If you have an Ohio 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 Ohio EBT Card Balance.
This Post Will Cover:
- How to Check Ohio EBT Card Balance
- List of Stores That Take EBT Online for Delivery
- Ohio 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.
The Ohio Department of Job & Family Services (JFS) manages the Ohio Food Stamps program. This includes reviewing and approving new applications, renewals and preventing abuse of the assistance program.
If you are approved for Ohio food assistance, your benefits will be deposited electronically on an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card. The Ohio EBT Card, also known as the Ohio Direction Card is similar to a commercial debit or ATM card.
You can make approved purchases at approved retail locations with your EBT Card. In addition, most Ohio grocery stores accept the Ohio Direction Card.
For instructions on how to check your Ohio EBT Card balance, keep reading below.
How to Check your Ohio EBT Card Balance
There are three options for checking your EBT Card balance. Here they are:
Option 1 – Locate Your Last Purchase Receipt
One of the easiest ways to check your Ohio EBT Card balance is to find the most recent purchase receipt or ATM receipt (for TANF recipients).
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 Ohio Direction Card receipts.
Option 2 – Check Your Balance Via Phone
Another option is to check your card balance by calling the Ohio Direction Card Customer Service phone number at 1-866-386-3071. Be sure to have your EBT Card number and PIN ready. You must provide this information to receive your Direction Card balance.
Option 3 – Check Your Balance Online
The last option to check your EBT Card balance is online. You can check your Direction Card balance online by using your Ohio Connect EBT account. Once you are on the site, enter your User ID and Password to retrieve your balance as shown in the image below.
If you do not have an account, click on the “Create User Account” link. You will see instructions on how to create a new account and have online access to your EBT card account.
List of Stores That Take EBT Online for Delivery
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched a pilot program (Online Purchasing Pilot) that allows select grocery stores to accept EBT cards online.
Currently, there are 15 grocery stores that accept the Ohio Direction Card online for home delivery or store pick-up.
The grocery stores listed below have been approved for the program.
Michigan EBT cardholders to buy food online for delivery at the following stores:
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Buehler’s Fresh Foods
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Dave’s Supermarket, Inc. DBA Dave’s Supermarket
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Earth Fare
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Giant Eagle
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Just Dash It
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Kroger
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Lucky’s
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Meijer
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Sam’s Club Scan and Go
For more information about how you can use your EBT Card to shop online for delivery, click here.
Ohio EBT Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions about the Ohio Direction Card.
How do I get food assistance with the Ohio Direction Card?
Each month you are eligible for food benefits, your benefits will be added to your Ohio Direction Card account. This happens automatically, much like a bank account. The benefits in your food account will be deposited automatically to your account and are available on your scheduled date each month.
What happens if I don’t use all my benefits each month?
If you do not use all or any of your food benefits by the end of the month they will stay in your account and you can use them the next month. As you use your benefits, the balance will go down.
You can call the toll free number (1-866-386-3071) on the back of your Ohio Direction Card anytime to find out your balance.
When do I receive my Ohio EBT Card benefits?
Your food benefits are available on your Ohio Direction Card on your scheduled date each month. You will need to check with your county office to find out which day you receive your benefits.
If the day you receive your benefits for any month falls on a weekend or holiday, your benefits are still available on that day.
Can I use my Ohio EBT benefits to shop online?
Yes, you can use your Ohio EBT Card to shop online with your food stamp benefits. You can purchase eligible grocery items online for pick-up and pay with your EBT Card in-person.
To learn more about how to use your Ohio EBT Card online, click here.
If I forgot my EBT Card can I still use my benefits at the grocery store?
You can’t use your food assistance benefits to buy food without your Ohio Direction Card and PIN.
What if I lose my Ohio Direction card?
If your Ohio Direction Card is lost, stolen, or damaged, call customer service at 1-866-386-3071 immediately to report it. As a result, your old card will be locked and a new card will be mailed to you. Once you call, you will not be able to use your EBT account.
How long will it take to receive a replacement Ohio Direction card?
It may take 7-10 days for you to get a new Ohio Direction Card in the mail. Once you receive your card, you can use it immediately.
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 use my EBT card in other counties and 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.
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.
Can I have someone else help me shop using my EBT account?
Ask your county 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. The EBT system is able to track which card is used at any time. The AR will have access to your entire benefit account.
Ohio Direction Card Account
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If you have additional questions about the Ohio Direction Card, please leave those in the comments below. We are happy to help!
Check out the current EBT Discounts and Perks available exclusively to Ohio EBT Direction Cardholders!
You can save on phone service, museum admission, and even on Amazon Prime! Check out how you can save with your Ohio EBT card here.
Be sure to check out our other articles about Ohio Food Stamps and EBT, including:
- How to Check Ohio EBT Card Balance
- Ohio Food Stamps Income Limit
- How to create Benefits.Ohio.gov account
- Benefits.ohio.gov Login Help
- Grocery Stores that Accept EBT online
- How to Get 50% off Amazon Prime with EBT
- Eligible Food Stamps Items