If you have a Tennessee 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 Tennessee EBT Card Balance.
This Post Will Cover:
- How to Check Tennessee EBT Card Balance
- List of Stores That Take EBT Online for Delivery
- Tennessee EBT Frequently Asked Questions
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) is responsible for administering Tennessee Food Stamp benefits to approved, low-income households who meet the income requirements.
These benefits allow households to buy the food they need for good health.
The state of Tennessee electronically deposits food stamp benefits on an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card the same day each month.
The Tennessee EBT Card, also known as the Tennessee Benefit Security Card is similar to a standard ATM or debit card.
Tennessee EBT Card benefits can be accessed by 5 AM the morning after they are posted to your Benefit Security Card account.
You can use the benefits to make approved food purchases at eligible retail locations.
Most Tennessee grocery stores accept EBT Cards as payment. Also, some grocery stores accept EBT online for pickup and delivery.
Additionally, you can use your Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee EBT Card, keep reading below.
How to Check your Tennessee EBT Card Balance
There are three options for checking your Tennessee Benefit Security Card balance. Here they are:
Option 1 – Locate Your Last Purchase Receipt
One of the easiest ways to check your Tennessee 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 Tennessee EBT Card receipts.
Option 2 – Check Your Benefit Security Card Balance Via Phone
Another option is to check your card balance by calling the Tennessee EBT Card Customer Service phone number at 1-888-997-9444 (toll-free). Representatives are available to help you retrieve your Benefit Security 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 Benefit Security Card balance information.
Option 3 – Check Your Benefit Security Card Balance Online
The last option to check your Tennessee Benefit Security Card balance is online. You can find out your EBT Card balance online by using the Tennessee Connect EBT website. Once you are on the site, enter your User ID and Password to access your Benefit Security Card balance. Click the “Login” button once complete.
If you do not have a Tennessee Connect EBT login, click the Create a Tennessee Connect EBT User Account link located on the homepage. You will see instructions on how to create an account for online access to your Tennessee EBT Card.
List of Stores That Take EBT Online for Delivery
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched the Online Purchasing Pilot to allow select grocery stores to accept EBT cards online.
Tennessee EBT Cardholders can buy food online for delivery and/or pickup from the approved grocery stores.
Currently, there are 16 stores that accept Tennessee EBT Cards online as payment.
You can use your Tennessee Benefit Security Card and food stamp benefits to purchase approved grocery items and have it delivered directly to your door.
However, your Tennessee food stamp benefits cannot be use to pay for delivery fees.
Currently, the following stores accept Tennessee food stamps and EBT Cards online:
- ALDI
- Amazon
- Earth Fare
- Food City
- Food Lion
- H.G. Hill Foods Store
- Kroger
- Memphis Cash Saver
- Piggly Wiggly (Henderson)
- Publix
- Sam’s Club Scan & Go
- Sprouts Farmers Market
- Superlo Foods
- Target
- Walmart
- Whole Foods
For more information about how you can use your EBT Card to shop online for delivery, click here.
Tennessee EBT Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions about the Tennessee EBT Card.
How much will I get on my EBT card each month?
The amount of benefits you receive on your Benefit Security 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 Tennessee 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 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.
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 Benefit Security Card account?
If your EBT card is stolen or compromised, immediately call the Tennessee Benefit Security Card Customer Service phone number. The Tennessee EBT Card toll-free help hotline is 1-888-997-9444.
A customer service representative will cancel your Benefit Security Card and have a new one mailed to you. Replacement cards will be received within 3-5 business days.
You should also contact your local DHS caseworker to alert them, as well as file a police report.
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 Tennessee 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 Benefit Security Card?
Here’s how to use your Benefit Security Card to purchase food items:
- Swipe your card at the store’s payment machine.
- Then select “EBT” from the card options.
- Next, enter your 4-digit PIN.
- Complete the transaction and take your receipt – it will show your current Benefit Security Card balance at the bottom.
Tennessee EBT Card Account
We hope this article on how to check your Tennessee 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 Benefit Security Card including the Tennessee SNAP eligibility and application process, please leave those in the comments below. We are always happy to help!
Check out the current EBT Discounts and Perks available exclusively to Tennessee EBT Cardholders!
You can save on phone service, museum admission, and even on Amazon Prime! Check out how you can save with your Tennessee EBT card here.
Also, be sure to check out our other articles about Tennessee Food Stamps and EBT, including:
- How to Check Tennessee EBT Card Balance
- Income Limit for Tennessee Food Stamps
- Tennessee DHS Account Login
- How to Create a TN DHS Online Account
- Tennessee Food Stamps Offices
- Grocery Stores that Accept EBT online
- How to Get 50% off Amazon Prime with EBT