How Do I Use My Benefits?
NOTE: Glossary words are highlighted. Click on any glossary word to see its definition.
How do I collect my TAFDC benefits?
You will receive half of your monthly benefit twice a month. If you have an account at a bank or other financial institution, your TAFDC grant will be directly deposited to your account. If you do not have an account, your grant will be paid through electronic benefits transfer (EBT).
What is direct deposit?
With direct deposit, DTA deposits your TAFDC cash benefits directly into your bank account. If you want direct deposit but you do not have a bank account, you must open one. You should ask your bank for details. Most banks offer a low cost Basic Banking program for this purpose.
NOTE: You will still need to use an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card for your food stamps benefits.
What is an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card?
If you do not have a bank account, your TAFDC cash benefits will be deposited in an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) account. DTA will send you an EBT card through the mail. The EBT card is a card that looks like a credit card and has your name and picture on it. You need to choose a secret 4-digit personal identification number (PIN) that will allow you to take money out of your EBT account at automated teller machines (ATMs).
If you get food stamps benefits, you will use the same EBT card for TAFDC and food stamps. If you need help using the card, call 1-888-551-6773. You may use your card to get TAFDC cash benefits wherever you see the NYCE logo at bank ATMs, or in supermarkets and department stores where the QUEST logo is displayed.
How can I check my benefits?
You can check your TAFDC benefits on the My Account Page (MAP) of DTA's Virtual Gateway. To use MAP, you must be the head of household (the person who signed up for benefits).
- To register for an account: Virtual Gateway: Setting Up Your Account
You must enter your name, date of birth, and e-mail address to set up your account.
- To log in if you already have an account: Virtual Gateway User Login
You must enter your username, password, date of birth, Social Security number, zip code, and EBT number to access your account.
For more information about the My Account Page (MAP), see:
You can also call EBT Customer Service at 1-800-997-2555 to get your EBT balance.
What do I do if my EBT card is lost or stolen?
If your EBT card is lost or stolen, contact EBT Customer Service immediately by calling 1-800-997-2555. You should call them right away so they can prevent someone else from using your card to take money from your account. DTA will give you a new card free of charge for the first replacement. (Replacements cost $5 after the first.) However, DTA will not replace any money stolen from your account before you report the loss.
Can a family member or friend use my EBT card to make withdrawals for me?
You may let someone else use your EBT card to make withdrawals for you. This person is called an "authorized payee." You must tell the DTA the name of the person, and sign a form giving your permission. Make sure you choose someone you trust, because that person will know your personal identification number (PIN) and will have access to all your cash benefits.
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