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Maryland EBT Card Balance: Everything About Bridge EBT Card

 – Maryland EBT Card Balance – 

The Department of Human Resources of Maryland (DHR) is responsible for administering compensation for the Maryland Food Stamp, also called the Food Supplement Plan.

Maryland EBT Card Balance

The Food Supplement Program helps families bring safe, balanced food on the table by supplying them with that.

Food stamps are available to low-income families who meet the eligibility requirements for federal revenue. The payments must be deposited electronically on an EBT (Electronic Payments Transfer) card if you are eligible for Maryland food assistance.

 

The Maryland EBT card is identical to a regular ATM or debit card, also known as the Maryland Independence Card. Each month, food stamp benefits will be deposited on your EBT Card the same day.

You will use the Maryland EBT Card benefits by 5 AM the morning after they are downloaded to your EBT Card account. Benefits can be used to make approved purchases of food at qualifying retail locations.

Many grocery stores in Maryland recognize the Maryland Independence Card as their payment.

What’s the Independence Card?

  • The Independence Card is Maryland’s EBT card.
  • EBT = electronic benefits transfer.
  • EBT card = a card that looks and works like a debit or credit card but is loaded with food stamps and/or cash benefits. You can use it at stores that accept EBT.
  • You’ll get the Independence Card once you’re approved for benefits.
  • Maryland’s EBT customer service number is 1-800-997-2222.

Maryland EBT Payment Schedule

The Maryland EBT Card (also known as the Independence 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 First three letters of your last name are between Benefits are deposited on the
AAA and BAO 4th of the month
BAP and BQZ 5th of the month
BRA and CAQ 6th of the month
CAR and COQ 7th of the month
COR and DIZ 8th of the month
DJA and FIS 9th of the month
FIT and GON 10th of the month
GOO and HAX 11th of the month
HAY and JAB 12th of the month
JAC and KIM 13th of the month
KIN and LOX 14th of the month
LOY and MCO 15th of the month
MCP and NEF 16th of the month
NEG and PGZ 17th of the month
PHA and RIC 18th of the month
RID and SDZ 19th of the month
SEA and STC 20th of the month
STD and TRA 21st of the month
TRB and WES 22nd of the month
WET and ZZZ 23rd of the month

Once your benefits are deposited into your account, you can begin using them with your Maryland EBT card to purchase eligible food items. For a full list of approved food items, see the Food Stamps Eligible Food List here.

How to Check your Maryland EBT Card Balance

There are three options for checking your Maryland Independence Card balance. Here they are:

How to Check your Maryland EBT Card Balance

Option 1 – Locate Your Last Purchase Receipt

One of the best ways to check the balance of your Maryland EBT Card is to find the most recent purchase receipt or ATM receipt (only for TANF receivers).

You’ll find the current balance at the bottom of the receipt on your account. To check your balance using this method, be sure to save all your recent Maryland Independence Card receipts.

Option 2 – Check Your Independence Card Balance Via Phone

Another option is to check your card balance by calling the Maryland EBT Card Customer Service phone number at 1-800-997-2222. Representatives are available to help you retrieve your Independence Card balance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Make sure your EBT Card code, 4-digit PIN, and Social Security Number (SSN) are ready before you call. You must provide this information to obtain your EBT card balance information.

Option 3 – Check Your Maryland EBT Card Balance Online

The last way to check the balance on the Maryland EBT Card is online. Use the Maryland Connect EBT web site to find out your EBT Card balance online.

Type your User ID and Password once you’re in. To check your EBT balance you need to sign in to your account.

You will be able to show your current balance and transaction history once you’ve signed in. If you don’t have an EBT account Link, you can build a user account.

List of Stores That Take EBT Online for Delivery

As you may know, the U.S. Department of Agriculture ( USDA) has launched a pilot program (Online Buying Pilot) to encourage selected grocery stores to begin accepting electronic EBT cards for grocery shopping, including delivery to your doorway.

The grocery stores listed below have been approved for the pilot which will give EBT cardholders the ability to purchase food for delivery online.

  • Amazon
  • Dash’s Market
  • FreshDirect
  • Hart’s Local Grocers
  • Hy-Vee, Inc.
  • Safeway
  • ShopRite
  • Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
  • Wright’s Markets, Inc

Maryland EBT Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

The amount of benefits you receive on your EBT 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.


Where Can’t I Use My Maryland EBT Card?

You cannot use your Maryland EBT Card at the following locations:

  • Casinos
  • Poker Rooms
  • Card Rooms
  • Smoke & Cannabis Shops
  • Adult Entertainment Businesses
  • Nightclubs/Saloons/Taverns
  • Tattoo & Piercing Shops
  • Spa/Massage Salons
  • Bingo Halls
  • Bail Bonds
  • Racetracks
  • Gun/Ammo Stores
  • Cruise Ships
  • Psychic Readers

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

Ask your local Maryland Food Stamps caseworker about the establishment of an Authorized Representative (AR). The AR will have a separate card that contains its own account number and PIN.

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


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

Your Maryland EBT card should operate at any store or ATM in the United States that accepts EBT cards, as well as the District of Columbia, USA. And Guam and the Virgin Islands.

Furthermore, there are no rules against using your EBT card outside of your home state. However, you are expected to inform your local county public assistance office of any change of address.


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 Ebt Card Account?

If your card is lost, stolen or disabled, immediately call the Maryland EBT Card Customer Service phone number at   1-800-997-2222.

A replacement card will be mailed to you after disclosing that your card has been lost, stolen or damaged. Replacement cards are to be issued within three to five business days. You may also contact your local DHR caseworker or the county social services department.


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.  Click here To report a store or person misusing benefits.


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 Maryland 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 Ebt Card?

Here’s how to use your EBT card to purchase food items:

  1. Know your account balance before you shop. Check your last receipt, call Customer Service or go to ConnectEBT.com.
  2. At the checkout lane, tell the cashier that you are using your card and which account you want to use – FSP or Cash.
  3. When it is time to pay, swipe your card through the POS machine and select EBT from the POS screen.
  4. Enter your PIN on the machine’s PIN pad.
  5. The machine will print a receipt with the store name and location, transaction type, transaction amount and remaining account balance.
  6. Remember to take your card and receipt with you when you leave.
  7. Save your receipt so you know your balance next time you go shopping

conclusion

We hope this article on how to test your Maryland EBT Card Balance was helpful. If so, we invite you to share this article with someone who might also find it beneficial by using the “Share this” button below.

If you have any more questions about the Maryland Independence Card, please leave them in the comments section below. We ‘re here to help!

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