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Minnesota EBT Card Balance – Phone Number and Login

If you have a Minnesota EBT Card, there are several ways you can obtain the balance on your card. In this post, we will explain in detail the three ways you can check your Minnesota EBT Card Balance.

This Post Will Cover:

  • How to Check Minnesota EBT Card Balance
  • List of Stores That Take EBT Online for Delivery
  • Minnesota EBT Frequently Asked Questions

News Alert: Did you know you can use your SNAP EBT Card to buy groceries on Amazon? Click here to find out how.

"Minnesota EBT Card Balance"

Minnesota EBT Card

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is responsible for administering Minnesota Food Stamp benefits to approved, low-income households who meet income and other requirements.

The Food Stamps Program helps Minnesota low income households get the food they need for nutritious, well-balanced meals.

If you are approved for Minnesota food assistance, your benefits will be deposited electronically on an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card.

The Minnesota EBT Card is similar to a standard ATM or debit card.

The state of Minnesota deposits food stamp benefits on your EBT Card on the same day every month.

Minnesota EBT Card benefits can be accessed by 5 AM the morning after they are posted to your EBT Card account.

You can use the benefits to make approved food purchases at eligible retail locations.

Most Minnesota grocery stores accept EBT Cards as payment. Also, some grocery stores accept EBT online for pickup and delivery

Additionally, you can use your Minnesota EBT card at most farmers’ markets, including at select locations where you can double your money when you buy produce. 

Lastly, you can get discounts and perks with your Minnesota EBT, including 50% off Amazon Prime, Free or Discounted phone and internet services, and more.

For instructions on how to check the balance on your Minnesota EBT Card, keep reading below. 

Minnesota EBT Balance Check Instruc...
Minnesota EBT Balance Check Instructions

How to Check your Minnesota EBT Card Balance

There are three options for checking your Minnesota EBT Card balance. Here they are:

Option 1 – Locate Your Last Purchase Receipt

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

At the bottom of the receipt, you will find the current balance on your card. 

In order to use this method to check your balance, be sure to save all of your recent EBT Card receipts. 

Option 2 – Check Your EBT Card Balance Via Phone

Another option is to check your card balance by calling the Minnesota EBT Card Customer Service phone number at 1-888-997-2227.

Representatives are available to help you retrieve your food stamps Card balance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Before you call, be sure to have your EBT Card number, 4-digit PIN, and Social Security Number (SSN) ready.

You must provide this information to receive your EBT card balance information.

Option 3 – Check Your EBT Card Balance Online

The last option to check your Minnesota EBT Card balance is online. You can find out your EBT Card balance online by using the Minnesota ebtEDGE website.

Once you are one the website, click the Cardholder Login button located at the left-side of the page.

After that, you will be taken to a new page where you can enter your User ID and Password.

You must log in to your account to check your EBT balance.

If you do not have an EBT Edge login, you must first create an account.

For more help, please refer to the screenshot below.

EBT Edge Card Balance Check

Stores That Take EBT Online for Delivery in Minnesota

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched the Online Purchasing Pilot to allow select grocery stores to accept EBT cards online.

Currently, there are 17 grocery stores that accept Minnesota EBT Cards online for home delivery or store pick-up.

Minnesota EBT cardholders can buy food online for delivery and/or pickup from the approved grocery stores listed below.

  • Cash Wise
  • Coborn’s
  • County Market (Jerry’s Enterprises, Inc.)
  • Daily Cart
  • Ernie’s Food Market
  • Hornbacher’s
  • Hugo’s Family Marketplace
  • Jerry’s Foods
  • Mackenthun’s Fine Foods
  • Oasis Foods
  • Sam’s Club Scan and Go
  • Ukura’s Big Dollar

For more information about how you can use your EBT Card to shop online for delivery, click here.

Minnesota EBT Frequently Asked Questions

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

"EBT FAQ"

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 Minnesota EBT Card?

You cannot use your Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota EBT card in other counties and other states?

Your Minnesota 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.

What happens if I do not use my benefits?

If you do not use all your EBT benefits for the month, your balance at the end of the month is carried over to the next month.

However, do not go for long periods of time without using your food stamps benefits.

Food stamps or cash payments on EBT cards that have not been accessed for 365 days (one year) will be removed from your account and cannot be restored.

What do I do if I suspect someone has stolen benefits from my EBT Card account?

If your card is lost, stolen or damaged, immediately call the Minnesota EBT Card Customer Service phone number at 1-888-997-2227.

A replacement card will be mailed to you upon reporting that your card has been lost, stolen or damaged. Replacement cards will be received within 3-5 business days.

You can also contact your county Social Services Agency or your local DHR caseworker.

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.

When is Minnesota EBT Benefits Deposited?

The day your benefits are available on your EBT Card is based on the last digits of your birth year.

Please see the schedule below for the day your benefits will be on your card.

If your Case Number ends in Benefits are deposited on the
4 4th of the month
5 5th of the month
6 6th of the month
7 7th of the month
8 8th of the month
9 9th of the month
0 10th of the month
1 11th of the month
2 12th of the month
3 13th of the month

Are there any fees for using my Minnesota 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.

When Can I Call Minnesota Card Customer Service?

You can reach the EBT card customer service at 1-888-997-2227.

You can call customer service for the following reasons:

  • Your card is lost, stolen or damaged and you need a replacement.
  • If you have forgotten or lost your card PIN
  • When you need to change your PIN
  • If you have questions or need help with your Minnesota EBT Card.

How do I take care of my Minnesota EBT Card?

It is important to take steps to protect your EBT card from unauthorized use. Here are tips on how you can keep your card safe, including from getting damaged.

  • Sign the back of your card
  • Do not write your EBT Card PIN on your card
  • Keep your card safe and clean
  • Do not bend your EBT card
  • Keep your card away from magnets and electronic equipment, such as radios and microwaves.
    Do not throw your card away. You will be using the same card every month as long as you continue to receive benefits in Minnesota.

How do I apply for Minnesota SNAP EBT?

There are two ways you can apply for Minnesota SNAP EBT:

Option 1 – You can apply online

To do so, visit ApplyMN.dhs.mn.gov.

Option 2 – Fill out a Paper Application

You can use the Combined Application Form (PDF) for families and people under age 60 to apply for SNAP benefits.

If you are 60 years or older, you should apply using the one-page Senior SNAP Application (PDF).

Once you have completed your application, you can Mail or bring the completed form to your local county or tribal office (PDF).

If you qualify for expedited processing, you could get benefits within five working days of your application.

What happens if my income changes?

If your income increases while you are getting food stamps, you must report the change to your Minnesota DHS caseworker. Your benefits can be reduced if your income goes over a certain level.

To protect yourself being charged for food stamps benefits overpayment (which you may have to pay back), you should report any increase in income to your Minnesota DHS caseworker as soon as possible.

What is food stamps overpayment?

A food stamps overpayment is when your state’s food stamps agency pays you benefits that you were not eligible for.

You will still have to repay an overpayment, even if the state food stamps agency is at fault or because you accidentally overlooked some information.

You may need to pay back the full amount of the overpayment.

However, if you still get food stamps, the overpayment will be deducted from your future benefits.

In addition, if you intentionally lied about important information in the application process, you could be disqualified from getting food stamps.

You will also have to pay back any overpayment.

If you are no longer on SNAP, then you will have to pay back the overpayment in another way. For example, cash, or your tax return, or another payment plan.

Isn’t it embarrassing to use the EBT card instead of money at a store?

The Minnesota EBT card looks and works like any other bank debit card, making it hard for people to tell what you are using a food stamps card to pay for your food.

"Minnesota EBT Discounts and Perks"

Did you know that there are exclusive discounts and freebies available to Minnesota EBT Cardholders? It’s true!

If you are currently receiving food stamps, find out how you can save with your California EBT Card.

You can qualify for discounted phone service, internet, free museum admission, and even over 50% off on Amazon Prime!

Check out how you can save with your Minnesota EBT card here.

Minnesota EBT Card Account

We hope this article on how to check your Minnesota EBT Card Balance was helpful.

If so, we encourage you to share this article with anyone who may also find it helpful by using the “Share this” button below.

If you have additional questions about the Minnesota Food Stamps Card, please leave those in the comments section below. We are here to help you!

Be sure to check out our other articles about EBT Discounts, including How to get 50% OFF Amazon Prime for EBT Cardholders and Medicaid Cardholders, and Lifeline Discounted Phone Program for EBT Cardholders

Kwame Kuadey

Kwame Kuadey writes about personal finance and the social safety net. His career started in banking but he caught the entrepreneurial bug and has spent the last decade building successful businesses, including an Inc. 500 Company. Kwame believes everyone has the power to improve their quality of life by seeking knowledge and taking action. In 2012, Kwame founded Empower Media to help low-income households improve their financial situation. His expertise is in topics relevant to low-income households, including government benefits and assistance, banking products, access to credit, plus tools & resources to help reduce income volatility and build wealth. Kwame has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Inc. Magazine, Washington Post, ABC, and NPR.

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