Welcome to the CT EBT website!

EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer. If you have been approved to receive benefits from one of the programs listed below, you can use this website to view your benefit balance(s).

• Food Assistance (formerly Food Stamp) - Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

• CASH benefits.

This website can also be used to view your transaction history, learn more about EBT, and go to other websites that may be useful in answering additional questions you may have.

The Connecticut EBT card is a "debit" card that your SNAP and/or cash benefits are put on each month.

Now, Let's Get Started:

To use this website to log into your account, you must have the following:

• An EBT card,

• A User ID, and

• A Password.

If you do not have an account or need to change your Password, click on "Create User Account."

CT EBT CUSTOMER SERVICE:

SNAP and CASH 1-888-328-2666

Misuse of Your SNAP Benefits is a Violation of State and Federal Laws!

What should I know about my SNAP account?

• It does not cost you anything to use your EBT card for SNAP.
• You never get cash back when you use your SNAP benefits.
• You can buy the following items using your EBT card: Any food to be eaten at home by people, including baby food, non-alcoholic beverages, and seasonings. Seeds and plants to grow food for your own family's consumption.
• You cannot buy non-grocery items with SNAP benefits, such as cleaning products, pet food, paper products, alcohol, or tobacco.
• Click on the link to the Issuance Schedules to determine the day your household should receive ongoing monthly benefits.
• You can use your EBT card even if your SNAP case is closed as long as you have benefits left in your account.
• Any benefits that were available for use and not used in 365 days will be removed (expunged) from your account if there has not been any financial activity (such as a SNAP purchase) on your account in the past 365 days. Your benefits cannot be re-issued if they are expunged.

Information regarding your EBT card and knowing your available balance

You will need to select a 4-digit Personal Identification Number, or PIN before using your EBT card.

To select or change your PIN, Call EBT Customer Service at 1-888-328-2666.

• You will need the 18 digit card number
• The last four digits of the primary cardholder's Social Security Number
• The primary cardholder's Date of Birth

Do not write your PIN on your card.

Do not keep your PIN with your card.

Never share your PIN with anyone.

If you enter your PIN incorrectly four times in a row at a store or an ATM, your account will be locked until the next day even if you select a new PIN.

Keep your card in a safe place when you are not using it.

Sign the back of your card.

Do not put your card near magnets.

Know your balance before you shop.

You can check your balance by calling the EBT customer service number listed on the back of your EBT card - 1-888-328-2666.

You can check your balance by logging into the client website www.ct.gov/dss/ebt

You can know your balance by saving your EBT receipts. After you make a purchase, you will receive a receipt that will indicate your available balance.

You can ask a cashier to do a balance inquiry before your transaction.

SNAP Benefits that are not used within 274 days will be removed from your account, and you are no longer eligible for them.

Cash Benefits that are not used within 365 days will be removed from your account, and you are no longer eligible for them.

What do I do if my EBT card is lost, stolen or damaged? How can I get a new EBT card?

As soon as you know that your EBT card is lost or stolen, you need to cancel it immediately to prevent anyone from accessing your benefits.

You can do this by either logging into the client website www.ct.gov/dss/ebt or by calling the EBT Customer Service line at 1-888-328-2666. Follow the instructions/prompts for reporting a lost, stolen or damaged EBT card.

If you believe that benefits were used without your permission, you need to file a police report and follow up with them.

The State does not replace stolen benefits.

To get a new EBT card call the State's Benefit Center, toll-free at 1-855-626-6632 and follow the prompts. Be sure the State has your current address and that your name is on your mailbox.

If you request 4 or more EBT cards in a year, you may get a letter from the State advising you that they will be watching your EBT transactions closely. If the number of cards you order continues to increase, the State will investigate to make sure there is no misuse or fraud. You may be contacted by a fraud investigator.

How to use your EBT card at the store

Know your balance before your shop.

SNAP benefits can only be used to purchase food. You cannot get cash back from your SNAP account.

SNAP transactions are free. There are no minimum purchase requirements, and no limit to the number of times you can use your card for SNAP transactions.

Look for the QUEST logo on the door or window of the store, or ask a clerk if they accept the EBT card before shopping.

At check-out, your EBT card is swiped through the machine by you or the cashier. If you receive both SNAP and Cash benefits on your EBT card, be sure to select the correct payment type when your card is swiped. The State cannot correct this after the transaction is complete and you have left the store.

Follow the directions on the machine to enter your PIN. ONLY YOU SHOULD ENTER YOUR PIN.

Tell the cashier how much money to enter, or enter it yourself.

Always check your receipt to make sure the amount of the EBT purchase is correct.

How and where to access your Cash benefits

Except as noted below, there are no restrictions on what or where you can use your cash benefits.

You can make a purchase anywhere EBT cards are accepted.

Some stores will allow you to receive cash back with a purchase, and some stores may allow you to withdraw cash without a purchase. You must follow the store's policy regarding cash back or cash withdrawals.

You can use your cash benefits at any ATM that displays the NYCE or QUEST logo.

Choose an ATM in a place where you feel safe. Follow the directions on the ATM. Put your card into the ATM or swipe the card. Enter your PIN when requested, then "withdraw" from "checking" account. Select the dollar amount you want. Take your cash, card and receipt.

Please note - you will be able to perform two (2) free ATM withdrawals each month at ATMs that do not charge a surcharge. Each transaction after the two free withdrawals with cost you $0.45 each. This amount must be available when making your withdrawal, and will be taken out automatically when you complete your transaction.

Please note - some ATM owners will charge you a "surcharge fee" (usually ranging from $1.00 - $2.50) just for using their ATM. A message should appear asking if you agree to pay this fee. Most major banks and credit unions in Connecticut do not charge EBT cardholder's a surcharge fee. You will keep more money in your pocket if you look for an ATM that does not charge a surcharge.

If you receive TFA benefits, you are not allowed to use your EBT card for purchases or ATM transactions at liquor stores, casinos and off-track betting facilities, or establishments that provide adult-oriented entertainment in which performers disrobe or perform in an unclothed state for entertainment. Transactions at these locations can lead to monetary sanctions and a loss of TFA benefits.

Can I use my EBT card as a medical card?

If you receive medical assistance from the State, your EBT card is also your medical card. This is only true for the person whose name appears on the EBT card. Other household members will receive a medical card with their name and identification number on it.

If you are receiving SNAP or Cash benefits, you cannot receive a separate medical card.

If you received a medical card before you began receiving SNAP or Cash benefits, you can tell the difference between the two cards by what is printed on the back of the card. EBT cards will display the Quest logo and contain a customer service phone number on the back of the card, and a Medical only card only has a return address listed on it.

What are EBT transaction errors?

Occasionally an EBT system error occurs during a cash or SNAP transaction resulting in a mistake being made in your account balance. Some examples are:

• If you make a SNAP purchase, and the SNAP account was incorrectly charged twice for the same purchase;
• If an ATM only gave you $20 when you requested $40, but your account was still charged the $40.

You must file a claim for an account adjustment by contacting EBT Customer Service at 1-888-328-2666 and select the option to review your last ten transactions and then the option to dispute a transaction. You have 90 days from the date of the transaction to file your claim.

• SNAP transaction claims are usually resolved within 15 days.
• Cash transaction claims may take up to 30 days to resolve.

A system error can also happen where your SNAP purchase is not deducted from your SNAP account at the time of your purchase. The retailer can submit a claim to have the money taken out of your account and paid to them. You will be notified in writing if this happens.

It's the law!

Buying, selling or otherwise misusing SNAP benefits is a federal crime.

To report abuse, visit www.usda.gov/oig/hotline.htm or call 1-800-424-9121.

Misuse or abuse of your card will result in an investigation by State and/or Federal authorities.

Documented violations will result in sanctions including

• Disqualification from the program
• Repayment through recoupment and/or restitution, and/or
• Criminal prosecution.

What should I know about my Cash account?

You can buy non-grocery items with your Cash benefits, such as cleaning products, pet food, and paper products.

Some grocery stores will let you get cash from your cash account.

You can get your Cash benefits from any ATM displaying the Quest logo.

You may have to pay a surcharge at the ATM.

• A surcharge is a service fee that some stores and banks MAY charge you each time you use an ATM to get cash or check your balance. Before you use your card, look for a warning telling you about this fee on the ATM screen. You can cancel and go to another location to get your cash, then you do not have to pay this fee.

• A transaction fee is money you will be charged after the second time you get cash or check your balance at an ATM in any one month. This fee is not charged at POS machines.

The first two successful cash withdrawals are free each month. Each subsequent successful withdrawal that takes place in the same month will cost you forty-five cents ($.45).

You can use your EBT card even if your Cash case is closed as long as you have benefits left in your account.

Any Family Assistance Cash benefits (TANF, emergency, or special benefits) that were available for use and not used in 91 days will be removed (expunged) from your account if there has not been any financial activity (such as a Cash purchase) on your account in the past 91 days. Your benefits cannot be re-issued if they are expunged.

What is a PIN?

• PIN stands for Personal Identification Number. You must have a 4-digit PIN to use your EBT card.
• Call the Customer Service number printed on your EBT card to select a PIN if the EBT card you received is your first EBT card or your old PIN no longer works with your replacement card.
• Choose a PIN that is easy for you to remember, but hard for someone else to guess or figure out in the event you lose your card.
• Never tell anyone else, including a grocery store cashier, your secret PIN.
• Never write your PIN on your card.
• Do not write your PIN on anything you carry with you like your wallet or purse in case it is lost or stolen.
• If you forget or want to change your PIN, you must call the Customer Service number printed on your EBT card and follow the automated PIN selection/change instructions or you can change it online after you create a user account and log in.
• When entering your PIN to make a purchase be sure no one else can see what numbers you are entering.
• If you think someone else has learned your PIN immediately call the Customer Service number printed on your EBT card, or change your PIN online after you create a user account and log in.
• If a person has your card and knows your PIN, all of your benefits can be used. If someone else learns your PIN and uses your card, your BENEFITS WILL NOT BE REPLACED.

How do I select my PIN?

You must call the Customer Service number below.

1-888-328-2666 ???en_US.text.pin.1.2???

Follow the prompts to select or change your PIN.

You will need the following information to select your Personal Identification Number (PIN):

• The 18 digit card number on the front of your card.
• The primary EBT account holder's 5 digit mailing Zip Code.
• The primary EBT account holder's Social Security Number(SSN).

You can also change your PIN online after you create a user account and log in.

How do I use my EBT card at the store ?

• Make sure you have selected your PIN and remember it before going shopping.
• Your EBT card can be used at any store that accepts the Connecticut EBT card. If you do not see a sign that states EBT is accepted, ask someone at the customer service desk if the store accepts the EBT card.
• Go shopping as normal.
• At the checkout lane, slide your own card or give your card to the clerk depending on the store. The clerk enters your transaction amount. The clerk should not leave the area with your card.
• You will need to enter your 4 digit PIN.
• Check the amount that shows in the machine window to make sure it is correct.
• Make sure the amount on the receipt is the same as the amount you spent. If the receipt is wrong, tell the clerk right away.
• Keep the receipt as a record of your current balance.

How do I use my card at the ATM?

• Insert your card into the ATM.
• Enter your PIN.
• Press the button for WITHDRAWAL.
• Press the button for CHECKING.
• Enter the dollar amount.
• If the ATM screen tells you that a surcharge will be charged and you do not want to pay it, cancel the transaction by pressing the CANCEL button and try another ATM.
• Press the button for CORRECT to go on if the amount is right, or CANCEL to stop if the amount is wrong.

How do I protect my EBT card ?

• If your EBT card is lost or stolen call Customer Service immediately. Your benefits will be protected as soon as you report your card lost or stolen. A replacement card will be issued to you and your remaining benefits will be transferred to the card you are issued.
• When entering your PIN to make a purchase, be sure no one else can see what number you are entering. If someone else learns your PIN and uses your card and PIN to use your benefits, your benefits will not be replaced.
• If you think someone else has learned your PIN, call Customer Service immediately to select a new PIN or select a new PIN online after you create a user account and log in.
• Keep your card away from electronic equipment (like TVs and microwaves), magnets and out of the sun.

Misuse of your SNAP benefits is a violation of State and Federal laws. DO NOT:

• Sell, trade or give away your SNAP benefits, PIN or Connecticut EBT Card.
• Allow a retailer to buy your food benefits in exchange for cash.
• Use someone else's SNAP benefits or Connecticut EBT card for your household.

Lost or Stolen Cards or PINs and Problems with Transactions

Immediately call Customer Service at:

1-888-328-2666

To request a replacement card please contact the State Benefit Center at 1-855-626-6632

When you receive your replacement card, your current PIN is not transferred to your replacement card so you need to change your current PIN by calling the Customer Service number listed above. However, if you want to change a PIN, select the option to change your PIN after you login.

Other Links

State Agency Websites:

www.connect.ct.gov

www.ct.gov/dss

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Website:

• http://www.fns.usda.gov/fns

USDA FNS "Steps to a Healthier You" Nutritional Information Website:

• http://www.chooseMyPlate.gov

USDA FNS Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Retailer Locator Website:

• http://www.snapretailerlocator.com

CT EBT ISSUANCE SCHEDULE :

Last Name Begins with Letter	Benefits Available on
A thru F	1st of the month
G thru N	2nd of the month
O thru Z	3rd of the month

Program Material

• TBD

ACS ONLINE PRIVACY STATEMENT

General

ACS is committed to the privacy and security of personal information you provide to us through the use of ACS Web Sites. This Online Privacy Statement ("Statement") informs you of the information practices for ACS Web Sites, including the type of personal information we collect from your use of ACS Web Sites, how the information is used, and with whom the information is shared.

By using our Site, you agree that your use is subject to the terms of this Statement and you consent to the collection, use and storage of your information by ACS in accordance with this Statement and as may be more specifically explained on each Site. ACS may change this Statement at any time and will display the changes here on this Site. Because your use of this Site after changes have been posted indicates your agreement with those changes, we encourage you to visit this Statement on a regular basis. If you are not comfortable with using this Site in accordance with this Statement, please exit the Site immediately.

You may have accessed this Site as a result of a link from another ACS Site. This Statement applies to all ACS Sites linked to this Site except where more specific information is provided on the linked Site with respect to the collection, use and storage of personal information.

This Statement is effective June 2, 2004.

Collection and Use of Information

You may visit this Site and certain other ACS Sites without registering or disclosing personally identifiable information, although some areas of this Site or other Sites may require a password. ACS may ask you to provide personal information, such as when you are asked to complete an online form or a request with regard to a product or service from ACS. This information may include name, physical address, phone number, email address and other personal information that you choose to provide. ACS uses this information for purposes of communications with you, to respond to requests you may have, and for marketing purposes. If you wish to update information you provided through this Site in connection with regular mailings or you wish to have your name removed from a mailing list, you may do so by sending an email or by submitting an updated form through the same communication channel you initially submitted the information.

Certain ACS Sites allow for the electronic submission of resumes if you are interested in employment opportunities with ACS. Resumes received by ACS are used only for employment purposes or such other purpose you may request. If you wish to delete or update employment-related information you submitted through this Site, you may do so by using the profile management function that is available or contact ACS Human Resources.

When you visit this Site, we may automatically collect certain information relating to you, such as your Internet address, Internet service provider, type of operating system, the time and date you accessed the Site, and the Internet address from which you arrived at our Site. Also, when you visit our Site we may collect information through the use of a "cookie". A cookie is a small file that a web site can send to your browser and then is stored on your computer. This type of technology is designed to tell us when you reenter our Site, where you visit within our Site, and the type of browser you use. You are not required to accept any cookie we might use, although some areas of a Site may not be operational without the use of cookies. You can disable cookies on your computer by changing the settings in your browser. The information collected helps us identify data relating to usage and trends, address any problems with Site administration, and to further improve this Site.

Sharing of Information with Third Parties

ACS will not sell or give your personal information to third parties for their use for purposes unrelated to ACS without your permission.

ACS may share personal information about you with our subsidiaries and affiliated companies. We also may share personal information with our suppliers, contractors and agents who perform functions on our behalf, or in connection with products and services offered by ACS or a request made by you. ACS may disclose your personal information as we consider necessary to comply with the law or governmental authorities, in connection with litigation, dispute resolution, or administration of this Statement or a possible violation of this Site's Terms of Use or the rights of ACS or a third party. In addition, ACS may disclose or receive personal information in connection with a possible sale, purchase, merger or other reorganization of a business.

Retention

ACS will retain personal information collected by a Site for as long as it is needed to fulfill the purpose for which the information was provided, to maintain a record of communications with you, or as required by applicable law.

Security

To protect the personal information we receive ACS uses certain security measures designed to guard against the loss, misuse and alteration of that information. It should be recognized, however, that we cannot guarantee that transmission of data over the Internet will be absolutely secure. Due to the open nature of the Internet the information you provide may be in environments that do not have adequate security measures and may be accessed and used by persons other than those intended. As a result, while protection of your personal information is important to us, ACS is not able to ensure the security of information you transmit to us and you assume the risk of any third party obtaining that information. Upon receipt of your information ACS will strive to ensure its security on our systems.

Links to Other Web Sites

This Site may contain links to other web sites, not maintained by ACS. If you choose to access those sites, please review the privacy Statement applicable to each site. The links to other sites are made available as a convenience to you and ACS is not responsible for the privacy policies and information collection practices of those sites.

ACS Client Web Sites

In the course of providing services to its clients, ACS may operate web sites for certain clients that involve the collection, use and retention of personal information. For example, if you are a health plan member, health plan provider, a patient or other individual who does business with an ACS client, ACS may collect, use and maintain personal information in order to provide you with services on behalf of the client. Those activities are conducted by ACS under a contract between ACS and the client. This Statement is not intended to modify the terms of the contract between ACS and the client. If you have questions about the handling of your personal information that are not addressed on the specific web site through which ACS conducts those activities on behalf of the client, please use the contact information listed on that site or communicate with the ACS client.

Global Presence

ACS has employees, customers and suppliers in many countries around the world. The management, operational and technical processes and systems used by ACS may involve transfer of information across borders. For example, personal information you give to ACS may be sent to systems outside the country in which you initially provided the information, and it may be processed and stored in a different country. Regardless of where you provide your personal information, ACS will take steps to handle it in a secure manner in accordance with this Statement and all applicable laws.

Children

ACS does not market its products or services to children under thirteen years of age. We do not intend to collect personal information from children and request that children do not submit personal information to us.

Scope of Statement

This Statement describes the online privacy practices for ACS Web Sites maintained by Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("ACS"). It does not modify any agreements ACS may have with our customers, suppliers or other third parties.

Contact Information

Please direct any questions you might have about this Statement to the ACS Privacy Office.