it is lost or stolen.

References

• South Carolina Department of Social Services: Electronic Benefits Transfer

Resources

• JPMorganChase: Welcome to EBT Account