EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer)
What is EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer)?
EBT is the debit-card system that delivers SNAP and some TANF benefits. EBT is interoperable nationwide: a card issued in one state works at authorized retailers in every state, so benefits already on the card remain spendable after a move even though the case itself must close and restart.
Do not spend down or abandon a card before moving. The balance follows federal rules, not state lines — only future issuances stop when the old case closes. Note that a small number of TANF cash functions can be restricted out of state; groceries under SNAP are not.
Federal source: USDA FNS — EBT ↗
Related terms: Expedited SNAP