Once eligibility has been established and benefits have been determined, an account is created and food stamp benefits are deposited electronically in the account each month. A plastic card, similar to a bank card, is issued and a personal identification number (PIN) is chosen by the recipient to give access to the account.

To use your EBT card to access food stamp benefits you swipe your card at the register and enter your PIN. The amount of your purchase will be deducted from your Food Stamp account. The receipt will give you the available balance in your account.