Electronic Benefit Transfer

Once your application for food stamps has been approved, you will be issued a Golden State Advantage Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.  The distribution of food stamp benefits with a plastic debit card makes the issuance of food stamp benefits faster and easier through the use of electronic transactions. By using the EBT card, cardholders can access food benefits at the point-of-sale (POS) terminals of retailers authorized by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to accept food stamp benefits.

Your food stamp benefits will be deposited monthly into a special account that you will access by swiping your EBT card through the POS device at the checkout stand and entering your Personal Identification Number. The amount of your purchase will be subtracted from your Food Stamp account.

For more information about the Electronic Benefit Transfer Card, click here.