EBT Cards

SNAP Benefit Schedule

SNAP benefits are deposited on a date based on the last 2 digits of the Social Security Number used during application. To view the SNAP Benefit Schedule, click here.

Preventing, Reporting and Stopping EBT Theft Fraud

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is here to ensure Tennesseans have the tools they need to become financially stable and uses Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to deliver benefits. Unfortunately, some criminals are willing to use card skimming and other tactics to steal aid meant to help families on their way to financial stability. Customers and businesses that use and accept benefits using EBT cards are strongly encouraged to review preventative measures and reporting practices to stop the theft of benefits. Click Here to learn how to prevent, report and stop EBT theft and fraud.

EBT Edge Banner for web

Download the ebtEdge App to Help Protect your Benefits

For SNAP and Families First Customers

The ebtEdge Mobile App and Cardholder Portal are secure options for EBT cardholders who want to easily manage their time, budget and EBT card use.

ebtEdge can help you prevent and stop fraud:

  • Change your PIN regularly
  • Block out-of-state purchases
  • Use Touch ID or facial recognition to log in securely
  • Freeze your account instantly, as needed
  • Request a replacement if your card is lost, stolen or compromised

The ebtEdge mobile app is available from the Apple App Store for iPhone and the Google Play Store for Android devices. For more information, visit: https://www.fisglobal.com/ebtedgemobile.

Where to Use Your SNAP EBT Card

SNAP can be used to buy food items at most grocery stores and some online retailers.

Click Here to locate a retailer that accepts SNAP in your area or learn about using SNAP to purchase food online when you Click Here.

For information on what can be purchased with SNAP, Click Here to visit the USDA Eligible Food Items page.  

Electronic Benefit Transfer or EBT is a system for delivering SNAP and Families First benefits to eligible Tennesseans. The EBT system does not affect the determination of eligibility for these programs or the level of benefits that customers receive. It is simply a method of delivering the benefits. The issuance of SNAP and Families First benefits to  Tennesseans is performed through the Electronic Benefit Transfer process.

Electronic Benefit Transfer is an on-line system in which food stamp and cash assistance benefits are stored in a central computer database and electronically accessed by customers at a point-of-sale machine via reusable plastic cards. In Tennessee, these EBT cards are called Benefit Security Cards.

Tennessee ’s EBT program began in November 1998 with a pilot project involving four counties. The program was then implemented over a period of several months, with full implementation of EBT completed in August 1999. There are many advantages to Tennessee having an EBT system. Food coupons and paper checks are no longer issued and accounted for on a monthly basis. The EBT issuance process is streamlined, safe, and convenient. Other advantages of the EBT process include the following:

Allowing the DHS offices to expedite services and changes
Eliminating customers' monthly trips to the office or waiting on the postman
Automating the delivery process
Helping to eliminate fraud and misuse of benefits
Saving taxpayers' money.

VIDEO: Your Tennessee EBT Card

English version


Español version

 

Contact Information

Customers may access information about their EBT benefits via the ebtEDGE Cardholder Portal and ebtEDGE Mobile Application

Contact Information:
EBT Customer Service: 1-888-997-9444

EBT Merchant Service:
Wireless Merchants call 417-725-6270 or email FIS.Wireless.Payments@fisglobal.com
Wired Merchants call 800-894-0050 or email Merchant.Services.Support@fisglobal.com

If you’re a retailer interested in becoming authorized to accept SNAP (food stamp) benefits please contact the USDA, Food & Nutrition Service to start this process. This can be accomplished by contacting them at 1-877-823-4369 or go to: http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailers-0

Family Assistance Service Center: Toll-Free 1-866-311-4287