Can I Use My EBT Card In Another State?

Did you know you can use your EBT card in another state? However, there’s a lot of rules you need to know before you take that trip or move to another area.

In this article, we’re going to review some important tips about how to use your EBT card in another state. We’re going to discuss how long you can do it, where you can use it, and some important restrictions that every out-of-state EBT user needs to know.

Can I Use My EBT Card in Another State?

Yes, you can use your EBT card in another state. The SNAP program that provides your EBT card is “interoperable” in all 50 states. That means that you can use your EBT card anywhere within the United States and U.S. territories that sells eligible food items.

However, it’s important to note that some stores may not be set up to accept EBT cards from other states. For example, when Nicole was visiting family in another state, she discovered that Winco was unable to accept EBT from the state she lived in. That’s because Winco only exists in a few states and was only set up to process EBT cards from the states where they had physical store locations. This should not be a problem with major nationwide retailers like Walmart, Target or Kroger.

Can I use my EBT card at restaurants in another state?

Some states operate a Restaurant Meals Program that allows certain EBT shoppers to purchase ready-to-eat meals from places like Jack in the Box, Denny’s and more. Many readers have asked if they can use their EBT card at places like that.

Unfortunately, the answer is no. You cannot use your out-of-state EBT card to purchase meals from restaurants that accept EBT. That’s because the Restaurant Meals Program is set up by the state and your EBT card has to be authorized for restaurant purchases by the same state that authorizes the restaurants to accept them.

The only exception to that is Papa Murphy’s. You can usually use your out-of-state EBT card to purchase take and bake pizzas at a Papa Murphy’s in another state. That’s because the pizzas are not cooked on site so it’s more like buying groceries than a restaurant meal.

Can I use my EBT card to get discounts in another state?

There are over 1,000 EBT discounts available nationwide. When you travel with your EBT card, you can get free admission to zoos, planetariums, science centers, aquariums, concerts and more!

The good news is that many of those providers will honor out-of-state EBT cards. As long as you’re visiting a venue that participates in Museums for All, you can use your food stamps in another state to get free or discounted admission. When you check our discount list, just look for the destinations with green titles to find the ones that accept out-of-state EBT cards.

How Long Can I Use An EBT in Another State?

The exact amount of time will vary based upon the state that you applied for SNAP benefits in, but you typically won’t have issues using your food stamps in a state other than where you reside until around 30 days.

If you use your EBT card in another state for longer than 30 days, it can cause problems. If the state you used to live in suspects that you moved, they can send you a form forcing you to prove your residency. They can also close your SNAP case. You can contact your case manager to contest this if you have not moved.

If you are moving to another state, you should contact the state your EBT card is currently provided from to inform them of your move and learn how to properly transfer your case to the state you’re moving to. This should prevent you from being accused of fraud and having benefits permanently removed and denied.

What happens if you travel often or live in a border town?

You can use your EBT in another state indefinitely as long as you continue to meet the program requirements and maintain residency in the state in which you are receiving benefits. For example, if you live in Kansas City, Missouri, but you work across the state border in Kansas City, Kansas, you can shop for groceries in either state without fear of losing your benefits.

However, if you wanted to move closer to your job and relocated to Kansas City, Kansas, then you would need to stop using your benefits from Missouri and apply in Kansas instead.

Ultimately, though, if you travel often or live near a state border, you don’t need to worry. As long as you can prove that you still live in the state where you are receiving benefits and you continue to meet the program requirements, you should be able to maintain those benefits without any issues even if you consistently shop in another state.

Can I use my EBT card in another country?

Unfortunately the answer is no, you cannot use your EBT card in another country. SNAP is a federal program, which means it is run by the United States Government. It can only be used in the United States and U.S. territories.

How to Use Your EBT Card in Another State

If you receive benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and possess an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, you may need to know how to use your EBT card in another state.

Fortunately, using your EBT card in another state is relatively straightforward, as the EBT system is designed to be accessible nationwide.

1. Check the EBT Acceptance: Before you use your EBT card in another state, make sure that the retailer can accept out-of-state EBT cards. Although EBT cards work in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, retailers may not be able to process EBT transactions from states that they don’t have a physical presence in.
2. Know Your PIN: Your EBT card is protected by a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for security purposes. Make sure you remember your PIN or have it written down in a secure place. You’ll need it to access your benefits at ATMs or when making purchases.
3. Enable Out-of-State Transactions: Many states have implemented new security measures that allow you to block out-of-state transactions. This is intended to keep your account safe from skimmers and scammers who would steal those benefits. Make sure that you enable out-of-state transactions before you try to spend your EBT benefits in another state!

In conclusion, using your EBT card in another state is a convenient way to access your SNAP benefits while traveling or living elsewhere. By following these simple steps and being aware of any state-specific regulations, you can ensure that your EBT card remains a valuable resource for purchasing groceries and withdrawing cash wherever you are in the United States.

Relief Recap

You can use your EBT card in another state, but it’s important to be familiar with all the rules before you try. The EBT system’s nationwide acceptance makes it convenient for SNAP recipients to access their benefits wherever they go. However, this article highlights several important rules and restrictions you need to know before you shop.

Low Income Relief Team

This article is the product of a team effort! Multiple authors from the Low Income Relief team have contributed to this post. We have also used AI tools to organize data and refine the writing in accordance with our Responsible AI Use Policy. All articles on our website are reviewed by our founder and resident poverty expert, Nicole Thelin, prior to publication.