This guide for Texas EBT Card enables you to know the details about how to log in online to check the balance of the card, replacement of the lost EBT card, EBT discounts and perks, which restaurants accept EBT cards, online shopping for groceries using the EBT card, Texas EBT phone number, etc.
What is a Lone Star Card or Texas EBT card?
EBT stands for electronic benefits transfer card, it works similar to a debit card that offers the card holders public assistance benefits like food stamps and cash assistance. Every month, the benefits can be received if you get approved for any benefits, including food stamps.
Applying for an EBT card
You can apply for the EBT card by using the three options. The first option is to apply online through the application website using the Texas Benefits portal.
Another option is to apply personally by visiting the local Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHS) department near you. Another possibility is to contact the HHS information line by calling 1-877-541-7905 to mail the application so that you can fill it out and return it to the local HHS department.
What are the benefits of holding an EBT card?
The EBT card can be used to buy food at any convenience, grocery store, or in specific co-op food programs. It has strict guidelines by the USDA on which items can be purchased and items that are not included in the list. The foodstuffs that are allowed to purchase are mentioned below:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Dairy products
- Fish, meat, and poultry
- Cereals
- Bread
- Soft drinks
- Cookies
- Candy
- Bakery items
- Energy drinks
- Birthday cakes
These are a few items you can purchase using the EBT Card.
The items that cannot be purchased are mentioned below:
- Tobacco products
- Alcoholic beverages
- Non-food items
- Hot food
- Paper products
- Soaps
- Pet products
- Household supplies
- Medicines and vitamins
- Cosmetics
- Grooming items
Can the Texas EBT card be used to shop for groceries online?
Texas SNAP EBT cardholders can shop groceries online for delivery or pick up. It began in 2017 when the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced online EBT purchases on a pilot program. This program enables low-income families to buy fresh, nutritious food. The USDA has broadened the online purchasing pilot. The Texas EBT card holders can now shop online at Walmart and Amazon.
Checking the Texas EBT card balance
The balance of the EBT card can be checked by checking on the last receipt as it is a simple method to get quick results. You can find the balance at the bottom of the grocery store receipt. The balance can also be checked before purchasing the items from the grocery store or by calling Customer Service (1-800-777-7328).
The restaurants that accept Texas EBT cards
The Restaurant Meals Program enables the disabled, elderly, and homeless food stamps recipients to purchase food at any accepted restaurant. This program aims to extend food for those who are unable to prepare and do not have permits to the grocery store. But, Texas state does not participate in the Restaurant Meals Program, when it joins the program, it will be updated.
Texas EBT customer care service number is 1-800-777-7328. The number is accessible 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. If you have any complaints like the card not working, the card being stolen, checking the balance of the card, or any other queries, you can call the number mentioned above.
The Texas HHS has designed the Texas EBT app, and it is called “YourTexasBenefits App.” You can easily download the app on the Google play store or the App store. This app can perform the following services: setting up the account or logging in, viewing case details, reporting if there are any changes to the cases, searching for an office near your area, etc.
The EBT card can also obtain perks, freebies, and discounts. By signing up for an Amazon prime EBT discount, you can enjoy the benefits of Prime membership. The federal Lifeline program helps low-income people below a certain level access free home or cell phone services. They also enable free admission to cultural, tourist, educational, and other adventures.
If the EBT card has been stolen, lost, or damaged, it must be reported immediately to 1-800-777-7328. You are asked to enter your EBT card number when you call customer service. Follow the steps carefully. Do not press any key or enter the card number. Press one to report the card as stolen, lost or damaged.
Once the report has been made, your EBT card will be deactivated, and others cannot take any benefit. The new card will be delivered via mail within seven to ten days. You must wait to shop as you cannot use the EBT funds.
If your card is stolen or lost, report it immediately to customer service so your money won’t be lost. When a request has been made for the EBT card replacement, but if the card has not yet arrived, the address has not been updated if you have changed your previous address. To resolve the issue, call customer service to update your new mailing address.
Frequently asked questions
- How to change or set up an EBT card pin?
Call the toll-free customer service number 1-800-777-7328 to change or set an EBT pin.
- Can the EBT Card be used in other states or countries?
Yes, the EBT card can be used in 49 states in the United States. It can also be used in the US Virgin Islands and Columbia, but not in Puerto Rico.
- Could someone be authorized to assist in shopping using an EBT account?
Yes, an authorized representative(AR) can assist in the shopping using an EBT card. The AR holds a card of his own with his account number and pin, and he has access to your entire benefit account. You can limit the access that AR has either to cash benefits or food benefits.
- Will I lose all the EBT benefits if I don’t use them this month?
No, you will not lose the benefits if they are not used, it can be carried forward to the next month.
- Do I get my EBT card if the ATM does not return it?
If you delay in removing the EBT card from the ATM, it may not return the card to you. Proper identification must be presented to the bank to return your EBT card.