How Do I Use SNAP Food Stamps?
NOTE: Glossary words are highlighted. Click on any glossary word to see its definition.
How do I collect my SNAP food stamps?
Once you are approved for SNAP food stamps, the DTA office will send you an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, also called a Bay State Access card. Your EBT card is a debit card that you can use at food store checkouts to pay for your food.
The DTA will deposit your SNAP food stamps benefits in your EBT account automatically each month. You do not have to go anywhere to collect your SNAP food stamps.
If you have been approved for food stamps but did not get an EBT card, you should call the DTA Recipient Services Line at 1-800-445-6604 (TTY 1-888-448-7695) for assistance.
What identification do I need to use my EBT card?
You must enter a secret 4-digit code called a PIN (Personal Identification Number) whenever you use your EBT card. This prevents other people from using your card without your permission.
When the DTA sends you your EBT card, they will also send you your PIN. You can change your PIN at any time by going in person to your DTA office. The PIN you choose should be easy for you to remember without writing it down, but not something easy to guess. (Do not use your telephone number or birthdate.)
How do I use my EBT card?
To use your EBT card to pay for food at the food store checkout, slide your card through the card reader, then enter your four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) on the keypad and press the "Enter" or "OK" button. This automatically subtracts the cost of your food from your SNAP food stamps EBT account. (If the store does not have a card reader or it is not working, the cashier can fill out a form for you to sign.)
Whenever you buy food with your card, your receipt will show the amount of money left in your EBT account. You can also call EBT Customer Service at 1-800-997-2555 to get your EBT balance. Massachusetts does not yet have online access to personal EBT information such as transactions or EBT balance.
If you do not use all of your SNAP benefits for a month, they will carry over to the next month. However, if you do not use any of your SNAP food stamps for a full year, DTA will assume you do not need SNAP food stamps and will cancel any benefits still in your account.
If you have any problem with your EBT card, you should call EBT Customer Service at 1-800-997-2555.
How can I check my benefits online?
You can check your SNAP benefits on the My Account Page (MAP) of DTA's Virtual Gateway. You can check your case status, benefit amount and date, contact information, recertification date, and notices.
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.
Which stores accept the EBT card?
Most supermarkets, convenience stores, and food co-ops accept EBT cards. Look for the Quest® mark, or a "We Accept EBT" or "We Welcome SNAP Benefits" sign. Many farmers' markets also accept EBT cards.
You can use the SNAP Retailer Locator to find stores in your area that accept SNAP benefits:
- SNAP Retailer Locator (USDA)
Click the "Select Location" button, enter your street address or zipcode, then click "Locate Retailers." The Locator will show you a map with the name and address of authorized SNAP retailers in your area.
What can I buy with SNAP food stamps?
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You can buy any food item except food that is hot when you buy it, or food that is sold to be eaten in the store like restaurant food. Eligible food items include:
- any food products or ingredients used to prepare meals at home
- cold prepared sandwiches, salads, and other deli items
- ethnic and health foods
- snack foods, candy, soda, and ice
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You can buy seeds or plants that you will grow to produce food for your household.
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You can buy locally grown food at farmers' markets (if the markets have EBT equipment).
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You cannot buy non-food items like liquor, cigarettes, vitamins or medicines, pet foods, soap, cosmetics, laundry products, paper goods, or other household products.
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If you are elderly or disabled, you can use your SNAP food stamps to pay for approved home-delivered meals such as Meals on Wheels, or for meals at senior housing, Dining Centers, or other group meals.
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People in drug/alcohol treatment programs, homeless shelters, shelters for battered women, and certain other group living situations can use SNAP food stamps to pay for their meals.
To check on a particular food item, call the Massachusetts SNAP food stamp office at 1-866-950-3663.
Can I use my EBT card in a different state?
You can use your Massachusetts EBT card throughout the United States. If you are traveling, you can use the USDA's SNAP Retailer Locator to find stores where your EBT card will be accepted. You can also call EBT Customer Service number at 1-800-997-2555 for information.
Note: You cannot use your EBT card in Puerto Rico, but you can use it in Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Can someone else use my EBT card?
You can sign a form giving someone else permission to use your EBT card as your "authorized representative." DTA will add that person’s name to your SNAP food stamps card, or issue two cards, one for you and one for your authorized representative.
The DTA will not replace your benefits if someone uses your card without your permission. You should only give your card and your PIN to someone you trust.
What should I do if my EBT card is lost or stolen?
You should call EBT Customer Service at 1-800-997-2555 right away and report the loss or theft. If someone else uses your lost or stolen EBT card before you report it, you will not be paid back for that amount. You should be very careful with your EBT card and your PIN.
You must go to the DTA office to get a replacement card. Be sure to take photo identification such as a driver's license with you. The first replacement card is free. For each replacement card after that, you must pay a $5.00 fee, which can be subtracted from your food stamp benefits if you choose. You will get a new PIN with your new card.
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