|

New Jersey EBT Card Balance: Everything You Need to Know

  – New Jersey EBT Card Balance  – 

The Department of Human Services of New Jersey (DHS) administers the Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as the Food Stamp Program.

New Jersey EBT Card Balance

SNAP allows low-income families to buy nutritious food through the provision of monthly food assistance benefits. Benefits are distributed through a plastic Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to the New Jersey SNAP recipients.

Families First Card Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)

EBT stands for the transference of electronic benefits. Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) and New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (NJ SNAP) receivers can buy food through the “Families First” EBT card.

Additionally, WFNJ holders can also use the card to access cash benefits. EBT provides users with a business experience like other customers and is time- and cost-effective for retailers because it prevents the use of food coupons.

In addition, the system has proven helpful in the prevention of NJ SNAP trafficking fraud. To access cash assistance and SNAP incentives, most WFNJ consumers are given the Families First Passport.

Similar to a bank card, the EBT card has a hidden Personal Identification Number (PIN) to use the benefits deposited into an account. When you deposit benefits into your account, customers can start using their wallet.

  • The card can be used at the grocery store to spend NJ SNAP benefits.
  • The card can be used at the grocery store to spend cash benefits for items that cannot be paid for with NJ SNAP.
  • At some stores, the card can be used to withdraw cash benefits.
  • Before shopping, make sure the store accepts the card; look for the Quest® logo in the windows or on the doors at the store. If you don’t see the Quest® logo, go to the courtesy counter and ask if the store accepts the Families First card.

Using Your Benefits

The NJ SNAP benefits are issued on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Family First Card that works like a debit card. Most grocery stores and some participating farmers’ markets can use this card.

Benefits shall be deposited to your account upon the approval of the application. Every month you remain eligible, benefits will be deposited early in the month.

Using Your Benefits

The card can be used at the grocery store to invest your NJ SNAP rewards, just like you would use a debit card. You will need to enter a special Personal Identification Number ( PIN), never to be shared with anyone.

NJ SNAP Can be Used to Buy Food Like:

  • Fruits and vegetables;
  • Beans, fish, poultry, meat;
  • Rice, bread, tortillas, cereal;
  • Milk and cheese; and
  • Seeds and plants that produce food.

NJ SNAP Cannot be Used to Buy:

  • Alcohol, tobacco, cigarettes;
  • Non-food items (pet food, toilet paper, diapers, soap, etc.);
  • Vitamins and medicine;
  • Hot and prepared food or meals.

It is illegal to use the Families First Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card at any of these locations:

  • Liquor Stores
  • Casino/Gaming
  • Adult Entertainment/Establishments Strip Clubs

This is a federal law!

How Do I Use and Access My Cash and SNAP Benefits?

New York applicants can use their cash and SNAP benefits anywhere in New York State, at participating EBT locations. Cash benefits may also be obtained at participating ATM locations and at approved retail stores.

Your EBT card and Personal Identification Number ( PIN) are used with your cash or SNAP benefits at authorized retail stores. Many retail stores also make your purchase available in cashback. Test their Cashback Policy with the shop.

  • Swipe the card.
  • Enter your PIN in the machine at the checkout line.
  • Only you should enter your PIN.
  • Always check and keep your receipts for your EBT purchases.

New Jersey EBT Payment Schedule

The New Jersey EBT Card (also known as the Families First Card) holds the food assistance benefits assigned to you each month. Your benefits will be deposited onto your EBT card according to the schedule below:

If the 7th digit of your Case Number is Benefits are deposited on the
1 or 2 1st of the month
3 or 4 2nd of the month
5 or 6 3rd of the month
7 or 8 4th of the month
9 or 0 5th of the month
Exceptions: In Warren County, all benefits are made available on the 1st of the month  

Once your benefits are deposited into your account, you can begin using them with your New Jersey EBT card to purchase eligible food items.

How to Check New Jersey EBT Card Balance

How to Check New Jersey EBT Card Balance

Here’s how to check the balance on your New Jersey Families First Card.

Option 1 – Check your Last Receipt

The first way to check your first-card balance in New Jersey Families is to check your last receipt. This is the easiest and fastest way to position your current balance on your New Jersey EBT Card.

Your balance will be shown at the bottom of your most recent grocery store or receipt from an ATM. You should get used to having your most recent EBT receipt, so before you shop, you always have a fast way to check your balance.

Option 2 – Login to your Connect EBT Account

The last way to check your First Card balance for the New Jersey Families is online. Use the New Jersey Connect EBT website to find out your EBT Card balance online.

Type your User ID and Password on the left side of the page once you are on the web. Click the “Login” button to access information about your Family First Card when it is complete.

Option 3 – Check by Phone

Another option is by calling the New Jersey EBT Card Customer Service number at 1-800-687-9512 to check your card balance. Representatives are available to help you get your First Card balance from your Family 24 hours a day , 7 days a week.

Make sure your EBT Card number, 4-digit PIN, and Social Security Number (SSN) are ready before you call. To collect your Family First Balance information, you must provide this information, and you will hear your current food assistance or balance(s) in cash.

New Jersey EBT Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions about the New Jersey EBT Card.

How Much Will I Get on My Ebt Card Each Month?

The amount of benefits you receive on your Families First Card each month is determined by your income and household size.

You can use the Maximum Monthly SNAP Amount Chart to find out the highest amount of benefits you can receive each month.

I Have Seen People Purchase Non-Food Items with An Ebt Card. I Thought Snap Was only For Food?

Yes, SNAP benefits are only for food. However, some people have an EBT card for their TANF (cash assistance) benefits.

You can use TANF benefits to purchase food and non-food items. For information on TANF eligibility, contact your local government benefits assistance office.

Can I Have Someone Else Help Me Shop Using My Ebt Account?

Ask your local New Jersey Food Stamps caseworker about setting up an Authorized Representative (AR). The AR will have a separate card with his or her own account number and PIN.

In addition, the EBT system is able to track which card is used at any time. The AR will have access to your entire benefit account.

Can I Use My Ebt Card in Other Counties and the Other States?

Your EBT card will work at any store or ATM that accepts EBT Cards in the United States, as well as the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam.

Additionally, there are no rules against using your EBT card outside of your state of residence. However, you are required to report any address change to your local county public assistance office.

If I Don’t Use All of The Benefits I Received This Month, Will These Benefits Still Be Available to Me Next Month?

Yes, benefits that are not used in the month issued will stay in the EBT account. You may use these benefits in the following months.

What Do I Do if I Suspect Someone Has Stolen Benefits from My Families First Card Account?

If your card is lost, stolen or damaged, please call 1-800-687-9512 toll-free to the New Jersey EBT Card Customer Service phone number.

Upon reporting that your card has been lost, stolen or damaged, you will be sent a replacement. Replacement cards are to be issued within three to five business days. You can also contact your nearest caseworker at DHS to inform them of this.

How Do I Report a Store or Person that I Think Is Misusing Food or Cash Benefits (committing Fraud)?

Misusing benefits on purpose is a federal crime. If you misuse benefits, your benefits can be taken away. To report a store or person misusing benefits, click here.

What Items Am I Allowed to Purchase with My Ebt Card?

For information on items that you are allowed to purchase with EBT food benefits, click here. Cash aid may be used to purchase anything that can be legally purchased with currency (cash).

Can I Go to A Bank Teller and Withdraw Money from My Ebt Account?

No, you may only withdraw money from an ATM or through a cash-back/cash-only withdrawal at a participating store. Additionally, bank tellers do not have information or access to EBT accounts.

Are There Any Fees for Using My New Jersey EBT Card?

There is never a charge for using your card to buy food. However, any Bank surcharges (if any) for using cash machines will be taken from your account.

How Do I Buy Food and Items with My Families First Card?

Here’s how to use your Families First Card to purchase food items:

  1. Swipe your card at the store’s payment machine.
  2. Then select “EBT” from the card options.
  3. Next, enter your 4-digit PIN.
  4. Complete the transaction and take your receipt – it will show your current EBT Card balance at the bottom.

SNAP Conclusion

We hope this article has been helpful on how you can test your New Jersey EBT Card Balance. If so, by using the “Share this” button below, we invite you to share this article with anyone who might also find it helpful.

Please leave those in the comments below if you have additional questions about the Families First Card including the New Jersey SNAP eligibility and application process.We’re just happy to assist!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *