Maryland EBT - Electronic Benefit Transfer

Lost or Stolen Cards or PINs and Problems with Transactions

Immediately call Customer Service at 1-800-997-2222:

If your Independence Card has been lost, stolen or is no longer working, you should call the Customer Service Call Center at 1-800-997-2222 for a new Independence Card. They will immediately disable the old card and arrange for the mailing of a replacement Independence Card to your address. If your address does not match what is in the EBT system, you will be told to contact your Local DSS office to report a change of address. Once the address is changed, you must call the Customer Service Call Center and request a replacement card. The mailing process takes from up to 7 business days. Your benefits will be protected as soon as you report it lost or stolen. When you receive your replacement card, you can begin using your remaining benefits.

When you receive your replacement card, you must call the Customer Service Call Center to activate your card. Your current PIN is transferred to your replacement card so you do not need to change your current PIN. However, if you want a new PIN, select the prompt to change your PIN after it has been successfully activated.

You will receive one FREE replacement card every 12 months. A $2 fee is deducted from your account for each additional replacement card. Once the 12 month period is over, you will receive another FREE replacement card.

You can also report your card lost or stolen, request a replacement card, and change your PIN after logging into this website.

What should I know about my Food Supplement Program benefit account?

It does not cost you anything to use the Independence Card for the Food Supplement Program.
You do not get cash back when you use your Food Supplement Program benefits.
You can buy the following items with your Independence 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 your Food Supplement Program benefits, such as cleaning products, pet food, paper products, alcohol, or tobacco.
Ongoing monthly benefits will be available from the 4th through the 23rd day of each month depending on the first 3 letters of your last name. See the link to Issuance Schedules.
You can use your Independence Card even if your Food Supplement Program case is closed, as long as you have benefits left in your account.

Your benefits will be removed from your account if there has not been any financial activity (such as a food stamp purchase) on your account in the past 180 days. You will need to contact your local Department of Social Services office to have your benefits re-issued.

What should I know about my Cash Program benefit 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 Program benefit account.
You can get your cash benefits from any ATM displaying the Quest logo.
You may have to pay a surcharge at the ATM.
You will receive 3 free cash withdrawals per month. Additional cash withdrawals will cost you $.85 each.
Ongoing monthly benefits will be available from the 2nd through the 4th day of each month depending on the first letter of your last name. See the link to Issuance Schedules.
You can use your Independence Card even if your cash case is closed as long as you have benefits left in your account.

Your benefits will be removed from your account if there has not been any financial activity (such as a cash purchase) on your account in the past 180 days. You will need to contact your local Department of Social Services office to have your benefits re-issued.
If you would like your cash benefits deposited directly into your bank account, contact your local EBT Office.

What is a PIN?

PIN stands for Personal Identification Number. You must have a 4-digit PIN to use your Independence Card.
Call the Customer Service Call Center to select a PIN to begin using your Independence Card. You will need your:
- 16 digit card number from the front of your Independence Card
- Social Security Number (last 4 digits only).
- Birth Date
- If you are an Authorized Representative, you will enter your 16 digit card number but will use the casehead's last 4 digits of the SSN and date of birth. You do not enter your SSN or birth date.
Choose a PIN that is easy for you to remember, but hard for someone else to guess or figure out if you lose your card
Never tell anyone else, including a grocery store cashier, your 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 Call center and follow the automated PIN selection/change instructions, or you can change your PIN after logging into this website.

When entering your PIN to make a purchase or withdraw money from an ATM, be sure no one else can see what number you are entering. If someone else learns your PIN and uses your card, your benefits will not be replaced.
If you think someone else has learned your PIN, call the Customer Service Call Center immediately to choose a new PIN, or change your PIN after logging into this website.

How do I select my PIN?

You must always call the Customer Service Call Center at 1-800-997-2222 and follow the prompts to select your PIN.

If the EBT case is in your name, or if you are an authorized representative with access to someone else's Food Supplement Program and/or Cash Program benefits, you will need the following information to select your Personal Identification Number (PIN):

To select your new PIN, you will need your:

Card number (16 digits on the front of your card).
Last four digits of the Social Security number for the person whose name is on the case. If this person does not have a Social Security number enter four zero's.
Date of birth for the person whose name is on the case.

You can also change your PIN by calling the Customer Service Call Center at 1-800-997-2222 or logging into this website.

How do I use my Independence Card at the store?

Make sure you have selected your PIN and remember it before going shopping.
Your Independence card can be used at stores that display the Quest logo. If you do not see the Quest logo, ask 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 cashier depending on the store. The cashier enters your transaction amount. The cashier 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 cashier right away. Keep the receipt as a record of your current balance.

How do I use my Independence 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 Independence Card?

If your Independence Card is lost or stolen call the Customer Service Call center immediately. Your benefits will be protected as soon as you report it lost or stolen. You must request a replacement card to access your remaining and future benefits. You can also report your card lost or stolen and request a replacement card after logging into this website.
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 spend your benefits, your benefits will not be replaced.
If you think someone else has learned your PIN, call the Customer Service Call Center immediately to select a new PIN, or change your PIN after logging into this website.
Keep your card away from electronic equipment (like TVs and microwaves) and magnets and out of the sun.

Misuse of your Food Supplement Program benefits is a violation of State and Federal laws.

DO NOT:

Sell, trade or give away your Food Supplement Program benefits, PIN or Independence Card.
Allow a retailer to buy your food benefits in exchange for cash.
Use someone else's Food Supplement Program benefits or Independence Card for your household.

Buying, selling or otherwise misusing SNAP benefits is a Federal crime. To report suspected abuse, visit www.usda.gov/oig/hotline.htm or call 1-800-424-9121. You can also call DHS Constituent Services at 1-800-332-6347.

MD EBT Customer Portal Disclaimer Information

This system may contain Government information, which is restricted to authorized users ONLY. Unauthorized access, use, misuse, or modification of this computer system or of the data contained herein or in transit to/from this system constitutes a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1030, and may subject the individual to Criminal and Civil penalties pursuant to Title 26, United States Code, Sections 7213, 7213A (the Taxpayer Browsing Protection Act), and 7431. This system and equipment are subject to monitoring to ensure proper performance of applicable security features or procedures. Such monitoring may result in the acquisition, recording and analysis of all data being communicated, transmitted, processed or stored in this system by a user. If monitoring reveals possible evidence of criminal activity, such evidence may be provided to Law Enforcement Personnel.
ANYONE USING THIS SYSTEM EXPRESSLY CONSENTS TO SUCH MONITORING.

MD EBT TANF BLOCKING REGULATION

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) System.

Maryland's DHS operates an electronic benefits transfer system under agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and pursuant to U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations. A TCA grant is paid by direct deposit, mailed check or by the EBTS. The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (the Act), (P.L. 112-96) provides that individuals and families who are receiving federally funded cash assistance may not use an electronic benefits transfer or EBT card for any purpose at a liquor store, adult entertainment venue or gambling casino. The State of Maryland provides penalties for non-compliance with program requirements that include the suspension of the use of the cash access portion of the EBT card for specific times.

Effective with the passage of Code of Maryland regulations expected to be by October 1, 2014, all Temporary Cash Assistance applicants and recipients will be required to sign an acknowledgement that they understand the prohibition against using their EBT card at an establishment whose primary purpose is gambling, the sale of liquor or an adult entertainment venue where individuals or groups disrobe for an audience.

A customer who violates the prohibition against using their EBT card at an unauthorized location/s will be warned that a subsequent violation may result in the use of their EBT card being suspended. Customers who have twice violated Federal law and State policy prohibiting the use of EBT cards at unauthorized locations will no longer have their cash assistance payments put onto their EBT cards. While the cards will still be active for use at SNAP retailers for SNAP recipients, we will deliver cash assistance payments by direct deposit, or check. Suspension of the EBT card for cash benefits is for a minimum of one year for the second violation and permanently for a subsequent violation after EBT use has been reinstated.