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  What should I know about my Food Supplement Program benefit account?

What should I know about my Cash Program benefit account?

What is a PIN?

How do I select my PIN?

How do I use my Independence Card
at the store?

How do I use my Independence Card at the ATM?

How do I protect my Independence Card?

Misuse of your Food Supplement Program benefits is a violation of State and Federal laws.


Maryland Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)

Welcome to the Maryland EBT card website!

EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer. The Maryland EBT Card is called the Independence Card. It is like a bank debit card that can access the Food Supplement and/or Cash benefits that are deposited into your EBT account each month. Once your benefits are deposited into your account, you can begin using them with your Independence Card. You can use your Independence Card at any store or ATM, in the United States, Guam and the Virgin Islands, displaying the Quest logo.

The Independence card is a safe and easy way to get and use your benefits. It's safe - you can't use your card without a PIN. And it's easy - you can use it anywhere you see the Quest® logo, and every time you use your card, you get a receipt showing the amount of benefits left in your account.

You can use your card at the grocery store to spend your benefits and some grocery stores will give you cash back with your cash purchase. Before you begin your shopping, make sure that the store accepts the EBT Card and you know your 4 digit PIN.





You should know your balance before shopping. There are three ways to check your balance...
  • Check your last grocery store receipt.
  • Use this Website - you can set-up a User ID and Password to check your account balance and also view transaction history.
  • You can call the Customer Service Call Center. Your balance is provided as soon as you enter your card number.
If your card is lost or stolen, call the Customer Service Call Center immediately to prevent anyone from using your benefits. You can also report your card lost or stolen after logging into this website.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Customer Service Call Center
1-800-997-2222
(TTY) - 1-800-925-4434


Call 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week if:
  • You just received your card in the mail. You will need to activate your card and select a PIN to begin using your benefits.
  • Your received a vault card and need to select or change your PIN.
  • Someone is using your card without your approval.
  • Your card is lost, stolen or damaged.
  • You need to know your Food Stamp and/or Cash balance and cannot find your last receipt.
  • You forgot or want to change your PIN.
  • Your card does not work.
If your card is lost or stolen, call the Customer Service Call center immediately to prevent anyone from using your benefits.


What should I know about my Food Supplement Program benefit account?

  • It does not cost you anything to use the Independence Card for the Food Supplement Program.
  • You do not get cash back when you use your Food Supplement Program benefits.
  • You can buy the following items with your Independence card: Any food to be eaten at home by people, including baby food, non-alcoholic beverages, and seasonings. Seeds and plants to grow food for your own family's consumption.
  • You cannot buy non-grocery items with your Food Supplement Program benefits, such as cleaning products, pet food, paper products, alcohol, or tobacco.
  • Ongoing monthly benefits will be available from the 4th through the 23rd day of each month depending on the first 3 letters of your last name. See the link to Issuance Schedules.
  • You can use your Independence Card even if your Food Supplement Program case is closed, as long as you have benefits left in your account.




  • Your benefits will be removed from your account if there has not been any financial activity (such as a food stamp purchase) on your account in the past 180 days. You will need to contact your local Department of Social Services office to have your benefits re-issued.


What should I know about my Cash Program benefit account?

  • You can buy non-grocery items with your cash benefits, such as cleaning products, pet food, and paper products.
  • Some grocery stores will let you get cash from your Cash Program benefit account.
  • You can get your cash benefits from any ATM displaying the Quest logo.
  • You may have to pay a surcharge at the ATM.
  • You will receive 3 free cash withdrawals per month. Additional cash withdrawals will cost you $.85 each.
  • Ongoing monthly benefits will be available from the 2nd through the 4th day of each month depending on the first letter of your last name. See the link to Issuance Schedules.
  • You can use your Independence Card even if your cash case is closed as long as you have benefits left in your account.




  • Your benefits will be removed from your account if there has not been any financial activity (such as a cash purchase) on your account in the past 180 days. You will need to contact your local Department of Social Services office to have your benefits re-issued.
  • If you would like your cash benefits deposited directly into your bank account, contact your local EBT Office.


What is a PIN?

  • PIN stands for Personal Identification Number. You must have a 4-digit PIN to use your Independence Card.
  • Call the Customer Service Call Center to select a PIN to begin using your Independence Card. You will need your:
    - 16 digit card number from the front of your Independence Card
    - Social Security Number (last 4 digits only).
    - Birth Date
    - If you are an Authorized Representative, you will enter your 16 digit card number but will use the casehead's last 4 digits of the SSN and date of birth. You do not enter your SSN or birth date.
  • Choose a PIN that is easy for you to remember, but hard for someone else to guess or figure out if you lose your card
  • Never tell anyone else, including a grocery store cashier, your PIN
  • Never write your PIN on your card.
  • Do not write your PIN on anything you carry with you like your wallet or purse in case it is lost or stolen.
  • If you forget or want to change your PIN, you must call the Customer Service Call center and follow the automated PIN selection/change instructions, or you can change your PIN after logging into this website.




  • When entering your PIN to make a purchase or withdraw money from an ATM, be sure no one else can see what number you are entering. If someone else learns your PIN and uses your card, your benefits will not be replaced.
  • If you think someone else has learned your PIN, call the Customer Service Call Center immediately to choose a new PIN, or change your PIN after logging into this website.


How do I select my PIN?

You must always call the Customer Service Call Center at 1-800-997-2222 and follow the prompts to select your PIN.

If the EBT case is in your name, or if you are an authorized representative with access to someone else's Food Supplement Program and/or Cash Program benefits, you will need the following information to select your Personal Identification Number (PIN):

To select your new PIN, you will need your:

  1. Card number (16 digits on the front of your card).
  2. Last four digits of the Social Security number for the person whose name is on the case. If this person does not have a Social Security number enter four zero's.
  3. Date of birth for the person whose name is on the case.
You can also change your PIN by calling the Customer Service Call Center at 1-800-997-2222 or logging into this website.


How do I use my Independence Card at the store?

  • Make sure you have selected your PIN and remember it before going shopping.
  • Your Independence card can be used at stores that display the Quest logo. If you do not see the Quest logo, ask at the customer service desk if the store accepts the EBT card.
  • Go shopping as normal.
  • At the checkout lane, slide your own card or give your card to the cashier depending on the store. The cashier enters your transaction amount. The cashier should not leave the area with your card.
  • You will need to enter your 4 digit PIN.
  • Check the amount that shows in the machine window to make sure it is correct.
  • Make sure the amount on the receipt is the same as the amount you spent. If the receipt is wrong, tell the cashier right away. Keep the receipt as a record of your current balance.


How do I use my Independence Card at the ATM?

  • Insert your card into the ATM.
  • Enter your PIN.
  • Press the button for WITHDRAWAL.
  • Press the button for CHECKING.
  • Enter the dollar amount.
  • If the ATM screen tells you that a surcharge will be charged and you do not want to pay it, cancel the transaction by pressing the CANCEL button and try another ATM.
  • Press the button for CORRECT to go on if the amount is right, or CANCEL to stop if the amount is wrong.


How do I protect my Independence Card?

  • If your Independence Card is lost or stolen call the Customer Service Call center immediately. Your benefits will be protected as soon as you report it lost or stolen. You must request a replacement card to access your remaining and future benefits. You can also report your card lost or stolen and request a replacement card after logging into this website.
  • When entering your PIN to make a purchase, be sure no one else can see what number you are entering. If someone else learns your PIN and uses your card and PIN to spend your benefits, your benefits will not be replaced.
  • If you think someone else has learned your PIN, call the Customer Service Call Center immediately to select a new PIN, or change your PIN after logging into this website.
  • Keep your card away from electronic equipment (like TVs and microwaves) and magnets and out of the sun.


Misuse of your Food Supplement Program benefits is a violation of State and Federal laws.

DO NOT:
  • Sell, trade or give away your Food Supplement Program benefits, PIN or Independence Card.
  • Allow a retailer to buy your food benefits in exchange for cash.
  • Use someone else's Food Supplement Program benefits or Independence Card for your household.
Buying, selling or otherwise misusing SNAP benefits is a Federal crime. To report suspected abuse, visit www.usda.gov/oig/hotline.htm or call 1-800-424-9121. You can also call DHS Constituent Services at 1-800-332-6347.


MD EBT Customer Portal Disclaimer Information

This system may contain Government information, which is restricted to authorized users ONLY. Unauthorized access, use, misuse, or modification of this computer system or of the data contained herein or in transit to/from this system constitutes a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1030, and may subject the individual to Criminal and Civil penalties pursuant to Title 26, United States Code, Sections 7213, 7213A (the Taxpayer Browsing Protection Act), and 7431. This system and equipment are subject to monitoring to ensure proper performance of applicable security features or procedures. Such monitoring may result in the acquisition, recording and analysis of all data being communicated, transmitted, processed or stored in this system by a user. If monitoring reveals possible evidence of criminal activity, such evidence may be provided to Law Enforcement Personnel.
ANYONE USING THIS SYSTEM EXPRESSLY CONSENTS TO SUCH MONITORING.


MD EBT TANF BLOCKING REGULATION


Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) System.

Maryland's DHS operates an electronic benefits transfer system under agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and pursuant to U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations. A TCA grant is paid by direct deposit, mailed check or by the EBTS. The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (the Act), (P.L. 112-96) provides that individuals and families who are receiving federally funded cash assistance may not use an electronic benefits transfer or EBT card for any purpose at a liquor store, adult entertainment venue or gambling casino. The State of Maryland provides penalties for non-compliance with program requirements that include the suspension of the use of the cash access portion of the EBT card for specific times.

Effective with the passage of Code of Maryland regulations expected to be by October 1, 2014, all Temporary Cash Assistance applicants and recipients will be required to sign an acknowledgement that they understand the prohibition against using their EBT card at an establishment whose primary purpose is gambling, the sale of liquor or an adult entertainment venue where individuals or groups disrobe for an audience.



A customer who violates the prohibition against using their EBT card at an unauthorized location/s will be warned that a subsequent violation may result in the use of their EBT card being suspended. Customers who have twice violated Federal law and State policy prohibiting the use of EBT cards at unauthorized locations will no longer have their cash assistance payments put onto their EBT cards. While the cards will still be active for use at SNAP retailers for SNAP recipients, we will deliver cash assistance payments by direct deposit, or check. Suspension of the EBT card for cash benefits is for a minimum of one year for the second violation and permanently for a subsequent violation after EBT use has been reinstated.
Electronic Benefits Transfer
         https://www.connectebt.com
This system may contain Government information, which is restricted to authorized users ONLY. This system is being monitored. Anyone using this system expressly consents to such monitoring. Detection of unlawful conduct may be referred to law enforcement officials. Click on this message to view the full disclosure statement.