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Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)

Use Your SNAP Benefits Safely and Easily 

The Virginia EBT card works like a debit card to buy eligible food and drinks for your family. 

Authorized retailers will display a "We Welcome SNAP EBT Customers" poster. 

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)

Already have an EBT card? View account information here

About EBT

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) uses a simple plastic card to give eligible households access to SNAP benefits. You can: 

  • Pay for groceries by swiping your card and entering your PIN
  • Use your card at authorized retailers displaying the “We Welcome SNAP EBT Customers” sign

View the table below to determine what you can and cannot buy using EBT: 

Eligible Purchases Not Eligible Purchases
Groceries, fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, baby formula, diabetic and diet foods, seeds and plants that grow food, water, ice, snacks, spices, herbs Alcohol, tobacco, hot or prepared meals at the store, pet food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, food containers, medicines, vitamins, minerals 

Using Your Card

Your EBT card makes it easy to buy groceries and keep track of your balance. This section explains how to use your card at the store, manage your PIN and make sure your benefits stay active.

At the Store
Tracking Your Balance
Your PIN
Carryover Balances

Tell the cashier you’re paying with EBT. You may need to separate eligible items. Retailers will not give cash change on EBT purchases.

If you are charged twice or a voucher is processed incorrectly: 

  • First, speak with the store manager. 
  • If it is not resolved, call the EBT Help Desk at 1-866-281-2448 to file a claim. 
  • Claims are usually resolved within 10 business days. 

Choose a 4-digit PIN when you activate your card. Keep it secret. Do not write it on the card. If your PIN is entered incorrectly five times, the card will lock for the day. 

Unspent benefits roll over to the next month. But if your card is inactive for nine months, older benefits will expire. Make at least one food purchase every nine months to keep your account active.

Lost or Stolen Cards

Call 1-866-281-2448 right away. Your old card will be deactivated and a new card issued. If you’ve moved, update your address with your local social services office. 

Protect Yourself from Scams 

Criminals may try to steal your benefits by asking for your card number or PIN. Remember: 

  • Never share your PIN. 
  • Lock your card when not in use with the ConnectEBT app. 
  • If you suspect fraud, contact the EBT Help Desk immediately. 

Learn more about avoiding EBT scams 

New EBT Chip Cards Are Coming Fall 2026

Virginia is issuing new chip-enabled Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card beginning September 2026 through December 2026. The new cards will replace current magnetic stripe-only cards to help further safeguard your nutrition benefits and reduce fraud. Your card balance will transfer to the new card — only the card technology is new!

How You Can Prepare

  • Make sure your address, phone number and email are up to date with your local agency so you can get your new card.
  • Setup and use your ConnectEBT.com account.
  • Watch for updates about your new card on social media and on ConnectEBT.
  • Keep your current card until your new chip card arrives.
  • Use your card safely — never share your PIN and change it often

What This Means for You

  • Your old magnetic-stripe EBT will stop working when you activate your new chip card or 60 days after the new card is mailed.
  • At the store, you will tap or insert the card instead of swiping.
  • The new card has an expiration date and a three-digit security code. You will need these for online purchases and to set and reset your PIN.
  • You set a new PIN each time a new card is issued.
  • Keep using ConnectEBT to lock and unlock your new chip card to help protect your benefits.
  • For help, call the EBT Customer Service Help Desk at 866-281-2448 or contact your local department of social service.

 

 

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