EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) Cards are a safe, convenient, and easy way for you to use the benefits you receive from the Department for Children and Families. This includes Food Stamps, General Assistance, Essential Person Cash Assistance, and Reach Up Financial Assistance.

How it Works

You will get a plastic card, called Vermont Express, that looks like a credit card. Each month, your benefits will be automatically added to your account. When you use your card to get cash or buy food, your account balance will decrease accordingly.

Where you can use your Vermont Express Card

You can use your Vermont Express Card at many grocery stores, convenience stores, markets, co-ops, and ATMs. For a list of stores and ATM locations that will accept your EBT card, please click here.

You can also use your EBT card to buy fresh, local products at certain farmers' markets in Vermont. For a list of the ones currently accepting EBT cards, please click here.

Using your EBT Card at Participating Stores

1. Know your balance before you go shopping.
2. Swipe your Vermont Express Card through the Point-of-Sale terminal or hand your card to the cashier.
3. Be sure to select which account to charge (Food Stamp or Cash).
4. Enter your four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) on the keypad.
5. Press the OK or ENTER key.
6. After the cashier enters the purchase amount, press the YES key if it is correct.
7. When the cashier hands you your receipt, make sure the information on the receipt is correct.
8. Keep the cash register receipt.  It tells you how much you have left in your food stamp account. You can also call 1-800-914-8605 to find out how much money is left on your card.

Using your EBT Card at Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)

(For a withdrawal of cash benefits only; food stamp benefits cannot be accessed through the ATM)

1. Know your balance before you use the ATM.
2. Insert or swipe your EBT card. Follow the instructions displayed on the ATM window.
3. Enter your secret PIN number and press the OK or ENTER key.
4. Select the key marked WITHDRAW CASH and then select CHECKING.
5. Enter the amount you'd like in whole dollar amounts (e.g., $20, 40, $60, etc.).
6. Follow the instructions on the ATM screen.
7. Keep your receipt to help you keep track of your balance the next time you need cash.

Using your EBT Card at Participating Farmers' Markets

1. Visit the EBT/Debit Card stand at a participating farmer's market
2. Swipe your EBT card
3. Receive wooden tokens
4. Use the wooden tokens to buy market product

Who to Contact if you Need Help

Call 1-800-914-8605 if:

• You have any questions;
• You have problems using your card;
• Your card is lost or stolen;
• Someone learns your PIN;
• You forget your PIN and want to change it;
• You want to know the nearest location you can use your card;
• You want to find a location that does ot charge fees to get your cash benefits;
• You want to know your cash or food stamp account balance.

The EBT Customer Service Help Line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you.

You can also go to http://www.ebtedge.com to find out your account balances, transaction history, and other information about your EBT account.