Recipients are issued an "EBT Card" similar to a bank ATM or debit card to receive and use their food stamp and/or cash benefits. Benefits are automatically deposited onto the card by the State. Known previously as "food stamps," the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help you pay for food if you have a low income.

Understanding the Context

Find your SNAP office to apply. Each month, SNAP benefits are added to an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to use when you shop for food. SNAP benefits are distributed using an Electronic Benefit Card (EBT) Card. Similar to credit cards, EBT cards can be used at participating stores and online retailers to purchase groceries.

Key Insights

The EBT card works similar to a debit card but the food benefits on it can only be used to buy food approved by the USDA. You can have your EBT card mailed to you or you can pick it up in your local Community Services Office. With the conclusion of the federal government shutdown, all current CalFresh recipients should receive their full benefits through November and the coming months. They will automatically be added to your EBT card and can be used like normal. KGW8: Will the SNAP benefits already on an EBT card roll over into November?

Final Thoughts

PORTLAND, Ore — If you are one of the roughly 757,000 Oregonians about to be impacted by the impending Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits freeze, don't throw away your EBT card. Will the SNAP benefits already on an EBT card roll over into November? al.com: What happens to SNAP benefits already loaded onto EBT cards, in accounts on Nov. 1 deadline?