by Lacey Nix

Created on: August 01, 2008

As gas prices rise and the housing market fails, many people are having problems with getting their families the basic neccesaties. There is help available and all you have to do is answer a few questions. Applying for food stamps can help out many families, and they are incredibly easy to use. Contact your local division of family resources for more information on applying for food stamps and eligibility requirements.

Using food stamps is very easy. After you get your application and have your eligibility meeting you might have a slight understanding of how to use your food stamps. Now that you have the food stamps there are a few things you need to remember before you start shopping.

What is your benefit amount?

What is the amount added to your card each month. You can't shop unless you know how much money you have to work with.

When is your card loaded with the money?

How often is your card reloaded? You have to make this money last all month. Most people receive their benefits based upon their last name. Check with you local division of family resouces to see when you get your benefits.

Your personal pin for the EBT card

WHen you get your card you must set up a personal 4 digit pin to activate the card. You will use this code at checkout.

Use A List

Having these answers will help ease your shopping trip. It is best to plan a menu for the week, so you can maximize the money you have to spend. If you follow a list you will have less impulse buys, hence saving you money.

You May Buy Only Food

Go through the grocery and pick out the items that you need. With food stamps you are only able to buy food, so any paper products or other items you may want, will have to be purchased some other way.

Completing your purchase

When you get to the register you should be able to swipe your EBT card in the debit card machine. Select EBT from the list of options. Finally enter in your 4 digit pin number. You transaction should now be complete. You receipt will show your remaining food stamp balance.
Keep this receipt incase you have to check your balance again.

If you were turned down

Sometimes you will be turned down with your EBT card and the cashier won't be able to figure out why. Check the bottom of your receipt, or ask for the printout. This will display the reason for the denial.

If you have any other questions regarding your food stamps, you should contact your local office of family resources for further assistance.

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