EBT Status Report by State (262.96 KB)
What is Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)?
Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is an electronic system that allows a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participant to pay for food using SNAP benefits. When a participant shops at a SNAP authorized retail store, their SNAP EBT account is debited to reimburse the store for food that was purchased. EBT is in use in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam. EBT has been the sole method of SNAP issuance in all states since June of 2004.
What is Pandemic EBT (P-EBT)?
P-EBT is part of the U.S. government response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and was established by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). P-EBT provides benefits – very similar to SNAP benefits -- to children that would have received free or reduced price school meals, if not for COVID-related school closures and/or COVID-related reductions in school hours or attendance.
On Nov. 4, 2020, FNS published the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) Integrity Final Rule, which is codified at 7 CFR 284.1. This rule requires FNS to treat P-EBT benefits the same as SNAP benefits for the purposes of identifying and sanctioning program violators.
For additional information regarding P-EBT please see our frequently asked questions.
EBT Information
- SNAP EBT Modernization Efforts
- EBT & Farmers' Markets
- EBT Disaster Guidelines – This guide assists states in developing their disaster plans. For more information, please visit the FNS Disaster Assistance Website
- SNAP EBT Third Party Processor Information
- EBT Card Skimming Prevention - Tools and Resources
- Replacement of SNAP Benefits in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023
- Ensuring Timely Benefits to Eligible Households
- Factsheet for New Retailers